In short
- Eco-fee is about 865 KZT per person per day (2026).
- Pay easily using the Kaspi app at park checkpoints.
- Required for all entry points, including Turgen and Ayusai.
In this article
Because the park covers over 200,000 hectares of protected alpine landscapes, maintaining it requires funding. Every visitor must pay a small entrance fee when crossing a checkpoint. Knowing how to pay ahead of time makes getting into the park fast and easy.
What is the Ile Alatau National Park entrance fee?
The entrance fee, or eco-fee, is about 865 KZT per person per day (2026).
This fee applies to all visitors entering the national park limits. It funds the protection of the fragile alpine environment, trail maintenance, and waste management. You pay this fee at major checkpoints such as Medeu, Alma-Arasan, or Turgen.
How do I pay the eco-fee?
You can pay using the Kaspi mobile app or with cash at the boom gates.
Using the Kaspi app is the most common method. You simply scan a QR code at the checkpoint or search for the park in the app's payment section. Cash is also accepted if you do not have a local bank account or the app set up.
Do vehicles require a separate fee?
Yes, driving your own car sometimes requires paying a vehicle fee at the boom gates.
This is in addition to the per-passenger eco-fee. If you take a Yandex Taxi, the driver usually handles the vehicle fee, but you must pay your individual passenger fee. Public buses drop you before the vehicle boom gates.
Are eco-fees included in guided tours?
Most booked excursions include the national park entrance fees in their price.
When booking a guided 4x4 or hiking tour, check the inclusions. Most operators cover the 1,000 KZT eco-fee so you do not have to worry about cash or the Kaspi app at the checkpoint.
Where are the payment checkpoints located?
Checkpoints are located on the main access roads leading into the mountains.
You will find boom gates on the roads to the Alma-Arasan gorge near the Ayusai Visitor Center, on the way to Big Almaty Lake, and at the entrance to the Turgen Gorge. Guards will stop your vehicle to process the payment.
What happens if I forget to pay?
You cannot pass the checkpoint without paying the fee.
The guards check every vehicle and pedestrian. Ensure you have the Kaspi app ready on your smartphone or exact change in cash to avoid holding up the line.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need my passport at the checkpoint?
You need your passport or ID to enter areas close to the border, like Big Almaty Lake. It is best to carry it whenever you visit the park.
Can I pay with a foreign credit card?
Direct credit card payments are rarely accepted at the gates. Use the Kaspi app or carry cash (KZT).
Is the fee a one-time payment?
The eco-fee is valid for a single entry on that specific day. If you leave and return another day, you must pay again.
