New visitor center launched in Ile-Alatau National Park
In a significant step towards boosting eco-tourism in Kazakhstan, a new visitor center has opened in the Auyasy gorge within the Ile-Alatau National Nature Park. This development is part of the Alatau Amanaty project, an extensive initiative launched by Kazakhstan's Amanat Party, aiming to create a comprehensive system of national tourist trails across the country.
The visitor center, constructed from lightweight, easily-assembled wooden structures to minimize environmental impact, spans 750 square meters and offers tourist information, map sales, souvenirs, a lecture hall, cafeteria, and a coworking zone. It serves as a starting point for tourists exploring the park and its attractions.
The project, spearheaded by renowned Singaporean architect Alexander Guzhavin, includes the establishment of multiple visitor centers, glamping and camping sites, pedestrian and bicycle paths, ethno-villages, rescue stations, and venues for gastronomic and ethnocultural experiences. The plan aligns with Rashida Shaykenova, director of the Kazakh Tourism Association's hope that all national parks in Kazakhstan will create similar visitor centers, promoting quality rest and respecting human needs.
The Alatau Amanaty project aims to enhance the park's appeal by integrating natural beauty with cultural experiences, while economically benefiting local communities. Key attractions within the park include Issyk Lake and Bear Waterfall, and Big Almaty Lake, all of which offer trekking, picnic, and scenic view opportunities.
In addition, the project plans to repair over 150 kilometers of hiking trails within the park, including popular routes like the path to Big Almaty Lake and the Issyk Lake trek. Furthermore, 17 new pedestrian and bicycle paths are set to be opened within the park, providing more opportunities for exploration.
Alexander Guzhavin emphasized that the project has minimal impact on the environment and will hold a public hearing to present eco-monitoring study results. The "Tamyr" school of wilderness survival, a purely volunteer project, is also part of the plan, offering free lectures on hiking and environmental care.
Last year, 35 hectares of national park land were transferred to a private individual for 49 years. However, the identities of the individuals or entities involved in the land transfer remain undisclosed.
Rashida Shaykenova expressed optimism that the success of this project will inspire other national parks in Kazakhstan to create similar facilities, enhancing the country's tourism industry and promoting cultural exchange.
- The new visitor center, located within the Ile-Alatau National Nature Park, is part of the environmental-science sector, as it is designed to minimize its environmental impact and educate tourists about the park's attractions.
- The Alatau Amanaty project, initiated by the Amanat Party, not only focuses on science but also encompasses lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel, as it plans to develop glamping and camping sites, ethno-villages, and venues for gastronomic experiences.
- In the realm of travel, the visitor center serves as a starting point for tourists, while the project, spearheaded by Alexander Guzhavin, aims to expand the tourism industry in Kazakhstan by repairing hiking trails and opening new pedestrian and bicycle paths, thereby increasing exploration opportunities.
