Group: Medeu, Shymbulak, Cathedral, 28’s park, Market, Koktobe

Experience the Best of Almaty in One Day

If you’re visiting Almaty and want to see its highlights without feeling rushed, this full-day tour is an excellent choice. For $55 per person, you’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic sights: the world’s highest outdoor ice skating rink at Medeu, the stunning Shymbulak ski resort with its panoramic mountain views, the colorful Ascension Cathedral, the historic 28’s Park, the bustling Green Bazaar, and the panoramic Koktobe hill. The tour lasts around 6 to 8 hours, with a small group of up to 12 travelers, ensuring plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines nature, architecture, and local culture in a relaxed way—no rushing from place to place, but enough time to appreciate each site. The guide, Yerkhin, is praised for being knowledgeable and responsive, which makes the experience more engaging and personal. Plus, the flexibility of optional activities like walking around Medeu or taking photos at Shymbulak adds to its appeal.

A potential consideration is that lunch and certain tickets (like the cable car to Shymbulak and shuttle to Koktobe) are not included, so you’ll want to budget extra if you’d like to dine or take the cable car. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor scenery, cultural sights, and vibrant local markets, especially those who appreciate a well-organized, personal touch.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering mountain, cultural, and city highlights
• Flexible, small group for a more intimate experience
• Knowledgeable guide enhances understanding of local culture and history
• Stunning mountain views at Shymbulak and Koktobe
• Cost-effective at $55 with good value for diverse experiences
• Consider extra costs for cable cars, lunch, and transport to certain attractions

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Starting at Medeu: The World’s Highest Outdoor Ice Rink

The day kicks off at Medeu, sitting at 1,691 meters above sea level in a scenic mountain valley. We loved the way the guide casually pointed out the famous outdoor skating rink, which holds the record as the largest in the world. While the rink might be closed for skating if you’re visiting outside winter months, the walk around the complex offers fantastic views and a chance to feed the local squirrels—an unexpectedly charming detail that adds a touch of whimsy to your morning.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the Stairs of Health to the dam’s top for sweeping views and a bit of exercise. Alternatively, renting skates is an option if the rink is open and you’re keen to glide on ice. The ticket to walk around is free, making this stop a low-cost but scenic start. As one reviewer noted, “Yerkhin was promptly responsive with any messages beforehand,” indicating the guide’s attentiveness, which sets a welcoming tone for the day.

Ascending to Shymbulak: Mountain Vistas and Snowy Peaks

Next is the cable car ride to Shymbulak, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. The cable car ticket isn’t included in the tour price, but you can expect to pay around 6,500 tenge for adults and 4,500 for children. The ascent offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush meadows—regardless of season, this spectacle is memorable.

The resort itself has three levels: the Base Station, Middle Station, and Upper Station. You’ll have time to stroll around, take photos, and soak in the scenery that looks like a postcard. If you’re visiting between May 1 and March 31, 2025, note that the cable car will undergo maintenance, but an eco-taxi will be available as an alternative—something to keep in mind if your trip overlaps with that period.

Many travelers appreciated the relaxed pace here, with one reviewer calling it “a highlight of the tour” for the views and photo opportunities. You can also opt to have lunch at one of the cafes, which are not included but offer a chance to enjoy local cuisine against the mountain backdrop.

Cultural Stop at Ascension Cathedral

A visit to Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park offers a quiet moment amid the city’s bustle. Built in the early 20th century, it’s known for its vibrant colors and wooden architecture, and it’s tall enough to be seen from various points in the city. The 30-minute stop allows plenty of time to admire the craftsmanship and take photos. Guests often mention how the guide shares interesting stories about the Russian Orthodox church, giving you cultural context that enhances your visit. Entry is free, making it a worthwhile stop.

Reflecting at 28’s Park

Next, we visit 28’s Park, a peaceful space dedicated to the Panfilov Heroes of WWII. This park is a serene place to stroll, with memorials, statues, and the eternal flame honoring those who fought. It’s a quiet moment in a busy day, loved by visitors for its respectful atmosphere. The 30-minute stop is enough to walk around, reflect, and admire the park’s beauty.

Exploring the Green Bazaar

For a taste of local life, the Green Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace where you can sample fresh fruits, nuts, dairy, and vegetables. Though the market is closed on Mondays, most other days it buzzes with activity. The lively atmosphere is a highlight for travelers eager to experience local flavors and culture firsthand. Sampling fresh produce here offers a delicious glimpse into everyday life in Almaty.

Panoramic Views from Koktobe

The day concludes on Koktobe Hill, known for its panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. The shuttle bus makes the ascent easy, and from the top, you’ll see the sprawling city, the steppe, and the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains in one breathtaking vista. The 1-hour stop is perfect for photos and soaking up the scenery. Many visitors appreciate how this spot captures the essence of Almaty’s setting—urban life nestled against towering mountains.

Practical Details and What to Expect

This tour’s transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the sometimes warm or cool mountain weather manageable. The guide is an important part of the experience—based on reviews, Yerkhin is attentive and knowledgeable, providing insights into Kazakhstan’s culture and history.

While the price is reasonable, extras like the cable car to Shymbulak (6500 tenge), lunch, and Koktobe shuttle bus (3000 tenge) are additional costs to consider. Budgeting around 3,000 to 5,000 tenge for meals and transport is advisable to make the most of your day.

The timing is quite flexible, starting at 9:00 am from the meeting point, with the tour ending back at the same spot. Given the 6-8 hour duration, you’ll want comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a light jacket for mountain stops.

Authentic and Well-Planned

Reviewers praise the tour’s well-structured nature, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the sights without feeling hurried. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for a more personal connection with the guide and fellow travelers.

What We Think

This tour offers a balanced mix of outdoor adventures, cultural appreciation, and local flavor. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate stunning mountain scenery, cultural landmarks, and active exploration. If you’re keen to get a comprehensive taste of Almaty without rushing, this is a solid choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those wanting a concise yet diverse introduction to Almaty’s highlights. It suits travelers who enjoy beautiful vistas, historic sites, and local markets, all within a manageable day trip. If you value knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, you’ll find this tour delivers well on those fronts. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone short on time but eager to see the city’s best.

FAQ

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport you between sites, making mountain ascents and city visits comfortable.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Are entry tickets included?
Most entry tickets are free, such as at Medeu, Ascension Cathedral, and 28’s Park. However, tickets for the cable car to Shymbulak and shuttle to Koktobe are extra.

Can I buy lunch during the tour?
Lunch is not included in the tour price. You can purchase food at Shymbulak or Koktobe, with prices around 3,000 to 5,000 tenge.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more relaxed and personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable in winter?
Yes, but some activities, like skating at Medeu, are seasonal. The scenery at Shymbulak is particularly stunning in winter with snow-covered peaks.

Final Thoughts

For travelers looking to experience Almaty’s outdoor beauty, cultural landmarks, and vibrant markets in a single day, this tour offers excellent value and a well-rounded itinerary. The small group size and knowledgeable guide make it a friendly and informative adventure, suitable for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

While you’ll need to budget extra for some activities and meals, the core experience of mountain vistas, historic sites, and local life make this tour a memorable snapshot of what Almaty has to offer. Whether you’re snapping photos at Koktobe or wandering through 28’s Park, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this mountain city’s charm and character.