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Big Almaty Lake, Shymbulak Mountain and Kok Tobe Day Tour

NewAlmaty, Kazakhstan
  • Free cancellationCancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
  • Reserve now and pay laterKeep your plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today
  • Duration 11hCheck availability to see starting times
  • Guided inEnglish
  • Hotel pickup includedFrom selected hotels

About this experience

Experience the breathtaking contrast of alpine wilderness and vibrant urban culture on a comprehensive day excursion in Almaty. This journey combines majestic glacier-fed lakes, towering mountain peaks, and panoramic city views into a seamless adventure through Kazakhstan's stunning landscapes. Begin your morning by departing central Almaty and heading south into the canyon roads of Ile-Alatau National Park to reach Big Almaty Lake. Surrounded by dramatic pine forests and rugged peak ridges, the stunning turquoise waters rest at an altitude of 2,500 meters, offering a magnificent setting for photography and quiet contemplation. Next, travel toward Medeu, home to the world's highest high-altitude outdoor speed-skating rink at 1,691 meters. Ride an eco-friendly electric shuttle across the complex grounds before boarding the multi-stage cable car network up to Shymbulak Mountain Resort, ascending to Talgar Pass at 3,200 meters above sea level for sweeping views across Central Asia's premier ski resort. In the afternoon, pause at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing to Kok Tobe hill. Ascend to the iconic viewpoint for a panoramic look over the sprawling Almaty city grid framed by distant snow-capped mountains. This full-day excursion is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive alpine experience paired with effortless city sightseeing. The day feels invigorating and awe-inspiring, balancing crisp mountain air with comfortable transitions and expert local guidance.

Where you'll go

  1. 1

    Big Almaty Lake

    Ile-Alatau National Park

    Photograph the turquoise waters sitting at an altitude of 2,500 meters, framed by pine forests and dramatic peak ridges.

  2. 2

    Medeu

    Medeu Complex

    Explore the world's highest high-altitude outdoor speed-skating rink at 1,691 meters via an eco-friendly electric shuttle.

  3. 3

    Shymbulak Mountain Resort

    Talgar Pass

    Board the multi-stage cable car network to ascend to 3,200 meters above sea level for sweeping alpine views.

  4. 4

    Kok Tobe

    Kok Tobe hill

    Ascend to the iconic viewpoint for a panoramic look over the Almaty city grid.

What's included

  • Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from central Almaty
  • Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • Live English-speaking guide throughout the day
  • Electric cart shuttle ride at Medeu

What's not included

  • Cable car ticket packages (Shymbulak round-trip ~12,000 KZT; Kok Tobe round-trip ~8,000 KZT)
  • Off-road vehicle shuttle charges (if required)
  • Sit-down lunch, beverages, and personal snacks
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

What to bring

  • Original physical passport
  • Sturdy hiking shoes or comfortable trainers
  • Warm windproof layers
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Cash in local currency (KZT) for cable car tickets and lunch

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Pregnant women
  • People with heart problems
  • People afraid of heights
  • Babies under 1 year

Know before you go

  • Original Physical Passport Required: Big Almaty Lake is situated near border security zones. You must carry your original physical passport at all times for military checkpoint verification (photocopies/digital copies are not accepted).
  • Strict Reservoir Protection: Swimming, wading, or touching the water at Big Almaty Lake is strictly prohibited by law, as it serves as the city's primary freshwater reservoir.
  • Not suitable for pregnant women, infants under 1 year, travelers over 70 years, wheelchair users, or guests with severe mobility impairments or severe altitude sensitivity.

Getting around: Car · Minivan · Cable car

Meet your guide

GuideC7F58Verified guide

2 years guiding

Speaks English, Hindi

About Miles Away At Miles Away, we believe that true travel begins where the beaten path ends. Headquartered in Mumbai, we specialize in crafting immersive, seamless, and high-energy group tours and custom journeys across the majestic landscapes of Central Asia and Beyond — including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkey. Whether you are seeking the ancient Silk Road architecture of…

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