
Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 85 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar worth booking?
Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar is a 10-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $49 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 85 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (85)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Almaty on a day tour. Visit the Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak ski resort, and the scenic Kok-Tobe hill, Green bazar, Panfilov's park, Zenkov cathedral
What you get
About this experience
Experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Almaty on a day tour. Visit the Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak ski resort, and the scenic Kok-Tobe hill, Green bazar, Panfilov's park, Zenkov cathedral
What's included
Included
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Cable car ticket to Shymbulak(optional)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entry tickets to Kok tobe
Not included
- Other Personal expenses
- Extra activities not included in the tour
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Medeu Skating Rink and Ski resort
Medeu Ice Skating Rink: Located at a high altitude, Medeu is one of the world’s largest outdoor rinks, known for its beautiful mountain backdrop. It’s a popular place for skating, especially in winter, and a fun way to experience Almaty’s love of sports.
60 minutes here
Shymbulak
Nestled in the stunning Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Shymbulak is a ski and snowboard paradise in winter, and a great spot for hiking and views year-round. It’s a quick cable car ride from the city and offers cafes, restaurants, and breathtaking alpine scenery.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Park Named After Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen
This peaceful park honors the Panfilov Heroes, a group of soldiers who fought in World War II. Stroll around its paths, enjoy the greenery, and visit the striking war memorial and eternal flame, a tribute to their bravery.
30 minutes here
Zeleny Bazar
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar): A vibrant market where locals and visitors alike come to buy fresh produce, meats, and traditional Kazakh foods. It’s a perfect spot to try regional flavors, such as dried fruits, horse sausage, and sweets.
30 minutes here
Zenkov Cathedral: Located in Panfilov Park. Built without a single nail, it’s one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world and a unique part of Almaty’s history.
30 minutes here
Park Kok Tobe
Koktobe offers the best panoramic views of Almaty and the mountains beyond. On the top, where you’ll find a small amusement park, cafes, and the iconic Koktobe TV Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world. The Kok-Tobe TV Tower is a television and radio broadcasting tower in Almaty, Kazakhstan, built between 1975 and 1983. Commissioning date: June 1, 1984. The tower is the 2nd tallest free-standing structure in Kazakhstan and the 41st tallest in the world (9th tallest in the world at the time of commissioning), and the 14th tallest television tower in the world (4th tallest in the world at the time of commissioning). The tower is located below the summit of Mount Kok-Tobe, southeast of the city center. Tower height: 371.5 m. Tower height above sea level: 1,452 m (together with Mount Kok-Tobe).
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
Please, wait for our guide or bus in front of the metro station entrance
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please, wait for our guide or bus in front of the metro station entrance
Options you can book
Cable car is not included
Cable car is included
Cable car to Shymbulak
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
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Joinme Asia
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total duration is 10-11 hours including lunch time
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 85 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
85 verified traveler reviews for Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Almaty Experience
We booked two tours with Joinme Asia, and the whole experience was hassle-free! From the initial inquiry and booking to the tours themselves, everything was seamless. Abu, our tour guide for both tours, was incredibly helpful. He guided us throughout the trips and shared interesting stories and history about Almaty, which made the experience even more enjoyable. All in all, we had a great experience with Joinme Asia and would definitely recommend them! 🇰🇿✨
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful places and nice people - slightly disorganised tour company
The sites itself are beautiful to see! We really enjoyed the cable car ride and the view up at the top. And we met some great people on the tour! The tour itself however was a bit disorganised and the tour company changed the meeting point late the night before so was a bit confusing. But overall a good day!
via Tripadvisor
GREAT TRIP EXPERIENCE
I would like to give a special appreciation to Malkhabbat from Join Me Company for the excellent arrangements throughout our Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan trip. From the beginning, she was very helpful and attentive to our needs, especially because we were travelling with our 2-year-old baby. She made sure the itinerary was suitable for travelling with a young child and that the journey would be as comfortable as possible for our family. She also paid attention to the accommodation and made sure the guest houses we stayed in were comfortable and suitable for us. Whenever we had questions or needed assistance, she was always responsive and willing to help. Overall, the arrangements were very well organized, and we really appreciated the effort she put into making our trip smooth and comfortable. Thank you, Malkhabbat, for taking such good care of us and making our Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan trip a memorable experience. Highly recommended! 🇰🇿🇰🇬❤️
via Tripadvisor
Shimbulak was the only...
Shimbulak was the only part of this tour that was worth it. This is not a city tour. There was no walking city tour or a narrted driving city tour. 2 hours at kok tober was a waste of time for adults. It is a kids playground with rides and kiddie activities. The tour should have the cable car to the top of kok tober enjoy the view for 15mins and give the lunch hour at some other location that has better lunch options. Needed a little more time at the park and less at the green bazar. Overall this tour is not worth the time and money. One can do Shimbulak on their own.
via Viator
Disappointing tour
This could have been a good tour if the itinerary and guide were better. The tour starts off with a stop at Medeu, which is supposed to be a sports centre and ice skating rink. It was being renovated when we were there, but there was a panoramic view point that I could hike up to (10 to 15 minute uphill hike plus 850 steps). The same view can also be experienced in Shymbulak during the cable car ride. It was an ok experience if you like uphill hikes to a view point. The second stop was Shymbulak. This was a beautiful spot with some amazing views of the mountains. But it was quite rushed as the cable car ride in itself takes 45 minutes to the top one way. The next stop was an amusement park and in my view a waste of time for a city tour. Finally we got dropped off to see the Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral and Green Bazaar. I could have done this tour on my own in a much more economical and efficient way by taking a taxi to Shymbulak and spending as much time as I wanted and finally the Park, Cathedral and Bazaar as the second stop. Finally, what really ruined the experience for me was the guide, Alina. I found her to be extremely rude and unwelcoming. She needs to know that there are tourists who come to see their country from halfway around the world and being that rude can really ruin their experience. She also didn't really provide much information on the places or even Almaty and Kazakhstan in general. I wish I didn't ruin my first Almaty/Kazakhstan experience by joining this tour.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $49 to $79
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Joinme Asia, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.7.
See everything Joinme Asia runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar cost?
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Prices start at $49 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 city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar take?
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Plan for about 10 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 city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 85 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar?
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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 city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar?
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Around 30 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar 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 city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar?
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Included: Professional English-speaking guide; Cable car ticket to Shymbulak(optional); In-vehicle air conditioning; and Entry tickets to Kok tobe. Not included: Other Personal expenses; Extra activities not included in the tour; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar?
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Please, wait for our guide or bus in front of the metro station entrance Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar 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 city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar?
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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 Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Almaty. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar?
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Across 85 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Cable car is not included, Cable car is included. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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