Almaty day tour: Medeu, Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake & falcon show

Ride the cable car to high altitude, then descend to a turquoise alpine lake ringed by peaks.

A private day tour of Almaty covering four major sights: the Medeu skating rink in the foothills, the Shymbulak ski resort reached by cable car at 3,200 meters, Big Almaty Lake set between high peaks, and the Sunkar bird center's falcon and golden eagle show. The tour runs seven to nine hours with a guide, private vehicle, all entry tickets, a lunch stop at a mountain cafe, and bottled water included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit mountain sights and nature

• Drive to Medeo skating rink
• Explore Medeo skating rink
• Take cable car to Shymbulak ski resort
• Enjoy mountain views at Shymbulak
• Stop for lunch at mountain cafe
• Visit Big Almaty Lake
• Relax and enjoy lake views
• Watch falcon and eagle show at Sunkar center

The experience

The day starts at Medeu, a famous skating rink twenty minutes from the city center, nestled in the Trans Ili Alatau mountains where hundreds of world records were set. From there you move to Shymbulak, one of Central Asia's most developed ski resorts, and take a cable car up through the gorge to 3,200 meters above sea level. The climb itself is part of the draw: the cable car passes through mountain peaks in snow and coniferous forest, and the altitude shift happens in one unbroken ascent.

After descending, you stop for lunch at a mountain cafe before heading to Big Almaty Lake. The lake sits between high peaks and changes color with the season: mineral content shifts the water from turquoise to deep blue depending on the time of year. You have free time to walk around the shore and take in the views without being rushed through. The final stop is Sunkar, a bird center where falcons, golden eagles and vultures perform hunting demonstrations. These birds were central to nomadic culture across Central Asia for centuries, and watching them in action is the closing point of the day.

Your guide speaks English throughout, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the starting point. The tour suits families with children from age one onward, and no particular fitness level is required. The cable car does the climbing for you, and the lake stop is a rest point rather than a hike.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.
• entry tickets to Medeu, Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake and Sunkar bird center.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (6 to 90 years) · Child (1 to 5 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by NEOmad

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling with family or a small group and want to see both the high peaks at Medeo and Shymbulak plus Big Almaty Lake in one day, all by shared transport with scheduled stops.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 5 years): free.

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.

How high does the cable car go at Shymbulak?

The cable car climbs to 3,200 meters above sea level, lifting you through the gorge and mountain peaks of the Trans Ili Alatau range in a single ascent.

What happens at Big Almaty Lake during the tour?

Big Almaty Lake is a stop where you have free time to walk the shore and relax. The water changes color by season due to mineral content, and the lake sits ringed by high peaks on all sides.

What birds will I see at the Sunkar center?

Sunkar hosts falcons, golden eagles and vultures that perform hunting demonstrations. These predators were essential to nomadic hunters throughout Central Asian history.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

The tour includes a lunch stop at a mountain cafe on the way to Big Almaty Lake, though the meal itself is not part of the package and you order and pay separately.