
A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car worth booking?
A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car is a 4-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $160 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $160 per person
- will see from above the highest mountain skating ring in the world and will speak of its history - will discuss the mud protection systems on the rivers near Almaty with the view of the first dam of this kind that saved the city in 1973 from a tremendous mud flow that was ready to ruin it. - if the weather is clear (and its often clear in Almaty) we will get panoramic view of the whole city and far away steppes that start right behind Almaty -Finely we will get to the altitude of 3200 m above the sea level and will admire the greatness of glaciers that seem to be at hand from the top point of the cable road. We will speak about the history of exploring of Tian-Shain and the peculiarities of this wonderful mountain chain. - Upon your wish we can have a cup of tea or other traditional drink in authentic yurta-café with the view of Talgar gorge or if you prefer European style, there are plenty of restaurants at the second stop of the cable road – Shymbulak ski resort
What you get
About this experience
- will see from above the highest mountain skating ring in the world and will speak of its history - will discuss the mud protection systems on the rivers near Almaty with the view of the first dam of this kind that saved the city in 1973 from a tremendous mud flow that was ready to ruin it. - if the weather is clear (and its often clear in Almaty) we will get panoramic view of the whole city and far away steppes that start right behind Almaty -Finely we will get to the altitude of 3200 m above the sea level and will admire the greatness of glaciers that seem to be at hand from the top point of the cable road. We will speak about the history of exploring of Tian-Shain and the peculiarities of this wonderful mountain chain. - Upon your wish we can have a cup of tea or other traditional drink in authentic yurta-café with the view of Talgar gorge or if you prefer European style, there are plenty of restaurants at the second stop of the cable road – Shymbulak ski resort
What's included
Included
- Proffessional guide services
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Cable car fee
- Medeu fee
What you'll see and do
Medeu Skating Rink and Ski resort
will see from above the highest mountain skating ring in the world and will speak of its history - will discuss the mud protection systems on the rivers near Almaty with the view of the first dam of this kind that saved the city in 1973 from a tremendous mud flow that was ready to ruin it. - if the weather is clear (and its often clear in Almaty) we will get panoramic view of the whole city and far away steppes that start right behind Almaty
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Left Talgar Gorge
We will take a cable car ride to the Talgar pass We will have time to take photos Enjoy tea drinking in the traditional yurta cafe
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Medeu Skating Rink and Ski resort
cable car ride back to Medeu back to the hotel in Almaty
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TJ Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Perfect Journey of Culture and Stunning Mountain Views!
這趟行程讓我對阿拉木圖有了全新的認識。Irina 是位極具深度的導遊,不僅知識豐富,也很樂意分享關於阿拉木圖的歷史、俄羅斯族與哈薩克族之間的文化融合,以及她個人的生活經驗。透過她的講解,我對這座城市與這個國家的文化背景有了更多理解。 景色更是遠超乎我的想像——搭乘方便的纜車就能輕鬆抵達海拔3200公尺的高處,俯瞰壯麗的天山山脈與冰河,而這一切竟然離市中心只有25公里!非常推薦給想要在短時間內深入了解當地文化與自然美景的旅人。 This tour gave me an entirely new perspective on Almaty. Irina is an incredibly insightful guide—knowledgeable, articulate, and generous in sharing not just the history of the city, but also the cultural blending of Russian and Kazakh communities, along with her own personal experiences living here. The scenery was beyond anything I expected—thanks to the convenient cable car, we easily reached 3,200 meters above sea level to take in breathtaking views of the Tien Shan mountains and glaciers. And the fact that all of this is just 25 kilometers from the city center is truly mind-blowing. Highly recommended for travelers who want both cultural depth and stunning landscapes in one day.
via Viator
Super Worth the money! Amazing
Had a super awesome day with Maria! Maria came on time and was super knowledgeable and enthusiastic throughout the tour, she was like a long time friend! I had an amazing day at Shymbulak and is a great way to see the Tian Shan mountains! The view from the the very top feels like Switzerland and the traditional cafe in a yurt is a must! Highly recommend this tour! Thank you so much Maria!!
via Viator
Glaciers at your feet
I came to Almaty for a business trip and I didn’t really expect anything special from these few days, but as I saw the mountains as soon as my plane landed so I decided to see them closer when I got a half day break and that was the best decision! My partners helped me to book the tour so I’m very thankful. I was picked up from my hotel by a charming tour guide, the way by car took us about 30 min but she managed to use this time to tell me about the city (I didn’t even know that Almaty has such an interesting history!!). The mountains themselves are just stunning! By the modern cable road we easily got to the altitude of 3200m right to the very glaciers! The view and the air was absolutely unbelievable! Maria (the guide) was very attentive, friendly and her knowledge about history and culture of the region was absolutely great ! We even got a chance to drink horse milk in traditional tent of the nomads called Yurta with the Mountain View! I’ve got to know a lot about the traditions and life of this wonderful country. So it happened to be one of the best tours I’ve ever had. Highly recommended !!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $160 to $280
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by TJ Travel, who run 30 experiences we rank across 19 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7.
See everything TJ Travel runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car cost?
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Prices start at $160 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.
Is A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Almaty?
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On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car?
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Included: Proffessional guide services; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Cable car fee; and Medeu fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 38 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about A private Shymbulak-Medeu on a cable car?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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