Medeu-Shymbulak Tour
138000 ₸ – 222000 ₸
Almaty’s breathtaking mountains are visible from anywhere in the city, but there’s nothing like seeing them up close. This tour will take you up to 3,200 meters above sea level where you can see ancient glaciers, feel the cool mountain air and enjoy stunning views. Thrill seekers will love this easy mountain adventure, while food lovers can enjoy traditional Kazakh drinks in a cozy yurt cafe.
09:30-10:30: Transfer from hotel to Medeu tract
10:30-11:15: Ascent by cable car to Talgar Pass
11:15-11:40: Free time for photos
11:40-12:10: Tea break in the yurt cafe
12:30-13:15: Descent to Medeu by cable car
11:40-14:00: Return to the hotel
- Specialized bilingual guide
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees
- Breakfast and lunch box
- Drinks and food in a cafe or restaurant
- Room service charge
- Driver's fees
- Any private expenses
Medeu Skating Rink and Mudflow Control Structures
Before heading to the mountains, we will stop at the world’s highest open-air ice rink Medeu, located at an altitude of 1,700 meters. The guide will tell you about the fascinating history of this famous sports facility, known for hosting record-breaking athletes.
You will also learn about the dangers of living so close to the mountains. We will visit the first protective dam built on the Malaya Almatinka River, which saved Almaty from a massive mudslide in 1973. These structures are crucial for the protection of the city.
Ascent to Talgar Peak by cable car
Next we will ascend to a height of 3,200 meters by cable car moving at a speed of 5 meters per second. At the top you will be surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Tien Shan, where our guide will tell you about the formation and history of these awe-inspiring mountains.
For those who love stunning views, a short mountain trail will take you to a glacier crevasse and a nearby lake, where you can even see ice columns melting in the water.
Tea at the yurt cafe
Feeling chilly? Warm up with a cup of hot tea in a traditional yurt cafe overlooking the Talgar Gorge. If you wish, you can dine in one of the European-style restaurants in Chimbulak resort, located 2,200 meters above sea level.
Transportation
You will get to the cable car station by a comfortable minibus.
How to prepare
This tour involves a short trek with steep climbs and rocky trails. Be sure to wear comfortable trekking shoes and take water with you. Trekking poles are optional but may come in handy. Since we will be climbing to an altitude of 3,200 meters, be aware of possible symptoms of altitude sickness such as dizziness, headache or nausea, especially if you have hypertension or cardiovascular problems.
Additional tips
Avoid drinking strong coffee or alcohol at high altitudes.
The cost of tickets for the Medeu-Talgar Pass-Medeu cable car is:
Adult: 5,000 tenge
Youth (11-23 years old): 4 000 tenge
Children (6-10 years old): 3,500 tenge
Children under 6 years old: free of charge
