Shymbulak & Medeo Resorts day tour
SHYMBULAK AND MEDEO RESORTS DAY TOUR
This full-day adventure combines Almaty’s iconic Kok-Tobe Hill with the alpine charm of Shymbulak Ski Resort and the world-famous Medeo Skating Rink. Ideal for all seasons, the tour offers cable car rides, scenic views, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities in Kazakhstan’s most vibrant city and surrounding mountains.
QUICK FACTS
📍 Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
🕒 Duration: Full Day
📆 Available: Year-Round
🚡 Main Activities: Cable car rides, sightseeing, skiing/skating (seasonal)
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Yes
🚶 Activity Level: Leisurely to Moderate
🌄 Altitude Range: 1,000m–3,200m
🗣️ Guided Tour: English available
🍴 Meals: Optional stops at local cafés/restaurants
HIGHLIGHTS
🗻 Breathtaking panoramic views from Kok-Tobe Hill
🎿 Explore Shymbulak Ski Resort, perfect for snow activities or summer hikes
⛸️ Visit Medeo, the world’s highest high-altitude skating rink
🚠 Enjoy cable car rides through the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains
📷 Capture photo-worthy landscapes of Almaty and the Tian Shan Mountains
🎡 Relax or explore at Kok-Tobe Park, home to a Beatles monument
🌄 Experience mountain serenity just minutes from the city center
TOUR PACE
Leisurely to Moderate – The tour involves short walks and cable car rides. Most activities are accessible, but guests should be comfortable with light walking and some changes in altitude.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Q: Can this tour be done year-round?
A: Yes, it’s available all year. Shymbulak offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Q: Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
A: Absolutely. The cable car rides and park visits are easygoing, and there’s minimal hiking involved.
Q: Do I need ski or skate experience?
A: Not at all! Even if you don’t ski or skate, the scenery and atmosphere make the visit worthwhile.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: The tour can operate in most weather conditions, but activities may be adapted accordingly.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable walking shoes 👟
Warm layers or windbreaker (depending on season) 🧥
Sunglasses and sunscreen 🕶️☀️
Camera or smartphone for photos 📸
Water bottle 💧
Small backpack 🎒
ALMATY CITY TOUR PACKAGE PRICE
| Group size | 1 pax | 2-3 pax | 4-6 pax | 7-9 pax | 10-12 pax | 13-15 pax | More than 16 pax |
| Price/Per person | 300$ | 200$ | 190$ | 180$ | 170$ | 160$ | 150$ |
| No | Include service | Exclude service | Include service of Meals |
| 1 | Vehicle with a driver. | Items of personal nature | Lunch, Dinner |
| 2 | English speaking guide | Beverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundry | Per day 3 bottle water for per person /1,5 liter/ |
| 3 | Airport shuttle | Travel and insurance | One time Kazakh traditional food /Bes barmaq/ |
| 4 | Lunch, Dinner | International transportation | |
| 5 | Museum tickets. | Taxi | |
| 6 | Optional activities | ||
| 7 | Accommodation/Tourist camps and Hotel/ | ||
| 8 | Gratuity for the tour team |
ALMATY CITY TOUR ITINERARY
Kok-Tobe Hill
Your tour begins with a visit to Kok-Tobe, a scenic hill that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Almaty and its surroundings. The highlight is the observation deck where you can capture stunning photographs of the city against the backdrop of the majestic Tian Shan Mountains. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Kok-Tobe park, which features winding paths, entertainment, and even a monument dedicated to "The Beatles."
Shymbulak Ski Resort
After Kok-Tobe, your journey takes you to the renowned Shymbulak Ski Resort, also known as Chimbulak. Located in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range, this resort is a winter sports haven. You can expect to find ski slopes suitable for various skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort's modern facilities, ski lifts, and equipment rentals make it an excellent place to enjoy snow-related activities.
Medeo Skating Rink
Your day tour continues with a visit to the Medeo Skating Rink. This high-altitude rink is situated in a picturesque mountain setting and is surrounded by the stunning Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. It's renowned as the highest high-mountain skating rink in the world. The visit to Medeo often includes an opportunity to witness the Medeo dam, which serves as protection against destructive mudflows from the mountains.
Cable Car Rides
Throughout the tour, you'll have the chance to experience cable car rides, which provide you with unique and elevated perspectives of the landscapes. The cable cars are a thrilling way to traverse the mountainous terrain and soak in the breathtaking views.
This day tour is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions that Almaty and its surroundings have to offer. It caters to both nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, making it an ideal option for travelers looking to experience the best of the region in a single day.
OTHER TOURS
Explore Singing Dunes and colorful Aktau Mountains on a 2-day nature escape to Altyn-Emel from Almaty, rich in landscapes and wildlife.
Take a full-day guided tour from Astana to the ALZHIR Memorial Complex—explore museum exhibits, memorials, and stories of Kazakhstan’s Soviet past.
Escape to Burabay National Park for 2 days of lakes, forests, and scenic hiking, with a short city visit to Astana’s modern landmarks.