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Offered languages
- English
At 7:30 AM, we’ll pick you up directly from your hotel in a jeep or SUV and head to the Medeu ski resort. From there, we’ll take the cable car (ticket included,no ex.payment needed)up to Shymbulak,where our journey to the Bogdanovich Glacier begins. The hike is just 1 km uphill— an easy trek suitable even for children and older adults (if accompanied by an adult).Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, and for your convenience,trekking poles and crampons are recommended—we can provide them for rent if needed.Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning mountain views,and at the glacier,you’ll descend into a magical ice cave with transparent walls. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for photos-we’ll be happy to capture your moments.Your guide will share fascinating stories about the glacier,and you can spend as much time there as you like.The return hike takes about 1 h back to the cable car,which will bring us down to Medeu,and from there, we’ll drive you back to your hotel,arriving around 3:30 PM.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Guests will be picked up directly from their hotel lobby in Almaty. Our friendly guide will be waiting at the entrance with a sign showing the lead traveler’s name.
If you prefer to meet at the starting point, please come to the Medeu Ice Rink parking area, near the ticket office. The guide will be easy to recognize — wearing a QazaQ Adventure uniform and badge, ready to greet you and start your mountain adventure.
Itinerary
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Shymbulak (Pass by)
Immerse yourself in the majestic mountains on an unforgettable journey to Shymbulak, the pride of Almaty and the largest ski resort in Central Asia. Just 25 minutes from the city, your adventure begins with a breathtaking cable car ride from Medeu Gorge, gliding above spruce forests, rocky cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. At over 2,200 meters above sea level, a whole new world opens up: crisp alpine air, panoramic views, and a cozy mountain atmosphere. Stroll along scenic terraces, relax in cafés overlooking the Zailiyskiy Alatau range, and capture stunning photos from lookout points. In summer, colorful alpine meadows and mountain streams welcome you; in winter, the slopes transform into a snowy paradise for skiing and snowboarding. For an even greater thrill, you can ride higher to the Talgar Pass station at 3,200 meters, where the endless panoramas take your breath away. This is the perfect excursion for anyone wishing to experience the magic of the mountains without leaving Almaty.
Admission ticket free -
Medeu Skating Rink and Ski resort (Pass by)
Discover the legendary Medeu High-Mountain Skating Rink, one of Almaty’s most iconic landmarks and the highest ice rink in the world. Nestled at 1,691 meters above sea level in a picturesque gorge, Medeu is surrounded by spruce forests, mountain streams, and dramatic peaks. Built in 1972, it has hosted countless international competitions and is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s sporting spirit. Your visit begins with a scenic drive from Almaty into the mountains, where you’ll be greeted by fresh alpine air and sweeping views of the valley below. Stroll around the vast skating arena, learn about its unique engineering (designed to protect the rink from avalanches and floods), and, in winter, enjoy the chance to skate on its legendary ice. In summer, the rink transforms into a cultural space for concerts and events, making it an exciting destination year-round. A visit to Medeu is a journey into both the natural beauty and sporting heritage of Kazakhstan.
Admission ticket free -
1Bogdanovich Glacier
The glacier is located at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. The journey to the glacier takes about an hour and is an easy trek. The path to the glacier passes through stunning mountain peaks. You will descend into an ice cave with walls made of ice and see hundreds of stones frozen within the glacier.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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