The large-scale international festival "Markakol — the Pearl of the East" took place in the village of Urunkhayka. Akim of the East Kazakhstan Region, Nurymbet Saktaganov, attended the festive events.
"The festival is an important initiative aimed at developing the region's tourism industry, promoting the unique nature of Markakol, its rich historical and cultural heritage, and national values. Thanks to the historic decision of Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, the newly formed Markakol District is now confidently moving along the path of renewal and development. Infrastructure is being updated in the district, social facilities are being built, roads are being repaired, and large-scale projects aimed at improving the population's quality of life are being implemented step by step," noted the head of the region.
Special attention within the framework of the event was paid to the development of the tourist and economic potential of Markakol, attracting investments, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating new jobs.
One of the key projects discussed was the initiative to create the "Kanas — Markakol" cross-border tourist route between Kazakhstan and China. Currently, the project is being thoroughly developed; official meetings were held during the festival to discuss implementation details and cooperation prospects. Lake Kanas is visited by about 7 million tourists annually, and the launch of this route will give a powerful boost to tourism development in Markakol, increase the investment attractiveness of the district, and bring it to an international level.
An important part of the celebration was the 50th anniversary of the Markakol State Nature Reserve.
"For half a century, the reserve employees have been carefully preserving the ecosystem of the Southern Altai and the natural wealth of Lake Markakol. I am confident that this international festival became a bright and memorable event for guests from Kazakhstan and abroad, as well as introducing them to the main directions of the district's development," emphasized Nurymbet Saktaganov.
As part of the festival, guests visited a specially organized exhibition, a poetry festival, and a scientific-practical conference. There was also a solemn award ceremony for outstanding reserve employees and a spectacular aitys (akyns' poetry competition).
A pleasant event for the participants was a prize draw featuring certificates from tourism industry partners and sponsors: "Zarechye", "Altay Pro", "Katon-Karagay Tour", "Nurtau" ski resort, "Altay Alps" ski resort, "Echo of Altay", and "Drivejeepkz". The main prizes were a TV and a smartphone. The event concluded with a large-scale festive concert featuring the "Ladushki" ensemble, with the "Made in KZ" band performing as the evening's headliner.
