Private high mountain ice rink Medeo and ski resort Shymbulak tour

Almaty , Kazakhstan

Private high mountain ice rink Medeo and ski resort Shymbulak tour

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(2 reviews)

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Do you want to visit top attractions in Almaty in one day?! Then do it with us!
We visit the world famous Medeo high mountain ice rink at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. During the winter season we offer you ice skating on the most famous ice rink in the world - these incredible emotions will remain in your memory forever. Next we do a mini climb up the Mountain Stairs of Health to the Medeo Dam -842 steps. From here you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the mountain peaks of the Ile Alatau National Park. We then drive to the Medeo – Shymbulak gondola road and take the high-altitude cable car to the Shymbulak ski area. Here you will understand why this resort was officially included in the Guinness Book of Records and you will be very impressed by the beauty of the peaks and glaciers of the Tien Shan Mountains. All three locations in one day as part of a luxurious, action-packed excursion!

Available options

Private high mountain ice rink Medeo and ski resort Shymbulak tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Accompanied by a mountain guide

Landing and facility fees

Air-conditioned vehicle

Ice skate rental

Detailed itinerary

We visit the most important architectural attraction of Almaty - the highest open ice skating rink in the world - Medeu Ice Rink. Located at an altitude of 1,691 meters above sea level, the Medeu ice rink is still the highest ice rink in the world. You will learn about the monumental architecture of the USSR. The rink is also the absolute record holder in the world in terms of the number of world speed skating records set here. Above the ice rink is the world-famous Medeu health staircase of the same name, which consists of up to 842 steps. At your request, we can climb the health ladder on foot (a popular place for Kazakh and foreign tourists for mountain fitness) or take a mountain taxi to the highest point of the Medeu ladder. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Medeu area and the mountains of the Ile Alatau National Park. In winter we can also visit the ice rink and go ice skating ourselves

After the Medeo ice skating rink, we continue to the high mountain marble dam Medeu (on foot along the health ladder or by mountain eco-taxi). The dam is the largest architectural structure in Almaty since the times of the USSR and to this day protects the city from mountain mud flows. There are fantastic views of the entire Medeu area and the Tien Shan Mountains. You will receive interesting information about the history of the largest high mountain construction site in the world and will be amazed by the size of the architectural structure

After descending from the dam to the rope lift station, we begin a climb on a high-altitude cable car to the world-famous Shymbulak ski resort. On the way we admire the wonderfully beautiful nature of the mountain town of Almaty. After reaching the Shymbulak base station, we take a short break to rest. We then take the cable car even higher to enjoy the real mountain scenery. Here you will understand why Shymbulak is in the Guinness Book of Records and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If we are lucky and another cable car route opens at this time of year, we will go even higher - to the Talgar Pass, which is at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level. Here you can admire the views of the Bogdanovich Glacier and the mountain ranges of the Tien Shan Mountains. During ski season you can also rent ski equipment and go skiing (an additional fee is required).

What's not included

Lunch

Alcoholic Beverages

Soda/Pop

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Gornaya street 465, Medeu skating rink

About Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and stunning natural beauty. Known for its apple orchards, scenic mountain backdrop, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique travel experience with its bustling markets, Soviet-era architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a TV tower, a small amusement park, and a restaurant.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free to enter, fees for attractions

Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a wooden Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park. It's one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and a notable example of Russian architecture.

Historical/Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Green Bazaar

Green Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Medeu Skating Rink

Medeu Skating Rink is a popular destination for ice skating and ice hockey. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views and a unique sporting experience.

Sports/Adventure 2-3 hours Entrance and rental fees vary

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Ile Alatau National Park. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint Half-day to full-day trip Free to enter, fees for parking and guided tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beshbarmak

A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, served with a broth.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Lagman

A hearty noodle soup with chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and no meat.

Shashlik

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, chicken, or beef.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Baursaks

Deep-fried dough balls, often served as a snack or breakfast item.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan if made with vegetable oil.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Snowboarding Ice skating Spa treatments Tea house visits Park picnics

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Almaty for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kazakh, Russian
Widely spoken: Russian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone

ALMT (Almaty Time, GMT+6)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should exercise caution at night and in poorly lit areas. Political protests and demonstrations can occur, so it's best to avoid large gatherings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Almaty International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Almaty-2 Railway Station

By bus

Sayarnaya Bus Station, Sairam Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Almaty. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Kok Tobe Saryarka Zhetysu

Day trips

Charyn Canyon

200 km (124 miles) • Full-day trip

Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located about 200 km east of Almaty. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,' it offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a unique desert landscape.

Kolsai Lakes

300 km (186 miles) • Overnight trip

The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park. They offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a serene mountain setting.

Issyk Glacier

60 km (37 miles) • Half-day to full-day trip

Issyk Glacier is a unique glacier located about 60 km east of Almaty. It's one of the few glaciers in the world that can be reached by car, making it a popular destination for day trips.

Festivals

Almaty Apple Festival • September Almaty International Film Festival • September Almaty Jazz Fest • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Visit the Green Bazaar for an authentic taste of local life and to sample traditional Kazakh cuisine
Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
Explore the nearby mountains and lakes for a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences
Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, lagman, and shashlik at local restaurants and markets