Two mountains, one easy private day. This half-day trip turns Almaty city energy into high-mountain scenery fast, with stops at the famous Medeu rink and the modern Shymbulak ski area. I especially like the hotel pickup with private transport and the included cable-car ride for those big views.

One thing to plan for: Shymbulak is cold up high, and skiing/skating are not included, so you’ll want extra warm layers and a bit of spare budget if you want to get on the snow.

Key things to know

• Hotel pickup and private, air-conditioned transport keep the day smooth and stress-free
• Medeu Skating Rink sits under dramatic Trans Ili Alatau peaks and is tied to world-record skating history
• Cable car access to 3200m means less effort and more time for the views
• Entrance fees and taxes included, plus bottled water, so you avoid surprise add-ons for the core sights
• Guide Nursultan gets strong praise for clear explanations, friendliness, and helping guests handle the cold
• Good weather matters, since the experience depends on mountain conditions

Medeu and Shymbulak Private Day: The Big-Mountain Change of Scenery

This outing is built around a simple idea: get out of Almaty quickly, then spend your time where the mountains do the talking. You’ll start at Medeu and then head up to Shymbulak, using a cable car ride through the gorge area for a dramatic sense of height and distance.

What makes it feel special is the mix. Medeu is known for skating fame, not just scenery. Shymbulak is the modern ski-resort side of the same mountain world, with a working altitude experience (to about 3200m) and the kind of panorama that makes you stand still for a second.

Price and Included Value: Why $147 Often Feels Fair

At $147 per person for a 5–7 hour private excursion, you’re not just paying for a ride. You’re paying for a bundled day: a professional guide, private transportation, and the key admissions. The tour also includes bottled water, and it’s designed to run as a half-day plan so you can fit it without wrecking the rest of your trip schedule.

Here’s how I’d judge value in plain terms. If you tried to piece together transport, entrance tickets, and timing on your own, you’d spend time negotiating logistics and dealing with cold-weather delays. This format trades a bit of flexibility for a smoother sequence—especially helpful if it’s your first visit to the area.

Also look at the details that reduce friction: you get mobile ticket handling and hotel pickup. Those small things matter when you’re dressing for winter and trying to stay on schedule.

Private Pickup and the Ride Up: Less Waiting, More Mountain Time

You’ll get pickup from your hotel area and ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. For a winter day, that’s not a luxury detail—it helps you stay comfortable before you step into cold air at higher elevations.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates. That can be a big advantage with families, mixed ages, or anyone who wants questions answered without waiting for a bigger group’s pace. In the same spirit, the guide’s job isn’t just to point—people have praised how clearly the day is explained.

Stop 1: Medeu Skating Rink and the World-Record Atmosphere

Medeu is located about a 20-minute drive from Almaty city center, so you’re not “commuting” for long before you hit the main sights. The rink sits beneath the high peaks of the Trans Ili Alatau mountains, and it’s famous as a place where many world records were set—so it carries real sports heritage even if you’re not here to lace up.

This stop is short, about 30 minutes. That sounds brief, but it fits the logic of a half-day plan: see the place, absorb the mountain setting, then move up toward Shymbulak while the daylight and energy are still on your side.

What to watch for here is atmosphere more than activity. Medeu is a very visual stop: big walls of mountains, cold air coming off the heights, and a sense of scale that makes the modern-day setting feel tied to skating history.

Stop 2: Shymbulak by Cable Car to About 3200m

Shymbulak is the “get wowed” portion of the day. You’ll head up by cable car to an altitude of about 3200 meters, and the ride through the gorge area is meant to deliver the scenery without making you hike for it.

The time at Shymbulak is about 4 hours, which is a sensible window. It’s long enough to enjoy the views and decide whether you want to do something active, but it’s not so long that the day drags or turns into a half-suffered endurance test in the cold.

Important practical note: skiing and skating are not included. That doesn’t mean you can’t do them—it just means your ticket is covering admission and the main visit, while you’d pay whatever the resort requires if you want to rent equipment, take part in activities, or pursue lessons.

What You’ll Actually Do Up There: Time for Views and Optional Activities

Once you reach Shymbulak, your day becomes a mix of looking and choosing. The included part is the access and admission, plus the overall guided flow so you don’t waste time figuring out what’s where at altitude.

