Medeu
From 270 $

Medeu and Shymbulak Tour [Medeu + Shymbulak] · 1 day from Almaty

4.7(7 Reviews)Private tour

8h · From 270 $

One-day tour from Almaty: Medeu and Shymbulak. Includes transport, a guide, and cable cars.

  • Free cancellation within 24 hours
  • Pay after confirmation

$270From / per person

Itinerary

What's Included

How to get there

FAQ

Almaty’s mountain landmarks in one trip: the world’s highest ice rink, the Shymbulak cable car, and Kok-Tobe viewpoint. The program includes the Medeu ice rink at 1691 meters, the highest in the world, and the Shymbulak ski resort with a three-stage cable car rising to 3200 meters. Spend the whole day with an experienced guide, traveling in comfortable transport, with tickets and ecological fees included. The route is adjusted to the group’s pace. The program works equally well for a first visit or a return trip. The best time is from May to October, when the roads are open and the scenery is at its best. Small groups, with a private format available on request.

Tour Highlights

RegionAlmaty / Nearby Mountains: Medeu, Shymbulak, Butakovka / Almaty - City Center
ComfortStandard
Duration8 hours
ComplexityEasy

The meeting place

You choose the meeting point: an address, hotel, or airport in Almaty, arranged at booking

Highlights

  • Medeu — the highest ice rink in the world (1691 m)
  • Shymbulak — a ski resort with a cable car up to 3200 m
  • A compact one-day program starting and ending in Almaty
  • Maximum altitude — up to 3200 m; if you have blood pressure problems, consult a doctor
  • A car or 4×4 is selected for the specific route
  • The guide does more than drive the route — they explain the context and stories of the place
  • Time for photos and lunch is included in the program — no rush
  • Only your group is on the route — the pace and stops are adjusted

Worth taking

  • ✔Identity card or passport
  • ✔Trekking shoes with good grip
  • ✔Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a hat
  • ✔Warm jacket or fleece — it is cool in the mountains even in summer
  • ✔Light raincoat or membrane jacket in case of mountain rain
  • ✔Water bottle (to refill in villages and hotels) and a light snack for the road
  • ✔Cash (cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in villages and national parks)
  • ✔Power bank and a camera or phone for photos
  • ✔Seasonal clothing: light and breathable in summer, layers in autumn and spring, a down jacket and warm boots in winter
  • ✔Basic first aid kit: for headaches, food poisoning, bandages, and if needed — medication for altitude sickness

Why this tour

◉

Easy for any level

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WhatsApp support 24/7

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Small groups

Complexity

Easy level

Private tour

Suitable for

  • ✔Suitable for everyone: families, senior guests, couples, groups of friends, solo travelers

Itinerary

Medeu, Shymbulak · evening walk along Arbat

A visit to the Medeu ice rink at an altitude of 1691 meters, the highest stadium in the world. In winter, the ice is perfectly smooth, and in summer, it becomes a cool mountain amphitheater with a walk along the dam and views of the gorge. In the first half of the day, take a ride up to the Shymbulak mountain resort (2260 m) on a three-stage cable car that climbs to 3200 meters in 25 minutes and opens up a full panorama of the Ile Alatau. In winter, there is skiing and snowboarding, and in summer, hiking and cafes with views. Later in the day, take a walk along pedestrian Zhibek Zholy, Almaty’s Arbat, with street artists, sunset guitarists, stalls selling local handmade goods, and cafes where you can unwind after an active route.

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the tour starts — full refund. After that — according to the operator's rules.

What's Included

  • Transport along the entire route
  • Professional guide services
  • Cable car and lift tickets (Shymbulak)

Paid separately:

  • Meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
  • Entertainment and additional activities outside the main program
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

Safety notes

Please follow the guide's instructions, check the weather forecast before departure, and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

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270 $

Private tour

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