The alpine natural park "Ak Cholushpa" as an ecotourist interest area

Ak Cholushpa Nature Park, established in 2011 near the borders of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China, demonstrates significant potential for sustainable ecotourism. This study identifies its diverse tourist attractions, including natural and archaeological sites, through systematic analysis, fieldwork, and sociological surveys. The park's unique landscape clusters—Chulyshman Valley, Ulagan district, and surrounding areas—offer high recreational value, with most objects rated above average by respondents. The research confirms the park's role in preserving local ethnic identity while fostering economic growth through tourism. However, challenges such as accessibility and insufficient infrastructure are highlighted. The findings underscore the importance of developing cross-border ecotourism strategies, including improved road networks, to maximize the region's potential for both local livelihoods and international tourism.

LEGACHEVA, N., ROTANOVA, I.,. (2023). The alpine natural park “Ak Cholushpa” as an ecotourist interest area. Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories, 15(1), 160–173. https://doi.org/10.21177/1998-4502-2023-15-1-160-173