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| Opening doors in Kazakhstan |
| Beautiful nature. Rich memories. Welcoming hosts. That can be said about all the countries in Central Asia, and many across the world, but it can be shouted loudly about Kazakhstan. This vast land is little visited. Those who do holiday in Kazakhstan, both people who travel from a distance and local people who choose to visit somewhere in their own country, tell family and friends how rewarding a journey through Kazakhstan can be. That such a big country is so little known is both a challenge and an opportunity. With a careful strategy, common sense and successful destinations as a role model, the drawbacks of tourism can be kept to a minimum. Involvement from local people at all stages, and their full understanding of what it means to open their homes to visitors, should enable tourism to play a positive role in Kazakhstan's future. Community based tourism is but a minuscule fragment in the world's largest industry, but it is exactly from this vantage point that Kazakhstan is starting off its leisure tourism related activities. As a means of offering the world a chance to discover a little known destination, an unknown intact culture that has been shaped by thousands of years of migration and deep rooted traditions and as a means of income for the Kazakh rural areas where these ancient customs still shape every day life, private homes are opening up to visitors, villagers receive proper training and advice on what possible implications come along with opening ones doors. Visitors who go through all the required steps and take the time to travel to these far away but beautiful places get a slice of genuine Kazakh life. There is home cooked food to be enjoyed while sitting together in a traditional way, the traditional banya and outhouse take one back in time, away from modern conveniences but close to the life style of our ancestors. There will be the chance to watch ancient games - perhaps involving skilled horsemanship and a sheep's carcass, or dancing and listening to traditional music. Visitors who opt for holidays in these simple conditions get the privilege of a glimps into real life. Community based tourism thus do not come with major expenses or upheaval for the locals but draw people together and allows everyone to gain something for himself...  Eco tourism is also a vital ingredient in the mix. Kazakhstan is rich in rare flora and fauna, much of it unique in the world. By concentrating on tourism development that works in partnership with those who run nature reserves or wetland projects, preservation becomes the key word and revenue can properly be used to ensure this rich nature is not spoiled.At present seven communities have worked to open their homes to visitors. Each have the same concept of offering the type of welcome for which this part of the world is justly famous. However, each has a special appeal. Korgalzhyn, for birdwatchers- visit the most northerly place in the world where pink flamingoes congregate. Or Karkaraly close to a nature reserve where it is possible to experience life in a small town as well as swim, and walk in beautiful scenery. For the really adventurous, try mountaineering in the Altai, if you are experienced and equipped, or white water rafting. This can be done from the villages near Ridder and Katon Karagai. In the south, only a couple of hours from the border with Uzbekistan, are Zhabagly, where treks in the countries oldest nature reserve can be arranged, and Kaskasu, a tiny quiet village, renowned for its craftsmen, close to the magnificent mausoleums of Turkistan. Finally Lepsinsk, near to the Chinese border. It is reputed to supply the best honey in the country. Try honey beer, or make a healing balm. Enjoy traditional dancing or music. Whichever you choose, your hosts , guides, drivers, all who you have dealings with, will be doing their best to give you a real sense of what makes Kazakhstan such a special place. Take the time to find out. It's well worth the effort. The Ecotourism Information Resource Centre can help you make all necessary arrangements. by Helen Lunn
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