Shymbulak & Medeu
Medeu and Shymbulak are Almaty’s pride: the legendary high-altitude skating rink and the ski resort above it, reachable by a spectacular three-stage cable car that tops out at 3,200 m.
This tour requires zero fitness — the cable car does the climbing. In winter you can add skiing or skating; in summer the slopes turn into hiking trails and sunny terraces with the best mountain views.
Private and flexible — the easiest way to stand above 3,000 m.
Highlights
- Medeu — the highest skating rink in the world (1,691 m)
- Three-stage cable car ride to Talgar Pass at 3,200 m
- Panoramas of Peak Talgar and the Zailiysky Alatau
- Skiing/skating in winter, hiking and terraces in summer
- Easy half-day format, zero fitness required
Itinerary
- Pickup from your hotel in Almaty
- Medeu skating rink and dam viewpoint
- Cable car: Medeu → Shymbulak → Talgar Pass (3,200 m)
- Free time at the top — photos, coffee, short walks
- Descend by cable car
- Drop-off at your hotel
What's included
- Private vehicle, sized to your group
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
- Bottled water
Not included
- Cable car tickets (≈ 7,000–9,000 ₸)
- Ski/skate rental
- Meals
Good to know
Do I need to ski?
Not at all — most guests ride the cable car for the views. Skiing or skating is an optional add-on.
Is it cold at the top?
At 3,200 m, yes — even in July bring a jacket. In winter dress as for a ski day.