In early October, representatives of Altai region undertook a five-day working trip to the East Kazakhstan Region. The purpose of the visit was to prepare for the 7th International Natural Environment Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in August 2027. Ten years after the East Kazakhstan Region first hosted large-scale competitions under the "Great Altai" brand, the region will once again become a venue for teams from neighboring countries across the Altai Mountains. Notably, this international festival is hosted in rotation by the member countries of the Coordinating Council "Our Common Home – Altai" every two to three years (previously, competitions were held in Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, and Altai). Organizers from Altai Krai, together with their partners, discussed the details of the event and inspected the scenic corners of the region.
The delegation was welcomed first at the regional akimat: during a meeting chaired by Irina Smith, Deputy Head of the Tourism and Investment Department of the EKR, the parties approved the plan for the initial exploratory expedition. Anton Sergeev, the project coordinator from Altai region, addressed employees of regional culture, sports, and tourism departments, reminding them of the key aspects of the 3rd "Great Altai. Great Altai" festival hosted by the East Kazakhstan Region in 2017.
During the expedition, specialists examined the capabilities of the Bukhtarma Reservoir for holding sailing regattas and other sports disciplines included in the 2027 program. Later, the delegation visited the Katon-Karagai District, where they inspected natural park territories: the surroundings of the village of Zhana-Ulgy on the Bukhtarma River, the Burkhat Pass, and the rock massif near the village of Enbek. These locations are being considered as potential sites for setting up a base camp, as well as for hosting ethno-sport and paragliding competitions.
Additionally, on their way back from Katon-Karagai, the delegates familiarized themselves with nomadic traditions by attending the 5th International "Shygys Salburyny-2026" Festival in the Ulan District. At the ethno-complex site near the village of Bozanbay, berkutchis (eagle hunters) from various countries demonstrated their falconry skills.
The results of the trip were summarized at the Tourism Information Center of the EKR. Anton Sergeev noted that the expedition proved to be very fruitful, and that close partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan will help hold the "Great Altai. Great Altai-2027" festival at the highest level. The organizers' next visit to the sites of the upcoming competitions is scheduled for May 2027.
