Kazakhstan Invests $100 Million in Tourism Expansion with New Altai Road, Airport Plans, and Epic Mountain Adventures in 2026

A 25% increase in tourist arrivals is expected in East Kazakhstan with the unveiling of the region's stunning tourism expansion plans, which include the construction of new mountain roads, a new airport, and the development of trekking routes in the beautiful Altai region. The region received around 446,000 tourists in 2025, with about 26,000 tourists visiting the Katon-Karagai National Park. Improved accessibility and the growing interest in adventure tourism are expected to draw more tourists to the region.

East Kazakhstan Tourism Gains Momentum

East Kazakhstan is attracting attention for its extraordinary natural beauty and diverse travel experiences. The region features snow-covered mountains, thick forests, alpine lakes, rivers, and traditional villages. The Katon-Karagai State National Nature Park remains one of its biggest attractions, covering more than 643,000 hectares and stretching towards Kazakhstan's borders with Russia and China.

Impact of New Infrastructure on Tourism

The construction of new mountain roads and a new airport is expected to reduce the challenges of reaching popular attractions in the region. The newly repaired 13-kilometre mountain road, which forms part of the Oskemen–Altai–Ulken Naryn–Katon-Karagai–Rakhmanov Springs highway, provides better driving conditions and designated stopping areas overlooking the surrounding landscape. This development could make visits to Rakhmanov Springs considerably more convenient, and tourism operators may find it easier to organise shorter mountain holidays.

Expert Analysis: Kazakhstan's Tourism Expansion

For travelers booking a trip to East Kazakhstan, the direct consequence of the region's tourism expansion plans is increased accessibility to popular attractions. The pricing pressure this creates means that tourists can expect more competitive prices for accommodation and tour packages. The development of new trekking routes, such as the Altai Trails route, provides an alternative to established trails affected by difficult terrain and border-area restrictions. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the growth of tourism in Kazakhstan is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy.

Key Takeaways

• Kazakhstan's tourism industry is set to receive a significant boost with the construction of new mountain roads, a new airport, and the development of trekking routes in the Altai region.
• The region received around 446,000 tourists in 2025, with about 26,000 tourists visiting the Katon-Karagai National Park.
• Improved accessibility and the growing interest in adventure tourism are expected to draw more tourists to the region.
• The construction of new mountain roads and a new airport is expected to reduce the challenges of reaching popular attractions in the region.
• The development of new trekking routes, such as the Altai Trails route, provides an alternative to established trails affected by difficult terrain and border-area restrictions.

FAQ: Kazakhstan Tourism 2026

Q: What is the expected increase in tourist arrivals in East Kazakhstan? A: A 25% increase in tourist arrivals is expected in East Kazakhstan. Q: How many tourists visited the Katon-Karagai National Park in 2025? A: About 26,000 tourists visited the Katon-Karagai National Park in 2025. Q: What is the name of the newly repaired mountain road in East Kazakhstan? A: The newly repaired 13-kilometre mountain road forms part of the Oskemen–Altai–Ulken Naryn–Katon-Karagai–Rakhmanov Springs highway.

[Kazakhstan's tourism expansion plans are set to make the country a top destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers in 2026.]

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