A yurt is like a small hotel: how outdoor recreation is being developed in the Karaganda region

The development of ecological tourism and the creation of modern infrastructure for vacationers are becoming one of the priorities of the Karaganda region. The region consistently implements the tasks set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of tourism as a driver of the economy and an attractive area for investment.

Karkaralinsk district remains one of the key tourist areas of the region. More than 90% of the entire forest area of the region is concentrated here, and Karkaralinsk itself has long become the hallmark of the region. Today, there are about 40 recreation areas in the district, and more than 300 people are employed in the tourism sector. About 20 thousand tourists visited the area during the summer season last year alone.

The development of road infrastructure also contributes to the growth of domestic tourism, in particular, the repair of the Karaganda–Karkaralinsk highway. In parallel, work is underway to create comfortable conditions for outdoor recreation.

A large-scale project to create a modern recreational area is being implemented at the foot of Mount Bugily. The 75-hectare territory is adjacent to the state National Nature Park and is divided into several functional zones: quiet recreation, ethnoaul, amusement park, recreation center and ski complex.

Engineering infrastructure is already being created for future tourist sites: almost 16 kilometers of power grids have been installed, water supply and sewerage have been laid, and access road repairs are planned. The land plots will be transferred to investors through a competition.

Special attention is paid to the development of eco- and ethnotourism. Guest houses, glamping sites, and ethnoaules are appearing in Karkaralinsk and its surroundings, where national flavor and modern amenities are combined. One such example is guest complexes with yurts equipped like small hotels: with bathrooms, sleeping places and recreation areas.

Government support contributes to the development of the industry. Entrepreneurs can receive preferential loans at 7% per annum through the Damu Foundation, as well as grants and support for employment programs. This allows not only to develop tourism, but also to create new jobs, including for local residents.

Zhanat Dzhetenova, the owner of the Orman Guest complex, took advantage of the support.

– They opened about two years ago. We bought a private house, which is about 200 years old. They did retro-style repairs there. And the rest of the small houses were built by themselves. We receive about one and a half thousand people a month, Kazakhstanis and foreign guests come. To popularize Kazakh traditions and culture, yurts were installed," the entrepreneur said.

Businesswoman Aizhan Ongarbai built a glamping complex, investing her own, grant and borrowed funds in the project.

A roadmap has been developed for the integrated development of tourism in the Karkaralinsky district, which includes all the necessary areas – from infrastructure to personnel training.

Digitalization also helps the development of tourism. The Visit Karaganda center operates in the region, which accompanies tourists and promotes routes around the region. An artificial intelligence-based chatbot has been launched, capable of advising travelers in more than 170 languages, as well as digital services for booking accommodation and excursions.