“Don’t come here”: Almaty residents ask tourists to stay away from a popular spot

Tengrinews.kz — The Kurtinskoye Reservoir is rapidly gaining popularity on social media. But along with that, local residents’ concerns are growing — they are asking tourists not to turn this scenic place into a dump.
The Kurtinskoye Reservoir, which until recently was a quiet place for fishermen, has in recent weeks become popular on social media. More and more people are coming here for beautiful shots and short trips into nature.
Photographer from Almaty Eric Turkebayev said he discovered this place a long time ago, but interest in it has now noticeably increased.
Why people go there
According to the photographer, one of Kurty’s main advantages is that it is both accessible and secluded at the same time.
The reservoir can be reached in about two hours, even in a regular passenger car. At the same time, despite its proximity to the highway, it is still possible to find calm and uncrowded spots there.

“Despite the fact that it is located near the highway and is quite easy to get to, you can even drive there in a regular car — you do not necessarily need an SUV or a specially prepared vehicle,” the Almaty resident shared.

The cliffs surrounding the reservoir also attract special attention. They create a striking backdrop for photos and videos — which is exactly why the location has quickly become popular with content creators.

“The most interesting thing is the cliffs that surround the reservoir. And access to these cliffs makes it possible to take really great photos and videos. So it would be especially interesting for content creators to go there and see it for themselves,” he said.

Photo: Eric Turkebayev
What it is compared to
In terms of scenery, Kurty is often compared to the Bestyubinskoye Reservoir.
Visually, they really are similar, but there is a difference: while mountain views often appear in shots of the Bestyubinskoye Reservoir, at Kurty the emphasis shifts to the water and rock formations.

“It is very similar to the Bestyubinskoye Reservoir. The Bestyubinskoye Reservoir is located farther past the village of Uzunbulak, in the eastern direction. These two reservoirs are very often compared with each other. Their views really are very similar. If at Bestobe, for example, there is a mountain view, here there is none,” he explained.

Photo: Eric Turkebayev
What else can be seen there
According to Erik, in a couple of weeks people will be able to see the Red Book-listed Regel tulips there.

“To be honest, I don’t know much about these tulips, but they are very beautiful, and quite a lot of them bloom there. The blooming has not started yet. I think it will begin around mid-April. In about two or three weeks,” he said.

Photo: Eric Turkebayev
Despite the growing popularity, for local residents Kurty remains above all a place for relaxation and fishing.
Residents of nearby villages regularly come here — not for photos, but simply to spend time by the water.

“For locals who live relatively nearby, possibly in the village of Kurty, they go there to fish. So it is a favorite place for fishermen,” he concluded.

Photo: Eric Turkebayev
Appeal from residents
With the growing interest in the location, another problem has appeared — trash.
On social media, Almaty residents are increasingly asking tourists to clean up after themselves. Users write that the place is gradually losing its cleanliness, even though it can only be reached by car.
“Why go far — Kurty. The lake is incredibly picturesque. It seems there is even a caretaker looking after it properly so people can fish and relax — but no, people constantly leave trash there, even though they come by car (there is no other way). Just take it back with you — you brought it there in the first place. Otherwise, all of it will end up in the lake.”
“And then comes the endless whining that everything everywhere is dirty. It’s clean not where people sweep, but where people do not litter.”
“Please don’t come here. There will just be more trash, and the beautiful lake will turn into a junkyard.”
“I was there a long time ago. The place used to be wild and clean. It will probably become a dump now.”
“Oh, now it will become dirty — that’s the whole problem. The fewer people know about it, the cleaner it stays.”
Some commenters fear that because of its popularity, Kurty may repeat the fate of other tourist spots overloaded with visitors.