Bishkek, Jan. 12, 2026. /Kabar/. In 2025, mountaineering became a completely new and rapidly developing trend in Kyrgyzstan's tourism industry, Erdenet Kasymov, Director of the Department of Tourism told on Birinchi Radio.
He said that mountaineering has already effectively become part of domestic tourism, but the country still lacks regulatory frameworks for this sector. Therefore, the possibility of including mountaineering in the new version of the Law "On Tourism" is being considered, as is the issue of mandatory insurance for extreme tourism. Kasymov noted that tourists wishing to conquer Kyrgyzstan's mountain peaks currently turn to private, specialized companies. Both local and foreign guides and instructors operate in the country, conducting mountaineering programs, ascents, and training. However, the lack of uniform requirements and oversight creates risks.
"It is important to regulate the activities of travel companies and instructors. If an accident occurs due to the fault of unprofessional organizations, it directly impacts the country's reputation. This is why we believe it is necessary to strengthen accountability in this area and introduce licensing for small and medium-sized tourism businesses," Kasymov emphasized.
The new legislative initiative, he said, should ensure tourist safety, improve the quality of services, and strengthen Kyrgyzstan's position as a reliable destination for extreme and mountain tourism.