Almaty Snow & Ski – 4D/3N (Medeu & Shymbulak)

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Winter fun at Medeu ice rink & Shymbulak ski resort with city must-dos.

Highlights

✅ Medeu world-famous outdoor ice rink
✅ Shymbulak ski resort: cable cars & ski village
✅ Almaty city highlights
✅ Optional ski lesson / equipment rental

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Almaty + Kok Tobe Hill+

Airport meet & greet ? hotel check-in. Evening drive to Kok Tobe Hill by cable car for panoramic city views and photo stops at the Beatles statue & viewpoint promenade. Free time at cafés/souvenir kiosks. Overnight in Almaty.

Day 2: City Highlights + Green Bazaar+

After breakfast: Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral (wooden Orthodox church), War Memorial, Republic Square/Monument of Independence, and the modern Nurly Tau area. Visit Rakhat Chocolate Factory outlet (time permitting). Afternoon at Green Bazaar & Arbat Street for shopping. Optional: Kazakh Falcon Show (pre-book). Overnight in Almaty.

Day 3: Big Almaty Lake & Observatory+

Morning excursion to Big Almaty Lake (2,510 m) via the scenic Ili-Alatau NP road. Photo stops at the dam and viewpoint (weather/road-permit dependent). Continue to Tien-Shan Astronomical Observatory area or return via Sunkar Falcon nursery (seasonal). Back to city by evening. Optional: Night drive with local dinner. Overnight in Almaty.

Day 4: Medeu Valley (Photo Stop) + Departure+

Check-out. Short visit to Medeu valley (time permitting) for a photo stop near the world-famous outdoor ice rink; optional cable-car upgrade to Shymbulak base if flight timing allows. Transfer to airport for departure.

What’s included

Inclusions

• 3 nights with breakfast (near city center)
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Medeu & Shymbulak day tour (cable car included)
• City tour with guide
• Taxes & service charges

Exclusions

• Flights & visa
• Ski lessons and gear rental
• Meals not mentioned
• Tips & personal expenses
• Insurance

FAQs

Do Indians need a visa for Kazakhstan?+

Yes. E-visa or sticker visa as per latest rules; we assist with invitation/visa letters. Passport must be valid 6+ months.

Best time to visit Almaty?+

Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct for pleasant weather; Nov–Mar for snow activities at Shymbulak.

What currency is used and can I use cards?+

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Cards work at most hotels/malls; keep some cash for bazaars and small cafés.

Is Big Almaty Lake always open?+

It’s inside a protected zone; access may close due to weather/permits. If closed, we replace with equal-value city sights.

What should I pack?+

Layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, light jacket (summer) or heavy winter wear (Nov–Mar), sunglasses, sunscreen, and a universal adapter (Type C/F plugs, 220V).

Is Almaty safe for tourists?+

Generally yes. Keep standard precautions, watch personal belongings in markets, and use registered taxis.