Starting September 1, 2026, new tariffs and rules will be introduced for visiting specially protected natural areas in the Mangystau region, including the famous Bozjyra tract. The regional akimat approved the corresponding resolution on July 20, reports infohub.kz.
The changes will affect the Kyzylsay State Regional Natural Park and institutions for the protection of forests and wildlife in Beyneu district. Popular locations included in the new pricing are the Bozjyra, Tuzbair, and Kyzylkup tracts, as well as Mount Bokty.
Fees will be charged not only for entry but also for individual services: tourist trails, camping accommodation, vehicle entry, and photo and video shooting. The cost is calculated based on the monthly calculation index (MCI).
For instance, a walk along a tourist trail will cost 0.2 MCI (865 tenge) per person per day, camping or tent accommodation — 0.1 MCI (about 433 tenge), photo shooting — 4.4 MCI (19,030 tenge), and film and video shooting — 8.7 MCI (37,627.5 tenge). Organizing an excursion costs 1.8 MCI (7,785 tenge), guide services — 0.9 MCI (3,893 tenge). Renting a tourist tent — 0.7 MCI (3,028 tenge), sleeping bag — 0.3 MCI (1,298 tenge).
Separate tariffs are set for vehicles: driving a motorcycle, moped, or ATV will cost 0.4 MCI (1,730 tenge), a car — 0.7 MCI (3,028 tenge), a minibus or truck — 2.7 MCI (11,678 tenge), and a bus — 5 MCI (21,625 tenge). Parking is also charged at 0.2 MCI (865 tenge).
For example, a family of two adults and two schoolchildren aged 6-17 arriving by car, staying overnight, and using tourist trails will pay about 7,787 tenge. If they rent a tent, the amount rises to 10,815 tenge.
Some categories of citizens will be able to visit the areas for free: pensioners, people with disabilities, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, veterans of combat operations in other countries, labor veterans, and other categories equated to WWII participants. Children under six are also exempt. Schoolchildren and children aged 6 to 17 get a 50% discount, and full-time students get 25%. Foreign citizens will pay double.
The resolution also approves rules for staying in protected areas, including movement, recreation, and use of natural resources. Until September 1, 2026, the previous tariffs and rules remain in effect.
The news has sparked a strong reaction on social media. Users express bewilderment and indignation, especially that the fee is introduced not only for foreigners but also for locals. "I wonder what needs this payment will go to and into whose pocket," "This is terrible. At this rate, we won't even be able to approach the sea for free — only by appointment and with an entry fee," "Make it so that looking at the sea is also paid," users write.
Earlier it was reported that the social-entrepreneurial corporation "Caspy" will attract 500 million tenge for the construction of glampings in the Mangystau region.