ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN – JULY 13, 2025 – Kazakhstan has officially launched the Alatau Amanaty project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform the nation’s mountain tourism landscape by offering a 1,200-kilometer national trail that weaves together natural beauty, ancient history, and immersive cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Spanning from the dramatic Charyn Canyon to the sacred Tamgaly Tas archaeological complex, this trail passes through 24 key tourism infrastructure points and connects 20 rural settlements. With its emphasis on sustainable development, community empowerment, and eco-cultural exploration, Alatau Amanaty is set to position Kazakhstan as a premier destination for adventure and cultural tourism in Central Asia.
A Trail Blending Nature, Heritage, and Innovation
The Alatau Amanaty trail represents a new tourism vision for Kazakhstan. More than just a hiking route, the project is a national commitment to environmental stewardship, heritage preservation, and inclusive tourism development.
Travelers along the trail will explore some of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural landmarks and cultural sites. From the awe-inspiring Butakov Gorge and Big Almaty Lake, surrounded by alpine peaks, to the ancient ruins of Talhiz—a Silk Road city dating back to the 8th century—this journey blends the scenic and the historic at every turn.
Other highlights include the Yesik State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, home to archaeological treasures, and the Kok-Zhailau tract, a pristine plateau beloved by trekkers and nature enthusiasts. For those seeking relaxation, the Alma-Arasan hot springs provide a rejuvenating experience, while the Oi-Qaragai mountain resort offers outdoor adventure, all-season recreation, and panoramic views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
A Multi-Dimensional Tourism Experience
Alatau Amanaty is more than an outdoor adventure—it’s a multi-sensory journey through Kazakhstan’s cultural, gastronomic, and ecological heritage. Along the trail, visitors will discover ethno-villages, glamping sites, visitor centers, and even rescue stations to ensure safety and accessibility for all.
A major focus of the trail is gastronomic tourism, with each region offering traditional dishes unique to its ethnic makeup. Guests can sample authentic Kazakh cuisine, including dishes like besbarmak, kurt, and baursaks, while also participating in cooking demonstrations and farm-to-table experiences.
Equally, the trail showcases the ethnographic diversity of Kazakhstan, allowing travelers to engage with local traditions, crafts, and performances. This includes yurt stays, folk music, felt-making workshops, and horse-riding excursions—immersing visitors in the everyday lives of nomadic communities.
Sustainability and the Taza Kazakhstan Campaign
At the heart of the Alatau Amanaty initiative is a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The project aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader sustainability goals under the Taza Kazakhstan (Clean Kazakhstan) campaign.
To mark the trail’s official launch, a plogging event—which combines jogging with litter collection—was held, signaling the project’s dedication to environmental cleanliness and eco-awareness. Local volunteers, tourists, and government officials joined forces to clean trail sections and raise awareness of responsible tourism.
As part of the sustainability framework, trail developers are also incorporating green infrastructure and low-impact design, using natural materials for signage, promoting waste sorting, and encouraging the use of eco-transport options like bicycles and electric shuttle buses.
Empowering Rural Communities Through Tourism
One of the most transformative elements of the Alatau Amanaty trail is its impact on rural development. The trail passes through 20 settlements—home to over 270,000 residents—creating new opportunities for job creation, cultural preservation, and economic resilience.
Local artisans, farmers, guides, and homestay owners are already being trained through public-private partnerships in tourism services, digital marketing, and sustainable business practices. This community-first approach not only diversifies income sources for rural populations but also enhances the authenticity of the tourism experience.
By integrating local voices and livelihoods into the trail experience, Kazakhstan is setting a new standard for inclusive tourism, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of tradition or environment.
A Central Pillar in Kazakhstan’s National Tourism Strategy
The Alatau Amanaty project aligns with Kazakhstan’s National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2030, which aims to increase international arrivals and diversify the nation’s tourism offerings beyond its urban centers and traditional landmarks.
Expected to be completed within 18 months, the project is a critical step in establishing Kazakhstan as a key player in Central Asia’s adventure travel market. Officials anticipate that the trail will become a top destination for eco-travelers, cultural explorers, and trekking enthusiasts, drawing tourists from Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East.
According to the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports, international tourism in Kazakhstan grew by over 25% in 2024, and Alatau Amanaty is expected to significantly boost those figures in 2025 and beyond.
A Vision for the Future of Global Adventure Tourism
With global travelers increasingly seeking authentic, nature-based, and culturally rich experiences, the Alatau Amanaty trail arrives at an opportune time. It reflects Kazakhstan’s ambition to be at the forefront of eco-conscious tourism innovation, offering a trail system that delivers not only scenic wonders but deep connections to people, heritage, and place.
As the world looks toward regenerative tourism models, Alatau Amanaty offers a blueprint for how countries can develop large-scale tourism initiatives that respect tradition, uplift communities, and protect the natural world.
Whether you’re trekking through alpine meadows, learning ancient crafts from local artisans, or tasting centuries-old recipes beneath the stars, the Alatau Amanaty experience is poised to redefine how the world explores Kazakhstan’s legendary mountains.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
