National park explains renewed transport ban at Big Almaty Lake

Tengrinews.kz – Access to Big Almaty Lake has once again been restricted for vehicles, including bicycles. The Ile-Alatau National Park explained that the measure is temporary and linked to extreme fire risk.

The controversy began after a Kazakh tourist complained on Threads about being denied bicycle access, demanding that the park “have some conscience and open the way immediately”.

Park officials responded that the restriction applies to all types of transport — cars, bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters — in order to prevent wildfires and protect the fragile ecosystem.

“To reduce the risk of forest fires and ensure public safety, entry by any transport is temporarily prohibited. Visitors can only reach Big Almaty Lake on foot,” the national park told Tengrinews.

When the ban will be lifted

Officials said there is no exact date for the restriction to end. The ban will likely remain in effect until the first snowfalls, as the current period is classified as highly fire-prone. The decision was made on August 4.

The park also reminded visitors to strictly follow fire safety rules during this hazardous season and avoid any actions that could cause a blaze.

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