KARAGANDA REGION – The Kyzylarai mountain oasis and Shabanbai-bi Village in Central Kazakhstan were named among the world’s 100 most sustainable tourist destinations last year.
“The oasis and the village with guest houses have been nominated as a single object. Kyzylarai mountains and Shabanbai-bi Village in the Aktogai area represent a very promising place for the development of eco-tourism,” said Vitaly Shuptar, head of the Avalon Historical and Geographical Society which did the submission. “In the heart of Sary-Arka there is everything that one may need to relax: striking beauty of nature and unique historical sights.”
According to Avalon representatives, the group established the list of the most sustainable tourist destinations to assess efforts to promote sustainable tourism around the world. Nominees were determined by open voting on social networks as well as the input of 30 international experts.
Kyzylarai offers a variety of tourist options. Visitors can hike Aksoran, the highest mountain in Central Kazakhstan, wander through beautiful pine forests, visit the sacred cave Aulie and see wild sheep and elk. Visitors can also see unique historical monuments, including ancient cave paintings, a Bronze Age necropolis and Turkic stone sculptures.
As representatives of the Aktogai district akimat (local mayor’s office) note, it is worth visiting these places to experience the boundless hospitality, friendliness and exceptional culinary skills of Shabanbai-bi residents.
