Private Almaty tour: Shymbulak, Medeu, Koktobe, Cathedral

The world's highest skating rink sits at 1691 meters, and you'll see it before the cable car takes you higher.

This private full-day tour covers Almaty's main attractions with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a comfortable car. You'll visit Medeu skating complex, ride the cable car to Shymbulak ski resort at 3200 meters elevation, explore Kok Tobe mountain with its panoramic city views, see the Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park, and visit 28's park and the local bazaar. Entry fees to Kok Tobe and the Shymbulak cable car are paid separately. Lunch is your choice at restaurants along the route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Almaty main attractions

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Medeu sports complex
• Ascend Shymbulak ski resort by cable car
• Visit Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park
• Explore 28's park memorial
• Visit Kok Tobe mountain and recreational area
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant

The experience

Six to eight hours gives you the full arc of Almaty without rushing. The day starts with hotel pickup and moves through the city's landmarks in sequence: first Medeu, the high-altitude sports complex at 1691 meters that holds the world record as the largest high-mountain skating rink, then a cable car ascent to Shymbulak ski resort at 3200 meters, where the mountain vistas open up across the range. Your guide provides context on the city's culture and history as you move between stops.

The route then descends to Panfilov Park, where the Ascension Cathedral stands out for its Russian Orthodox architecture and vibrant colors, and 28's park honors the Panfilov heroes of World War II with memorials and the Eternal Flame. Kok Tobe, a mountain with a recreational area and restaurant, offers a panoramic view of Almaty itself. The bazaar rounds out the day with a look at local commerce and daily life. Bottled water is provided throughout, and you choose where to stop for lunch at one of the restaurants along the way.

The cable car from Medeu to Shymbulak costs 10,000 tenge and entry to Kok Tobe is 3000 tenge, both paid on the day. If you're booking within 24 hours, contact the operator via WhatsApp before confirming your reservation.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup.
• bottled water.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 26

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Adam tour

Is this one for you?Six to eight hours is long enough to cover all five main sites without backtracking, but short enough to leave your evening free for dinner or rest after a day in the mountains. If you want to combine sightseeing with time to linger at any one stop, this pace works. If you prefer a slower exploration of fewer places, a custom itinerary would suit you better.

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Top questions

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 and why is it on this tour?

Medeu is a high-altitude sports complex located at 1691 meters above sea level and holds the title of the world's largest high-mountain skating rink. It's included because it's one of Almaty's defining landmarks and sits on the route to Shymbulak.

How high does the cable car go on this tour?

The cable car from Medeu ascends to Shymbulak ski resort at 3200 meters above sea level, where you get panoramic views across the mountains. The cable car ride costs 10,000 tenge, paid separately on the day.

What can I see from Kok Tobe?

Kok Tobe is a mountain featuring a recreational area with attractions, a zoo, and a restaurant, and it offers a panoramic view of Almaty itself. Entry is 3000 tenge, paid separately.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included, but you'll stop at restaurants along the route where you can choose what and where to eat. Your guide will help you find options that suit your preferences.

What's included in the tour price?

Private transportation in a comfortable car, bottled water throughout the day, and an English-speaking guide are included. Entry fees to attractions and lunch are separate.