Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort

4.9
(9 reviews)
Almaty, Kazakhstan

6 to 8 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover Almaty’s top mountain highlights on a full-day tour combining nature, culture, and stunning mountain views.

Meet your guide at 9:00 AM in front of the Abay Opera House and travel to Ile-Alatau National Park. Visit the Butakovka Visit Center before hiking through scenic pine forests to Butakovka Waterfall (about 1 hour each way). Guests who prefer not to hike can relax at the Visit Center and enjoy the mountain scenery.

After the hike, enjoy free time for lunch at Auyl Restaurant (lunch is not included), a unique mountain restaurant offering panoramic views of the Small Almaty Gorge.

Continue to Shymbulak Mountain Resort and take the cable car up to the resort. Enjoy free time to explore, take photos, and admire the spectacular mountain scenery. During the cable car ride, you can also enjoy views of Medeu and the surrounding mountains.

After visiting Shymbulak, return to Almaty city center.

What's Included

National Park Entry Fee
English speaking guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
around 10 000 tenge
Cable car to Symbulak (12 000 tenge)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Abay Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater

Meeting at the fountain in front of Abay Opera House

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Butakovskiy Waterfall

    Butakovka Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls near Almaty. Located at an altitude of around 2,100 meters above sea level, the waterfall drops from rocky cliffs with a height estimated between 15 and 30 meters. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the refreshing mountain air and cool mist from the cascading water, while in winter the waterfall transforms into a spectacular wall of blue ice.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Lunch at Auyl Restaurant, a unique mountain restaurant inspired by a traditional Kazakh village. Enjoy panoramic views of the Small Almaty Gorge, take photos, explore the grounds, and relax over lunch (at your own expense).

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Shymbulak

    Shymbulak is renowned for its stunning mountain vistas. Travelers will be immersed in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Tien Shan Mountains. Whether it's the snow-covered peaks in winter or lush meadows in summer, the scenery is breathtaking year-round. We will ascend to the highest point of Shymbulak via the cable car. Shymbulak ski resort consists of three levels: the Base Station, the Middle Station, and the Upper Station, where you can take numerous photos against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Additionally, you can enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants of your choice at the base stations. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Adam tour

Tags

Day Trips
Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Car Tours
Small Group
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 9 9 reviews
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