Riding trails of gold

Muratbek Tuliugey, an official of the local agricultural and rural bureau, said Altay offers abundant biodiversity that supports sustainable ecological and cultural tourism.

Altay's Fuyun county alone hosts more than 100 species of wild animals, from snow leopards and giant trout to black-tailed gazelles and Asiatic wild asses. Plant attractions range from chalk fragrant orchids to Ferula medicinal herbs, he said.

"You get to experience the life of herders, the warmth and simplicity of hospitable Kazak pastoral families, with their lamb, dairy products and other delicacies. Help graze their livestock and return to share the warmth in their felt-covered homes at the end of the day," he said.

"Walk amid the mountains with our animals, feel their history here... and hear the endless stories of horse and herder."