Ski resort summit center now open at Shymbulak's peak
Almaty, Kazakhstan is witnessing a surge in eco-tourism development, with several new initiatives and expansions planned around popular tourist destinations such as the Shymbulak resort, Tenir Eco Hotel glamping zone, and health tourism efforts.
The Shymbulak Resort and Surrounding Areas
Almaty aims to create a unified tourist space linking Shymbulak with Oi-Qaragai and other key locations through the new Alatau Amanaty eco-path—a 1,200 km route across the Zailiskiy Alatau mountains. This eco-path will feature ethnic villages, glamping and camping sites, and gastronomic tourism spots, enhancing eco-tourism options near Shymbulak. The region is part of a broader infrastructure modernization, focusing on developing natural and outdoor tourism experiences around Almaty, in line with Kazakhstan's strategy to attract more tourists by 2029.
Tenir Eco Hotel Glamping Zone
While specific details about the Tenir Eco Hotel are scarce in recent search results, Kazakhstan is actively developing eco-tourism accommodations such as glamping and camping zones along new eco-routes. The Tenir Eco Hotel’s glamping zone, set to open by the end of this year, will offer panoramic views of the peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau, suggesting that it fits well within this growing trend.
Health Tourism Initiatives
Part of the new eco-tourism development includes natural health tourism components. Alma-Arasan hot springs, near Almaty, are highlighted as one of the key stops on the emerging eco-tourism route, signaling attention to wellness and health tourism. These efforts leverage natural landscapes and thermal resources to diversify tourist offerings beyond traditional sightseeing.
Private Investments and Infrastructure Improvements
This year, two visitor centers were built at major city attractions using private funds in Almaty. For instance, the visitor center at the highest point of the "Shymbulak" ski resort (3200 m) was launched today, offering information, souvenirs, branded clothing, equipment rentals, ski and snowboard lessons, and guided activities. Additionally, within three years, around 1000 km of mountain hiking trails have been digitized in Almaty, with 25 trails totaling 325 km improved.
Investing in the Future of Tourism
Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Eraly Tugzhanov, emphasized that tourism should drive the economic development of the city. Almaty's Tourism Department head, Sabina Amankeldy, noted that the city is actively attracting private investments in tourism. With the eco-houses in the Tenir Eco Hotel project being fully assembled in Kazakh factories and equipped with recycling systems, it's clear that sustainability is a priority in these developments.
The Shymbulak ski and snowboard school, the largest in Kazakhstan, hosts over 10,000 lessons annually, with over 15,000 students. Considering the all-season nature of the resort, it's crucial to also focus on developing health and wellness tourism, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Director of the "Shymbulak" resort, Rinat Abdrakhmanov, reported that the visitor center at the "Medeu" base station serves as the starting point of the "Health Trail" free educational eco-tourism project.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan is investing in creating integrated, environmentally conscious tourism circuits centered on natural, cultural, and health attractions in the Almaty region. The combination of upgraded infrastructure, eco-paths, glamping facilities, and health tourism spots like hot springs indicates a dynamic and growing eco-tourism sector in and around Almaty.
In line with Kazakhstan's strategy to attract more tourists by 2029, the Shymbulak Resort in Almaty aims to create a unified tourist space that links popular destinations, including Oi-Qaragai, through the new Alatau Amanaty eco-path. This eco-path will not only offer ethnic villages and gastronomic tourism spots but also sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
With the Tenir Eco Hotel's glamping zone set to open this year, featuring stunning views of the Zailiysky Alatau peaks, it's clear that travel and lifestyle choices are becoming increasingly integrated with eco-tourism developments in the region.