Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe

Almaty Region, Kazakhstan



Experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Almaty on a day tour. Visit the Medeo ice rink, Green Bazaar, the Park of 28 Panfilov Guards, Shymbulak ski resort, and the scenic Kok Tobe hill.

Almaty Day Tour: Medeu, Shymbulak, Kok-Tobe and City Highlights

This guided day tour in Almaty suits visitors interested in nature, culture, and sightseeing, featuring Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak ski resort, and Kok-Tobe hill.

Highlights

  • View surrounding mountains from Medeu ice rink, the highest mountain skating rink in the world
  • Climb the Health Staircase, a local fitness challenge with 842 steps
  • Enjoy a panoramic cable car ride from Medeu to Shymbulak ski resort
  • Visit Kok-Tobe hill with panoramic views of Almaty and attractions including a mini-zoo and Beatles statue

Description

Start the tour at Medeu ice rink, located at 1,691 meters altitude, popular for its mountain views and outdoor activities. From there, climb the Health Staircase connecting Medeu to Shymbulak ski resort, a challenging ascent that offers rewarding vistas.

Next, take a cable car ride from Medeu to Shymbulak, one of Central Asia’s largest ski resorts, offering year-round hiking and skiing opportunities along with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.

The tour also includes visits to:

  • Green Bazaar, a lively market selling fresh produce and local products
  • Official Rakhat Chocolate Factory store, famous for Kazakh chocolates
  • Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, featuring historic monuments and a wooden church
  • Zenkov Cathedral, an architecturally notable wooden cathedral

Conclude the day at Kok-Tobe hill, located on Almaty outskirts, where you can explore attractions such as an amusement park, mini-zoo, and the Beatles statue while enjoying expansive city and mountain views.

Includes

  • Guide services
  • Transportation
  • Ticket to Kok-Tobe hill
  • Cable car ride to Shymbulak (if option selected)

Excludes

  • Personal expenses
  • Extra activities not included in the tour

Important Information

  • Meeting point: Abaya 50, circus parking lot
  • Collection time: 08:00
  • Departure time: 08:15
  • Return time: Around 20:00

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing. Book in advance to secure preferred departure times, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour covers city landmarks in Almaty and mountain attractions Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak ski resort, and Kok Tobe hill.
The tour starts with a guide pickup at Abaya 50, near the circus parking lot in Almaty.
This is a full-day tour combining cultural sites in Almaty with outdoor activities at Medeu, Shymbulak, and Kok Tobe.
Yes, the tour includes a cable car ride offering panoramic views from Medeu ice rink to Shymbulak ski resort in Kazakhstan.
Yes, guests can climb the 842-step Health Staircase connecting Medeu to Shymbulak as part of the tour.
Medeu is the highest mountain skating rink in the world, providing scenic views of surrounding peaks in Kazakhstan.
Yes, the itinerary includes a visit to Kok Tobe hill for views of Almaty city and nearby mountains.
The tour usually starts with a pickup at 8:00 AM from the designated meeting point in Almaty.
The tour involves some physical activity like climbing the Health Staircase, so moderate fitness is recommended.
Check the official websites of Medeu, Shymbulak, and Kok Tobe for the latest opening hours and visitor information.

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