August 2 will start a walking round-the-world trip of the famous Kazakh traveler Sarsenbai Kotyrashov. Aksakal plans to walk along the route Kazakhstan - Russia - Georgia - Turkey - Bulgaria - Serbia - Hungary - Austria - Germany - France - USA - China - Mongolia - Russia - Kazakhstan.
According to calculations, the journey will take 2 years, he intends to complete the tour in August 2025. For convenience, the route is divided into several stages. The first stage: Kazakhstan-Russia-Georgia-Turkey. This section, according to the plan, he will pass in 100 days, leaving behind about 3,000 kilometers. Second: Turkey-France-USA (180 days and more than 9,000 kilometers). The third: USA-China-Mongolia-Russia-Kazakhstan (130 days and more than 4,000 kilometers).
Before leaving for the city of Atyrau, from where the journey starts, Sarsenbai Kotyrashov visited the Republican Public Association "QazaqGeography", told about the route and shared his plans.
According to Sarsenbai Kotyrashov himself, the main goal of the round-the-world trip is to set a world record with registration in the Guinness Book of Records. According to the Book, to date, a similar record of circumnavigation of the globe on foot, around the world at the age of over 70 years has not yet been recorded.
"I'm in great physical shape. The walking marathon around Kazakhstan was both a test and preparation for me at the same time. Age is not an indicator. I feel that I can cope, I am confident in my abilities, that's why I decided to take such a responsible step", - said during the meeting aksakal.
He also added that he takes his famous cart on his journey, in which he will fit only the essentials - hygiene items, a change of clothes, shoes and a small supply of food. By the way, Sarsenbai Kotyrashov intends to walk about 30-40 kilometers a day.
"One can only decide to undertake such an adventure at an advanced age by the call of one's heart. You are a vivid example of promoting a healthy lifestyle, a manifestation of strength, perseverance and courage. We wish you good health, energy and achievement of your goal", - said the Chairman of the Board of QazaqGeography Yerik Sultanov.
Kazakhstan embassies as well as local Kazakh diasporas will support S. Kotyrashov in different countries. The traveler's representative Baktiyar Kozhakhmetov will monitor and keep in touch with the aksakal throughout the journey.
"We have negotiated with the consulates and embassies of Kazakhstan, they supported us and sent the relevant notes to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the countries where they are located. That is, there will be no problems at the border, Sarsenbay Aga has a passport, and Kazakhs do not need visas to visit Russia, Turkey and Georgia," he said.
By the way, after the completion of the first stage, Sarsenbai Kotyrashov will return to Kazakhstan to wait out the winter and with the onset of spring will again set off on a circumnavigation from the point where he left off. During this time, his representatives hope to find sponsors who can provide funding for this ambitious project, so that the next leg can be accompanied.
Recall that in 2022, Sarsenbai Kotyrashov became famous throughout the country for the fact that at the age of 72 years walked 17 regions of Kazakhstan (8 thousand kilometers) in 6 months.
