New Road Opens Gateway to East Kazakhstan’s Altai Wonders

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world.

ASTANA — Glacier-covered peaks, alpine lakes, thermal springs and ancient burial grounds lie scattered across the East Kazakhstan Region’s Altai Mountains, where reaching some of the most remarkable destinations has long been an adventure in itself. A newly repaired 13-kilometer road section leading to Rakhmanov Springs is easing access to the region’s mountain landscapes and opening new possibilities for travelers.

According to the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports, approximately 446,000 tourists visited the East Kazakhstan Region in 2025, including more than 26,000 visitors to Katon-Karagai State National Nature Park. Yet exploring the region still requires careful planning, with long distances, mountainous terrain and seasonal conditions shaping the travel experience, local tour operators said.

Katon-Karagai: from Rakhmanov Springs to Muztau

Stretching across more than 643,000 hectares near Kazakhstan’s borders with Russia and China, Katon-Karagai State National Nature Park encompasses forests, alpine meadows, mountain rivers and glacial landscapes. Its attractions range from nature trails and cultural sites to remote locations requiring multi-day expeditions.

Alexander Myakinin of Altai Travel described the district as a suitable starting point for exploring the region, particularly for visitors with limited time.

“A three- to five-day itinerary allows visitors to discover the nature of the Altai, visit the national park, see mountain rivers, waterfalls and lakes, explore maral deer farms and cultural sites, and learn about the region’s history. There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty, so travelers can choose a route suited to their abilities,” Myakinin told The Astana Times.

Among the district’s principal attractions are Rakhmanov Springs, known for their naturally occurring radon-containing thermal waters. Located near Rakhmanov Lake, the destination attracts visitors interested in wellness retreats, hiking and mountain recreation. The surrounding area offers waterfalls, forest trails and viewpoints overlooking the Altai Mountains.

Access to the springs improved following the completion of repairs on a 13-kilometer section of the Oskemen-Altai-Ulken Naryn-Katon-Karagai-Rakhmanov Springs highway, which opened Oct. 4. According to the ministry, the previously unpaved mountain stretch could take motorists up to 2.5 to three hours to cross. The new road surface has eased travel along the section, which now includes designated stopping areas with mountain views.

For a shorter visit, local tour operator Svetlana Chakileva suggested a three-day route through Katon-Karagai, allowing time to explore Rakhmanov Lake and the springs. She also mentioned local apiaries and maral deer farms, where travelers can learn about beekeeping and deer breeding, two activities closely associated with the region’s rural economy.

More demanding adventures lead toward Muztau, also known as Mount Belukha, the highest peak in the Altai Mountains at approximately 4,506 meters above sea level. Surrounded by glaciers and mountain valleys, it attracts experienced trekkers and mountaineers. Nearby Yazevoe Lake offers views of the peak in clear weather, and longer expeditions lead toward remote waterfalls and glacial areas.

Myakinin said reaching Muztau’s foothills overland typically requires an eight- to 10-day expedition involving horseback travel. Helicopter excursions offer an alternative for seeing the mountain within a single day, subject to weather conditions and availability.

A new tourist route could also make the area more accessible to hikers. In September, Katon-Karagai National Park introduced the Altai Trails route, which begins near Rakhmanov Springs and continues through the Sarsembay tract toward the foot of Muztau. The route is intended to provide an alternative to existing trails affected by difficult terrain and border-zone restrictions.

The district’s appeal also extends to its archaeological heritage. Near the village of Berel, excavations have uncovered Saka-era burial mounds containing preserved horse remains, textiles, wooden objects and ceremonial artifacts dating back more than 2,000 years. The Berel State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve introduces visitors to these discoveries and the burial traditions of ancient nomadic communities.

Beyond Katon-Karagai: mountain lakes, historic routes and winter trails 

Travelers with more time can explore other parts of the East Kazakhstan Region, where high-altitude lakes, rugged mountain roads and recreational areas offer experiences distinct from those found in Katon-Karagai.

For a weeklong itinerary, Myakinin suggested visiting Lake Markakol, the Old Austrian Road and the Bukhtarma shoreline, with additional time in Oskemen, the regional capital. These destinations cover considerable distances, making transportation and the choice of route important considerations.

Situated approximately 1,447 meters above sea level between the Kurchum and Azutau mountain ranges, Lake Markakol stretches nearly 38 kilometers in length. Surrounded by forests and mountain slopes, the freshwater lake is known for its cold waters and uskuch, a fish found in the lake. The nearby Markakol State Nature Reserve protects wildlife and plant species, attracting visitors interested in hiking, photography and nature-based travel.

