Private Almaty tour: City landmarks and Shymbulak mountain resort

Zenkov Cathedral, a high-altitude ice rink, and mountain views in one day

A private guided tour of Almaty covering the city's key landmarks (Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory, and three central squares) followed by a visit to Medeu Valley and a gondola ascent at Shymbulak Resort to 3,163 meters. The guide speaks English or Russian. Pickup is included, and the tour runs seven hours with free time at the mountain resort.

Step-by-step itinerary

Almaty city tour and mountain resort visit

• Meet your guide at 10:00
• Panoramic tour of Almaty city sights
• Visit Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral
• See Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame
• Explore Abay and Astana Squares
• Transfer to Republic Square and Monument of Independence
• Excursion to Medeo ice rink
• Visit Shymbulak ski resort via gondola lift
• Enjoy free time at mountain resort cafés
• Transfer back to the city at 18:00

The experience

The day starts at 10:00 with your guide meeting you for a panoramic drive through Almaty's city center. You'll stop at Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, Abay Square, Astana Square, and Republic Square: the landmarks that anchor the city's Soviet and post-independence history. The guide explains what each place meant to Kazakhstan's southern capital, known as the "Apple City," and how the architecture and layout reflect both its past and its modern shape.

At 14:00 you transfer to Medeu Valley, where the world's largest high-altitude ice rink sits at 1,691 meters above sea level. Built in 1972, it covers 10,500 square meters and hosts international skating and hockey competitions. From there, the gondola carries you up to Shymbulak Resort at 3,163 meters, where the Zailiysky Alatau mountains open out in all directions. The cablecar ticket is included. You have free time at the resort to walk, rest at one of the mountain cafés, breathe the alpine air, and photograph the panorama before the 18:00 transfer back to the city.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and holds your group alone, no shared departures. Your guide is a live person speaking English or Russian, and bottled water is provided throughout the day. Pickup from your hotel or location in Almaty is part of the booking, so you don't arrange separate transport to the meeting point.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• professional guide service in English or Russian.
• Shymbulak cablecar tickets.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• hotel or location pickup in Almaty.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by SKYWAY

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Almaty without a car or prefer not to drive mountain roads yourself: pickup is included, and the guide handles all the stops and timing, so the day unfolds without navigation or planning on your end.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What landmarks do I see during the city portion of this Almaty tour?

The city sightseeing covers Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, Abay Square, Astana Square, and Republic Square: the central landmarks that frame Almaty's history and present character.

How high does the gondola at Shymbulak take me?

Shymbulak's gondola climbs to 3,163 meters above sea level, where you get panoramic views of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains and have free time to walk and rest at mountain cafés.

Is the Medeu ice rink included in this tour?

Yes, you visit Medeu Valley at 1,691 meters, where the world's largest high-altitude ice rink has operated since 1972, before continuing up to Shymbulak Resort.

What's included in the price of this private tour?

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide in English or Russian, bottled water, the Shymbulak cablecar ticket, and hotel or location pickup in Almaty.

How long is this tour and when does it start?

The tour runs seven hours total, starting at 10:00 with city sightseeing, moving to Medeu and Shymbulak at 14:00, and returning to the city at 18:00.