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Kazakhstan's legendary Kapal-Arasan resort, once a celebrated destination across the Soviet Union, now stands at a critical juncture, facing the threat of disappearing entirely. Located in the picturesque mountainous region of the Zhetysu Oblast, this spa town, famed for its therapeutic mineral springs, has a rich history but a deeply uncertain future.

A Storied Past

The origins of the Kapal-Arasan resort trace back to the mid-19th century. In 1856, the renowned traveler Pyotr Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky visited the area, recuperated his health, and documented the remarkable effects of its natural springs in his diaries. The resort's allure extended to prominent figures of the Soviet era, including Dinmukhamed Kunaev, the former leader of Kazakhstan, who reportedly favored the location for his retreats.

Soviet Era and Beyond

Throughout its history, the Kapal-Arasan resort experienced periods of closure and reopening, serving guests and patients with its healing waters. Kazakh medical scientist Sergey Zamyatin dedicated 30 years to studying the resort, highlighting its abundant mineral resources and favorable climate. Significant renovations occurred in 1949 and 1959, leading to year-round operations and even the establishment of a direct air route, "Kapal-Arasan – Almaty."

However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union marked a decline in the resort's development. Buildings fell into disrepair, and the once-thriving destination began to crumble. A glimmer of hope emerged in the early 2000s with new investments, breathing some life back into the resort.

Current State and Future Prospects

In the last two decades, the Kapal-Arasan resort has changed hands multiple times, and its current condition is dire, as evidenced by recent social media images. While the natural springs continue to flow, the dilapidated state of the infrastructure and the absence of tourists threaten this unique natural heritage.

Currently, the resort is owned by a consortium of private companies. The owners have pledged to invest in its restoration, focusing on developing health and tourist services with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. According to the Akus district administration, project planning for a new complex is underway, and efforts to attract investment are ongoing. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2027.

Despite these promises, local authorities are actively verifying land use and permits for exploring and extracting underground water resources in Arasan. The regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs views Kapal-Arasan not merely as property but as a historical site with immense potential for tourism development. "The restoration of construction will not only create new jobs in the region but also ensure a flow of tourists, which will have a multiplicative effect on the local economy," stated Sanzhar Sabyrbayev, Deputy Director of the Zhetysu Oblast "Atameken" Chamber of Entrepreneurs. "It is important that development occurs while preserving the unique ecosystem and the mineral wealth of Arasan. We hope this will be a successful model of public-private partnership in the hospitality sector with the support of local authorities."

The issues surrounding the Kapal-Arasan resort have captured the attention of the regional administration. "It is one of the important sanatorium-resort facilities in the region," confirmed Akzhol Syrtanbekov, Deputy Head of the Zhetysu Oblast Tourism Department. "A meeting involving the Akus district administration, the resort owners, and the Chamber of Entrepreneurs is planned soon, where the investors' future plans for renovation and reconstruction will be heard."

This story was reported by Infohub.kz.