The lake can be incorporated into an expedition along the Old Austrian Road, a historic mountain route connecting the Katon-Karagai and Markakol areas. Built in the early 20th century by Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war, the road winds through remote mountain terrain and is now popular among travelers seeking off-road adventures. Chakileva suggested allowing five days for an itinerary incorporating this route, with the usual travel season extending from mid-June through late August, depending on weather and road conditions.

Elsewhere in the region, the Kiin-Kerish tract in Kurchum District offers an entirely different landscape. Its red, orange and pale-colored clay formations, shaped by erosion into hills and ridges, resemble a desert, contrasting with the forests and alpine lakes of the Altai.

For a more relaxed holiday, the Bukhtarma Reservoir along the Yertis River remains a popular summer destination, with beaches, boating, fishing and holiday accommodation along its shoreline, including the Samar area. According to Chakileva, lakeside recreation continues to attract visitors, and interest in more active experiences, particularly jeep tours, trekking and helicopter excursions, has also increased.

The choice of destination also depends on the season. Summer is particularly suited to mountain expeditions and water-based recreation, and September brings autumn colors to the forests and valleys. During winter, skiers, freeride enthusiasts and snowmobilers head to Ridder, a mountain town near the West Altai State Nature Reserve, as well as ski resorts near Oskemen, including Altai Alps and Nurtau.

Despite the popularity of Katon-Karagai, Myakinin highlighted that travelers should also pay closer attention to the western part of the Altai.

“The West Altai, especially the surroundings of Ridder, remains undeservedly overlooked. I consider it a compact version of Katon-Karagai. This destination has enormous tourism potential, with dense taiga forests, clear rivers, high-altitude lakes and established routes for hiking and winter recreation. I am sure that interest in this area will continue to grow in the coming years,” he said.

Easier access, but planning remains essential

Improving transportation remains an important part of tourism development in the East Kazakhstan Region, where some destinations are separated by 400-500 kilometers and mountain routes can be difficult to navigate.

Alongside road improvements, a new airport is under construction in Katon-Karagai District, with completion scheduled for the end of 2026. The project includes a 2,200-meter runway and a passenger terminal designed to accommodate up to 150 travelers per hour.

The airport is intended to improve connections with Kazakhstan’s major cities and reduce travel time to the district. However, scheduled passenger services have yet to be announced, and reaching individual attractions will still require ground transportation.

Local tour operators said advance arrangements remain essential, particularly during the peak summer season, when demand for accommodation, transportation and qualified guides can exceed availability.

“The biggest mistake when planning a trip is not planning it at all. People arrive and start looking for guides and vehicles on the spot. You need to research everything in advance, find a guide and book accommodation beforehand, because demand has grown significantly, while accommodation options are limited and there are not enough guides,” said Chakileva.

She added that traveling without a knowledgeable guide can affect both safety and the overall experience, particularly when visitors reach natural or historical attractions without understanding their significance.

Although Rakhmanov Springs can be reached by an ordinary passenger vehicle under suitable conditions, more demanding mountain routes may require four-wheel-drive transportation and experienced local drivers. Travelers should also prepare for rapidly changing weather, limited fuel availability and unreliable mobile coverage in remote areas.

Myakinin said temperatures can fluctuate sharply even in summer, making warm clothing and appropriate equipment essential. Some protected areas and border territories also require registration or advance permits, depending on the destination.

The cost of travel varies according to the itinerary and level of service. Myakinin estimated that one-day excursions and hiking trips start at approximately 20,000-30,000 tenge (US$45-65), while individual premium programs involving complex logistics or helicopter flights can cost 500,000 to one million tenge (US$1,100-2,200) or more. Chakileva said organized multi-day tours generally range from 50,000 to 100,000 tenge (US$110-220) per person per day, depending on accommodation, transportation and guide services.

As road improvements and new transport connections make the East Kazakhstan Region’s remote destinations more accessible, growing tourism also raises questions about preserving the natural environment. Asked which lesser-known attractions deserve greater attention, Chakileva offered a different perspective.

“I actually try not to talk publicly about such places because I believe some locations should remain undiscovered. Let people visit the places they already know about. As for the places they don’t know, I would rather keep it that way for now, because some areas should remain wild,” she said.

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