If you’re hoping to try skiing as a beginner, plan on doing it through the on-site setup rather than expecting it to be part of the base price. I also like that the guide has helped with planning in past experiences—especially around arranging options like lessons—so you can ask for advice on what’s available when conditions and timing line up.

Even if you don’t ski, this is still worth it. High-altitude winter scenery can be a full activity. Give yourself room for photos, slow walking, and the kind of “just stand and look” moment that’s harder to get when you’re traveling fast.

Cold-Weather Reality Check: Dress Like You Mean It

Shymbulak is cold, and the reviews highlight that the cold is real enough to need extra care. A guide like Nursultan has been praised for taking good care of guests up there, which usually means watching the basics: warmth, timing, and making sure you can enjoy the day instead of counting minutes until you thaw.

My practical recommendation: dress in layers and keep your core warm. Don’t rely on a thin jacket just because the city might feel mild. If you’ve got gloves, bring them. If you don’t, consider buying or borrowing something before you go—your hands will thank you during the cable car ride and while you’re outside for photos.

Also think about your comfort plan for altitude. The tour goes up to around 3200m, and even if you don’t feel altitude strongly, cold air can make everything feel sharper. Plan to move slowly when you’re first up there.

The Guide Difference: Why Nursultan’s Style Matters

A big part of why this tour gets high marks is the guide. Nursultan is repeatedly described as professional, helpful, and friendly, with clear explanations when questions come up. That matters because winter mountain visits can feel confusing if you don’t know what to expect.

Good guides also help you avoid the common traps:

• arriving underprepared for cold weather
• losing time to unclear timing
• missing the key spots while you’re figuring out where to go

In at least one experience, families were supported in ways that made learning easier, including help for booking lessons for kids. That kind of guidance can turn a first ski attempt from stressful into something that clicks quickly.

Duration and Pacing: How to Fit This Into Your Almaty Days

This is a 5 to 7 hour private excursion, roughly a half-day. That length is a sweet spot. You’ll get the two main mountain stops without turning it into your entire day.

I’d plan it like this: schedule it when you can keep the rest of your day flexible afterward. Even with transport handled, winter mountain outings can be tiring—cold air and the altitude change can do that.

It’s also a smart pick if your time in Almaty is limited. You’re hitting the signature names—Medeu and Shymbulak—without needing to build a full itinerary across multiple separate trips.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and When It’s Not)

This works best for people who want a guided, efficient route to the area’s top sights. If you’re traveling with family, it’s especially appealing because the private format means the guide can help tailor the pace and answer questions without a crowd’s schedule pulling you along.

It’s also a strong choice for first-timers to Almaty’s mountains who want cable-car views and a classic stop at Medeu.

When might it feel like the wrong fit? If your main goal is a full day of skiing with lots of time on the slopes, this won’t replace a dedicated ski-day program. Since skiing/skating aren’t included, you may also find yourself adding extra costs if you want more than just sightseeing.

Final Recommendation: Should You Book This Medeu and Shymbulak Private Excursion?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a well-paced mountain day with minimal logistics headache. The private pickup, the included admissions, and the cable-car ascent make it a very efficient way to experience the Medeu-to-Shymbulak story in one go.

I’d especially recommend it if you value having someone like Nursultan guiding the day and helping you handle the cold without stress. Just go in with the right expectation: the tour covers the core sights and access, but active skiing or skating will cost extra if you want to do it.

If the weather is unstable, keep in mind the experience depends on good weather. That’s not a small detail in the mountains—it’s the difference between a smooth ride and a disrupted plan. If your dates are flexible, you’ll be in the best position to enjoy it.

FAQ

How long is the Medeu and Shymbulak private excursion?

It runs about 5 to 7 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $147.00 per person.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered with hotel pickup included in the experience.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. All entrance fees and taxes are included with your ticket.

Does the tour include the cable car ride?

Yes. The Shymbulak portion includes a cable car ride up to about 3200m.

How long do you spend at Medeu?

You spend about 30 minutes at Medeu.

How long do you spend at Shymbulak?

You spend about 4 hours at Shymbulak.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is skiing or skating included?

No. Skiing / skating are not included.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.