Private Full Day Almaty City Tour: Mountains, Markets & Landmarks

See Almaty's mountains, markets and Soviet monuments in one guided day

A private full-day Almaty city tour covers the mountains, historical sites and local food that define the city. You visit Medeu skating rink and ride the cable car to Shymbulak ski resort in the Chyn-Ala-Tau range, take in the view from Kok-Tobe park at 1,130 meters, walk through Panfilov Park and the wooden Ascension Cathedral, browse the local market, and eat lunch at a Kazakh national restaurant. A guide in English or Russian, hotel pickup, entrance fees and transportation are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Almaty city highlights

• Visit Medeu skating rink
• Take cable car to Shymbulak ski resort
• Enjoy views and attractions at Kok-Tobe park
• Dine at Kazakh national restaurant
• Visit Panfilov Park and Memorial Glory
• See the unique wooden Ascension Cathedral
• Shop and taste local food at the market
• Buy chocolates at Rakhat candy factory shop

The experience

Medeu skating rink sits in a mountain valley at 1,691 meters above sea level (the world's largest high-altitude speed skating and bandy rink), and from there you take the cable car up to Shymbulak, Central Asia's largest ski resort. The cable car ride itself frames the scale of the Chyn-Ala-Tau peaks. Even in summer, the resort and the valley below show why this range matters to the city.

Kok-Tobe park sits at 1,130 meters and gives you a full view of Almaty spread below. The park has playgrounds, a fountain of wishes, a small zoo and a Beatles statue. After that, you eat lunch at a Kazakh national restaurant on the tour, so you taste the local food without hunting for it yourself. Panfilov Park honors the soldiers who died defending Moscow in World War II. The Memorial Glory and the Monument of Soldiers from fifteen Soviet Union countries anchor the site. The Ascension Cathedral, built between 1903 and 1907 entirely from wood without nails, is one of Almaty's most recognizable structures. The architecture alone makes it worth the stop.

The local market is where you can buy souvenirs, clothes and local food and delicacies. It's the place to pick up gifts and snacks. The tour also includes a stop at the Rakhat candy factory brand shop, where you can buy local chocolate and biscuits. Your guide handles the route and the timing, so you move through the day without planning the stops or the transport yourself.

What’s included

• Lunch at a Kazakh national restaurant.
• entrance fees to all sites.
• transportation by private vehicle.
• a guide in English or Russian.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (19 to 61 years) · Senior (62 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 18 years) · Child (2 to 14 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

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.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Almaty Inspiration Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want mountains, history, and local markets covered in one full day with meals and transport included. Choose it when you prefer a structured itinerary over piecing together your own route.

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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: Youth (15 to 18 years); Child (2 to 14 years); Infant (under 2): 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.

What is Medeu skating rink and why does it matter?

Medeu is the world's largest high-altitude speed skating and bandy rink, located at 1,691 meters above sea level in a mountain valley near Almaty. The tour includes a stop there on the way to Shymbulak ski resort, so you see both the rink and the cable car ride up the mountain.

How high is Kok-Tobe and what can I do there?

Kok-Tobe sits at 1,130 meters above sea level and offers a full view of Almaty from the park. The territory includes playgrounds, a fountain of wishes, a small zoo and a Beatles statue.

What is the Ascension Cathedral and when was it built?

The Ascension Cathedral is one of Almaty's historical and cultural monuments, built between 1903 and 1907 entirely from wood without using nails. The unique wooden architecture makes it one of the city's most recognizable structures.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, lunch at a Kazakh national restaurant is included, so you taste traditional local cuisine as part of the day.

What does the local market offer?

The local market is where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, local food and delicacies. The tour includes a stop there, though note that all markets are closed on Mondays.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included. Your guide speaks English or Russian and handles the transportation for the entire day.