East Kazakhstan Becomes a Top Travel Destination as Ski Resorts Eco-Tourism Medical Tourism and Cultural Festivals Drive Regional Growth

Published on November 21, 2025

East Kazakhstan is rapidly gaining recognition as a top travel destination, thanks to its unique combination of ski resorts, eco-tourism opportunities, medical tourism, and vibrant cultural festivals. The region’s abundant snowfall and world-class ski resorts, like the upcoming Anatau Ski Complex, attract winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. At the same time, the Markakol Nature Reserve is becoming a hotspot for eco-tourism, offering breathtaking landscapes and wildlife experiences. Additionally, the region’s affordable medical tourism services provide high-quality healthcare at a fraction of international prices, drawing medical travelers. Coupled with the success of cultural festivals like AltaiFest and Shygys Salburyny, East Kazakhstan’s diverse tourism offerings are driving its rapid growth and making it a must-visit destination for a wide range of travelers.

A Promising Future for Ski and Mountain Tourism in Ridder

One of East Kazakhstan’s key tourism assets is its mountainous terrain, offering perfect conditions for ski and mountain tourism. Ridder, renowned for its early winters and abundant snowfall, is rapidly becoming a prime location for winter sports. The planned Anatau Ski Complex, a year-round facility, will serve as a major attraction for tourists, providing a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

This complex will not only elevate the region’s appeal as a skiing hotspot but will also serve as a training center for athletes, enhancing the area’s standing in the international sports community. The development of this modern facility is part of a broader vision to establish East Kazakhstan as a hub for mountain tourism, capitalizing on the natural advantages provided by the region’s climate and geography.

Building the Infrastructure to Support Tourism Growth

As East Kazakhstan’s tourism sector grows, so too does the infrastructure needed to support it. International investment in the region is helping to build high-standard accommodations and facilities to meet global expectations. Hotels and resorts designed to cater to the needs of both luxury and budget travelers are planned to accommodate the influx of visitors drawn by the region’s expanding tourism appeal.

These infrastructure developments, spearheaded by global hotel operators, are critical to ensuring that East Kazakhstan can handle the rising number of international visitors. The growing number of luxury accommodations will further elevate the region’s reputation, offering visitors high-quality services and amenities, and helping to position East Kazakhstan as an attractive destination for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.

Medical Tourism: Affordable Healthcare in East Kazakhstan

In addition to leisure tourism, East Kazakhstan is carving out a niche in medical tourism. With an increasing number of international visitors seeking affordable healthcare services, Oskemen’s Oncology and Surgery Center has emerged as a significant draw. Offering comprehensive health check-up programs at a fraction of the price compared to other countries, East Kazakhstan is quickly becoming a leading destination for those seeking affordable yet high-quality medical care.

In countries like South Korea, similar check-up services can cost upwards of $5,000–10,000, but in East Kazakhstan, the same services are available for as low as $500. This cost efficiency is proving attractive to medical tourists from across Asia and beyond, and the sector is expected to expand further as the region continues to invest in its healthcare facilities and services.

Cultural Festivals: Celebrating Tradition and Boosting Tourism

East Kazakhstan’s tourism boom is not just driven by its natural beauty and healthcare offerings, but also by its rich cultural heritage. Major cultural festivals such as AltaiFest and the Shygys Salburyny International Festival are becoming increasingly popular, attracting thousands of visitors each year. These festivals provide an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in local traditions, experience unique cultural practices, and witness the region’s vibrant cultural identity.

The Shygys Salburyny Festival, in particular, has garnered international attention, with 148 eagle hunters from Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Spain, Hungary, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan participating in this year’s event. More than 10,000 spectators attended, showcasing East Kazakhstan’s growing reputation as a cultural hub in Central Asia. These events not only celebrate the region’s traditions but also bring in significant tourism revenue, creating an ever-expanding global audience for the region’s cultural offerings.

A Diverse Tourism Landscape for Every Traveler

East Kazakhstan’s unique combination of wellness, eco-tourism, ski tourism, medical tourism, and cultural events makes it an ideal destination for a wide range of travelers. Whether seeking relaxation in natural settings, adventure on the slopes, high-quality medical care, or cultural immersion, the region offers something for everyone. This diversity makes it an appealing destination for tourists of all kinds and sets East Kazakhstan apart from other destinations in the region.

The region’s tourism growth is being strategically supported by both national and international investments in infrastructure, cultural programs, and healthcare services. As the region continues to enhance its tourism offerings, East Kazakhstan is well-positioned to attract more global visitors and become a key player in the Central Asian tourism industry.

East Kazakhstan is becoming a top travel destination with its world-class ski resorts, eco-tourism opportunities, affordable medical tourism, and vibrant cultural festivals, all driving regional growth. These diverse offerings are transforming the region into a must-visit hub for travelers.

East Kazakhstan’s tourism industry is on the rise, fueled by strategic investments and a focus on diverse tourism sectors that cater to a broad spectrum of interests. With ongoing developments in ski resorts, eco-tourism infrastructure, medical tourism services, and cultural events, the region is set to become a must-visit destination in Central Asia. As East Kazakhstan continues to develop its tourism offerings, it is poised to make a significant impact on the global tourism market, attracting visitors from across the world and ensuring long-term economic growth.