Mandatory tourist registration may be introduced in Almaty

This measure is aimed at improving safety and reducing the number of accidents

Authorities in Almaty are planning to introduce mandatory registration for tourists before they set out on mountain routes, Kazinform reports.

According to rescuers and representatives of the Almaty Tourism Department, this measure is intended to enhance safety and reduce the number of accidents.

“Tourists currently do not have a practice of registration, but we want to introduce it. This issue is already being worked on jointly with the Department of Emergency Situations and the Almaty Mountaineering Federation. We have a pool of projects, and in the near future we will move toward implementing a system for registering group hikes. First and foremost, this is a matter of safety,” said Dauren YERGALIYEV, Head of the Tourism Infrastructure Development Department of the Almaty Tourism Office.

According to him, parallel work is underway in the city to improve mountain routes and create safe infrastructure.

“To date, more than 1,000 kilometers of mountain trails have been digitized, of which about 850 kilometers have already been improved. Signposts, navigation markers, rest areas, and other safety elements have been installed. In 2025, an additional 100 kilometers of trails were equipped, and in 2026 we plan to cover another 350 kilometers. Camping zones with solar panels have also been created, where devices can be charged in emergency situations,” Dauren Yergaliyev added during a briefing at the Regional Communications Service.

Rescuers note that most incidents in the mountains are related to tourists being unprepared and ignoring basic safety rules.

“The main mistakes are choosing inappropriate clothing and footwear, as well as picking the wrong time for ascent. People often do not take into account weather conditions and the difficulty of the route. We strongly recommend preparing in advance and realistically assessing your abilities. This will help avoid many dangerous situations,” said Vadim PAK, Chief Rescuer of the Republican Rescue Service “Barys” of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan.

He also reminded of the rules of conduct when encountering wild animals. It is important to remain calm, not to frighten them, and not to panic. Vadim Pak emphasized that one should slowly retreat while maintaining distance, avoid approaching, photographing, or trying to attract attention, as this is their natural habitat, the boundaries of which must be respected.

In addition, rescuers advise informing relatives about your route before heading into the mountains and taking a first aid kit, water, food, and warm clothing. It is also necessary to know how to use navigation tools and monitor weather conditions. According to experts, following these simple rules will help make mountain trips safer and reduce the number of emergencies.

Photo: press service of the Shymbulak ski resort.

SHARE YOUR OPINION AND DISCUSS THE ARTICLE ON OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL!