Geo-tourism perspectives in East Kazakhstan

Abstract

Eastern Kazakhstan and the adjacent Gorno Altai of southern Siberia encompass very mosaic landscapes across all the geographic and geomorphic zones enclosing numerous (pre-)historic monuments, some of them being a part of the UNESCO World natural and cultural heritage. Excepting the high-mountain ranges (Rudno and Southern Altai, Narym, Tarbagatay and Dzhungarskiy Alatau) surrounding the territory, the interior open arid steppes characterized by a broken relief of the granite-built Central Kazakhstan Hills as well as the barren rocky semi-deserts in the SE parts of the land remain largely unexplored and tourism-uncovered. The extraordinary topographic diversity was generated by complex geological processes associated with the Cainozoic orogenesis and the changing Quaternary climates. Geo-tourism focusing on the most exquisite landscape forms (geo-sites) and geological formations is a new trend in the country with still minor activities that take advantage of the region’s supreme geo-heritage potential. The unquestionable touristic-recreational attractiveness of this geographically marginal area of Central Asia (historically a part of the Russian Empire’s Tomsk Gubernia) reflects unique natural features - both geomorphic and biotic - including orographic, hydrologic, climatic, mineral and pedogenic, as well as rare endemic plants and wildlife in addition to the colourful national Kazakh and Russian traditions. In spite of these predispositions, an introduction of a vital, sustainable geo-tourism in East Kazakhstan is impeded by the limited accessibility to the region due to an insufficient year-round transport infrastructure and poor local accommodation facilities in addition to the restricting boarder-zone entry regulations.