Glass Bridge at the Black Canyon: Project Details

A suspended glass bridge is currently being erected in the "Qara shatqal" (Black Canyon) tourist zone within the Kegen District. According to the Kegen District Akimat, as reported by Tengri Travel, the structure will span 210 meters in length with a pedestrian walkway 2 meters wide (approximately 3 meters including protective railings). The pedestrian zone will feature 40mm-thick tempered laminated glass, and railings will stand 1.5 meters high.

The site will have a capacity of up to 4,000 visitors per day, with a maximum of 700 people allowed on the bridge simultaneously. For safety, the structure will be equipped with structural monitoring sensors, a wind sway reduction system, and automatic turnstiles at the entrance. In adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or icy surfaces, access to the bridge may be temporarily restricted or closed.

Construction costs are estimated at 1.5 billion tenge. The project is fully financed by the private investor LLP "ASK CAPITAL" using its own funds and bank loans, without the involvement of public capital. To date, site preparations for parking and a 600-square-meter pavilion—housing a visitor center, restaurant, retail outlets, and restrooms—have been completed, and a permit has been secured for a 400-kilowatt power connection. Builders have already prepared drilling rigs for 16 pile foundations, each 25 meters deep, and fabricated 13 of the 16 reinforcement cages.

The planned completion date is the fourth quarter of 2026, though the design and estimate documentation is still undergoing state expertise to ensure compliance with Kazakhstan's construction standards. The exact opening date for tourists, ticket pricing, and potential concessions will be determined upon completion of all construction work, stress testing, and the issuance of permits. The akimat also noted that the construction site is located outside the Charyn National Park and is not classified as a specially protected natural area.

Travelers planning trips to the Black Canyon area in late 2026 should note that the attraction is still under development, and its launch date depends on passing state expertise and final testing. Admission fees and access regulations have not yet been announced.

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