Construction of a pedestrian trail to Big Almaty Lake (BAL) is continuing in Almaty, and locals have already seen what the new route looks like. The site infohub.kz reports on how the project is progressing.

Plans to lay the trail for the convenience of tourists became known in February 2026. According to the state procurement portal, 516 million tenge has been allocated for the project. The funds are earmarked for improving the 5.3 km route. That works out to roughly 98 million tenge per kilometer of trail.

The money is intended not only to build stairs and the trail itself, but also to install signs, put up bridges over rivers and streams, set up viewing platforms and place art installations.

The contractor is due to finish the route by the end of November. So far, Almaty residents have only been shown the trail itself, with its handrails. In the comments, tourists are criticizing the new infrastructure.

"Personally, I don't like the endless stairs. They're uncomfortable for your legs and knees. And was there even such a demand? Who are you doing this for?" Kursiv LifeStyle quoted one user as saying.

"Stairs? Are you out of your mind??? Walking uphill along a trail is easier than on stairs! Climb the stairs to the dam and feel it for yourself!" another commenter fumed.

"And who asked for this? At least study the experience of other countries — nobody builds these manicured trails. At most, wooden railings made of beams in dangerous spots, so as not to spoil the natural landscape," Almaty residents wonder.

Besides the "health stairs" at Medeu, part of the route to Kok-Zhailyau from Prosveshchenets serves as another telling example. The first half of that trail consists of wide, uneven steps: having to think each time about how best to step is more tiring than walking along a trail. That is why a fairly wide dirt trail runs alongside the stairs. It is also worth remembering that the load on the knees on stairs is indeed substantially higher.

Almaty residents are also angered by the very idea of developing a mountain trail. In their view, it cheapens hiking.

"This is very sad. People used to pick mushrooms where this 'trail' now is," users note.

"You know, these convenient paths kill all the charm of such an outing," they add.

Kursiv LifeStyle previously reported that a cable car is planned to BAL, along with major repairs to the asphalt road.