Almaty: Medeu, Shymbulak, and City Tour with Guide
Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
Discover Almaty on a guided tour. Visit Medeu, Shymbulak, the Green Bazaar, and the Rakhat Chocolate Factory store. Climb the Health Staircase and enjoy views from Kok-Tobe Hill.
Highlights
- Breathe fresh mountain air at the world’s highest-altitude ice rink in Medeu
- Climb the Health Staircase for panoramic mountain and city views
- Ride a cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort and explore independently
- Visit Almaty’s Green Bazaar and Rakhat Chocolate Factory store
- Admire Zenkov Cathedral and views from Kok-Tobe Hill
Description
This guided tour begins in Almaty with a visit to Medeu, the world’s highest-altitude outdoor ice skating rink located at 1,691 meters above sea level. Surrounded by alpine scenery, Medeu offers fresh mountain air and panoramic views.
Next, climb the famous Health Staircase, an 842-step route toward Shymbulak. Popular with locals for fitness, the staircase features scenic viewpoints and gradually changing mountain perspectives along the way. You can climb at your own pace.
Afterward, take a cable car from Medeu to Shymbulak Ski Resort, one of Central Asia’s largest and most modern mountain resorts. The ride offers sweeping views of glaciers, forests, and snow-capped peaks. At Shymbulak, enjoy free time to walk and experience its year-round recreational activities.
Returning to Almaty, explore the Green Bazaar, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods. Visit the Rakhat Chocolate Factory store to discover Kazakh chocolates.
Continue to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, dedicated to World War II heroes. Within the park, admire Zenkov Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings globally, built entirely without nails and renowned for its architecture.
The tour concludes at Kok-Tobe Hill, offering panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. The site includes walking paths, small attractions, and the well-known Beatles statue, providing a relaxed end to the day.
Includes
- Guided tour of Almaty
- Cable car ride to Shymbulak Ski Resort (if option selected)
- Visit to Kok-Tobe Hill
- Round trip transfer
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Ice skating fees
- Skiing fees
Important Information
- The tour involves walking and climbing stairs; a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
- Mountain weather can change quickly; dress accordingly.
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers to adjust to changing mountain temperatures. Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
