
Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort worth booking?
Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort is a 6-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $79 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (9)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $79 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Admission fees
- English speaking guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
- Cable car to Symbulak (12 000 tenge)
What you'll see and do
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.
120 minutes here
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).
90 minutes here · Admission not included
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.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting at the fountain in front of Abay Opera House
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting at the fountain in front of Abay Opera House
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adam tour
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Many thanks to our Tour...
Many thanks to our Tour Guide Aseem for taking such good care of Us. The itinerary was so nicely planned that we got more than ample time at each location even though we covered a lot of locations in a single day.
via Viator
Impressive excursion
Our tour guide was very accommodating. Explained everything exactly. We were able to gain a lot of impressions. I would recommend this trip to anyone
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Best tour guide Adam .Must recommended for Almaty .
We had a fantastic time travelling with Adam on this trip. His kindness, knowledge about all the places and flexibility, really impressed us. Keep up the good work.
via Viator
Awesome Almaty with Adam
Adam was a great guide with a lot of knowledge. He patiently showed us around with all the historical events..it was an awesome day in Almaty.
via Tripadvisor
Unexpected snow in Shumbalak Resort was a bonus to my tour.
In fact, not many tourist points inside Almaty (maybe a theme park helps). Anyway, the tour covers nearly all the main attractions.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Adam tour, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.8.
See everything Adam tour runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort cost?
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Prices start at $79 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 Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 9 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 Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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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 Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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Around 3 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort 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 Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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Included: Admission fees; English speaking guide; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch; and Cable car to Symbulak (12 000 tenge). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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Meeting at the fountain in front of Abay Opera House Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort offered in?
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It is offered in Russian and 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 Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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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.
What happens to Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort 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 Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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