Almaty Mountains Tour: Medeu, Shymbulak and Surroundings [Alma-Arasan + Ayusai] · 3 days

A walk through Alma-Arasan Gorge with a mineral thermal spring, a mountain stream, and trails along cascades under a pine canopy. In the first half of the day, stop at the Ayusai eco-park in the valley of the Little Almaty River, with wooden boardwalks, alpine flowers, and a waterfall on the trail to Big Almaty Lake. Return to Almaty by evening.

A visit to Medeu ice rink at an altitude of 1691 meters, the highest-altitude stadium in the world. In winter, the ice is perfectly smooth; in summer, it is a cool mountain amphitheater with a walk along the dam and views of the gorge. In the first half of the day, take the cable car up to Shymbulak mountain resort (2260 m), a three-stage route that climbs to 3200 meters in 25 minutes and opens up a full panorama of the Zailiysky Alatau. In winter, there is skiing and snowboarding; in summer, hiking and cafés with views. Around midday, visit the Green Bazaar, operating since 1875, a true eastern market with piles of dried apricots, apricots and raisins, rows of kazy and shuzhuk (horse sausage), barrels of mountain honey from the jailau, and friendly vendors who let you taste everything before buying. In the second half of the day, make a short stop at the Rahat chocolate brand store, the oldest Kazakh brand, with gift boxes in 1970s-style design. An ideal place to pick up souvenirs and gifts to take home. Return to Almaty by evening.

Relax at the Oi-Qaragai eco-resort in Turgen Gorge, with alpine meadows, pine air, and the LesnayaSkazka cable car (in winter).