East Kazakhstan's tourism industry is showing steady growth: since the beginning of 2026, the region has welcomed over 300,000 travelers, while investments in the sector have reached approximately 12 billion KZT. A recent feature by 24KZ highlighted how the region is transforming its natural wealth into modern tourism capital.
Year-Round Travel and Growing Visitor Numbers
Thanks to its climatic contrasts and diverse landscapes, East Kazakhstan welcomes guests throughout the year. The summer season has seamlessly transitioned into winter, with ski resorts in the Glubokoye District and Ridder opening their slopes as early as October. The East Kazakhstan Tourist Information Center helps visitors choose the best routes—since January, its specialists have provided consultations to over 5,000 travelers.
Authentic Rural Tourism
Ethno- and ecotourism in remote areas are drawing particular interest. This year, two East Kazakhstan villages — Korobikha and Berel — were named among the Top 5 best tourist villages in the country. Supported by the state under the Auyl Amanaty program (offering preferential loans at 2.5%), local entrepreneurs are actively opening guesthouses, campsites, and roadside cafes. In 2026 alone, SEC Yertis financed 24 tourism projects, adding to nearly a hundred new rural tourism facilities launched over the past three years.
Major Projects and Upgraded Infrastructure
Following small businesses, major investors are entering the Altay market:
New hotel complexes have been commissioned in Oskemen and Ridder.
Construction of large wellness hotels in the Katon-Karagay District is scheduled to begin next year.
Transport logistics are also undergoing major upgrades, with 53 billion KZT allocated for road repairs this season. Key milestones for road travelers include:
Paved road to Rakhmanov Springs — for the first time, visitors can reach the famous thermal resort comfortably on a newly paved highway.
New bridge bypassing the Osinovsky Pass — the highest bridge in the country has made the journey to the Katon-Karagay District faster and much safer.
Based on materials by 24KZ. Watch the broadcast
