Almaty City Tour with Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok Tobe
Overview
Combine the mountains and the city on one full-day Almaty city tour. With a guide and transport, you visit the Medeu high-mountain ice rink, Shymbulak ski resort, the panoramic Kok Tobe hill and central landmarks such as Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral. Choose the option with the cable car ride up to Shymbulak included, or the option without it. It suits first-time visitors who want to see Almaty's highlights in one day, with a comfortable pace and plenty of viewpoints.
Highlights
- Full-day tour of Almaty's mountain and city highlights with a guide and transport
- Medeu, the high-altitude ice rink at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau
- Shymbulak mountain resort, reached by cable car if you choose the option that includes it
- Ticket to Kok Tobe hill and panoramic views over the city
- City stops such as Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and a chocolate shop
- Two options: with or without the Shymbulak cable car ride
Full Description
Medeu ice rink
Medeu is a famous open-air ice rink at about 1,700 metres, in a mountain valley just above Almaty. It was built in the 1970s and is known for fast ice, which has hosted speed skating records. The Medeu ice rink tour is a classic Almaty stop, with mountain views and fresh air just minutes from the centre.
A long stairway, known as the Health Path, connects Medeu with the higher slopes and is popular with local fitness fans. Many visitors ask whether Medeu is worth visiting in summer; the scenery, the walking paths and the cooler air make it a rewarding stop all year. Opening hours for the rink change by season.
Shymbulak mountain resort and cable car
Shymbulak is one of the largest ski resorts in Central Asia, reached by cable car from Medeu. In winter it is a place for skiing and snowboarding, and in summer it offers hiking, viewpoints and clean air high above the city. The Shymbulak cable car ride is included if you choose the option with the cable car ride, and not included in the other option.
At the top you can walk, photograph the peaks and see the resort's slopes. Many travellers ask how to get to Shymbulak from Almaty; this tour handles the transfer to Medeu and the cable car ticket, depending on the option. Temperatures at the top are much cooler, so bring a jacket.
Kok Tobe hill
Kok Tobe is a hill on the edge of the city, offering wide views over Almaty and the mountains behind it. The hill has walking paths, viewpoints, cafés and small attractions, and it is popular at sunset. A ticket to Kok Tobe is included in both options of this tour.
People often search for what to do on Kok Tobe in Almaty; a walk around the viewpoints and a look at the sculptures and the mini-zoo are typical choices. The best time to visit Kok Tobe is late afternoon or early evening, when the light is soft and the city begins to glow.
City stops: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral and the Green Bazaar
Between the mountain stops the tour visits central landmarks. Panfilov Park is a green space with a war memorial, and Zenkov Cathedral, built in 1907 entirely of wood, is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world and a beautiful example of Russian-style architecture. The Green Bazaar is a busy market where you can see fresh produce, dried fruit, nuts and local products.
There is also a stop at a shop selling well-known local chocolate. These stops show the everyday side of Almaty and give a good sense of how the city fits between the steppe and the mountains. Lunch is not included, but there is time to eat in the city.
Itinerary
- Meeting in AlmatyThe group meets at 08:00 at the point we confirm after booking.
- MedeuAbout one hour at the ice rink and its valley, with the Health Path viewpoint.
- ShymbulakAbout two hours at the mountain resort; the cable car ride is included only in the option that lists it.
- City stopsPanfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and a chocolate shop, with time for lunch.
- Kok TobeAbout two hours on the hill with views over the city; the ticket is included.
- ReturnBack at the meeting point in the early evening, after roughly 11 hours.
What's included
- Guide services
- Transport
- Ticket to Kok Tobe hill
Not included
- Cable car ride to Shymbulak
- Extra activities not included in the tour
- Personal expenses
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with a fear of heights or vertigo (cable car and viewpoints)
- Guests who cannot manage a full day out
Meeting point
The group meets at 08:00 at a point in Almaty that we confirm after booking. Hotel pickup is not part of this tour, and the return is to the same meeting point in the early evening.
Important information
- Guide services, transport and the ticket to Kok Tobe hill are included in both options.
- The Shymbulak cable car ride is included only in the option that lists it; extra activities are not included.
- Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket, a hat and an umbrella for changeable mountain weather.
- Bring an ID or a copy of your passport, as sometimes requested.
- Smoking and eating or drinking in the vehicle are not allowed.
- Access to Medeu and Shymbulak depends on the weather.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Almaty city tour with Medeu and Shymbulak cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and the date. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
What is the difference between the options?
Both include guide services, transport and the ticket to Kok Tobe. Only one option also includes the cable car ride up to Shymbulak.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The group meets at a point in Almaty that we confirm after booking.
How long is the tour?
About 11 hours, starting at 08:00 and finishing in the early evening.
Is lunch included?
No. There is time for lunch in the city, and you pay for what you order.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. There is a category for children in the booking panel. The cable car ride suits most children, though a fear of heights may be an issue.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, a jacket, a hat, an umbrella, some snacks and an ID or passport copy.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Availability is shown in the booking panel. Booking a day ahead is recommended.
Is the cable car to Shymbulak worth it?
Yes, if you want the mountain views and the resort experience. Choose the option that includes it to avoid paying separately.
What is the best time to visit Medeu and Shymbulak?
Winter for skiing, and late spring to early autumn for hiking and clear views. Mornings are usually calmer.
