| Duration: | 7 Day(s) - 6 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Ski Tour |
Combination of freeride from ski lifts at “Shymbulak” and “Ak-Bulak” resorts and backcountry in the wild, picturesque gorges of the Almaty mountains. This program includes immersion in local culture, exploration of the oldest food market in Almaty, and a visit to the natural wonder of Kazakhstan – Charyn Canyon.
Route: Almaty – Shymbulak – Ak-Bulak – Trans-Ili Alatau – Charyn Canyon
Season: December - March
Route Complexity: Intermediate to advanced. Suitable for fit and well-trained skiers and snowboarders with confident riding skills on off-piste terrain. *A full set of avalanche equipment is required.
Height Difference: The maximum altitude is 2800–3700 m a.s.l. Daily elevation gain during backcountry activities is approximately 1000–1200 meters. Descent lengths range from 3 to 6 kilometers. The slope steepness varies from 15 to 45 degrees.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty – Shymbulak Ski Resort – Almaty
After meeting your guide at your hotel at 08:30 a.m., you will be transferred to Medeo Gorge (1690 meters above sea level) by a comfortable tourist vehicle. Then, you will take a cable car to the “Shymbulak” Ski Resort. After a 20–25-minute ride above magnificent fir trees to an altitude of 2260 meters, you will reach the first level of the resort, featuring restaurants, a ski & snowboarding school, and a mountain hotel.
During the first half of the day, you will ski from the lifts and explore freeride and backcountry spots such as “Shkolnik,” “Dry Log,” and “Cone.”
Lunch will be arranged at a stylish café at the highest point of the resort on Talgar Pass. Here you can relax on comfortable sofas, sunbathe, and enjoy lounge music. If preferred, you can sit indoors, watch a thematic movie, interact with local skiers, and enjoy herbal tea or sweet punch.
After an exciting day, you will return to Medeo station by cable car and transfer back to Almaty. Approximate arrival time is 19:00.
Overnight at a hotel in Almaty.
Meals included: B, L
Day 2: Almaty – Ak-Bulak Ski Resort – Almaty
After breakfast at the hotel, departure from Almaty at 08:00 a.m. Transfer to “Ak-Bulak” Ski Resort, located near Talgar (45 km). Arrival is expected at approximately 09:30. After equipment preparation, ski pass collection, and a safety briefing, you will ascend by gondola cable car (2351 m long) to an altitude of 2006 m a.s.l. Then, a chairlift will take you further to the top at 2664 m a.s.l., where only black slopes are available.
The steepness of freeride slopes here ranges from 22 to 55 degrees. Descents pass through open terrain and forest areas among Tien Shan fir trees. Stunning mountain panoramas and fresh powder snow will create unforgettable experiences.
Skiing continues with your guide until 13:30. The guide will show the best hidden spots across the resort.
A picnic lunch will be served at an observation point until 14:30. You can relax, enjoy the scenery, and possibly spot a bearded vulture.
After lunch, skiing continues until 16:00, followed by a descent to the parking area. Transfer back to Almaty with arrival around 19:00.
Overnight at a hotel in Almaty.
Meals included: B, L
Day 3–5: Almaty – Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains – Almaty
These days are dedicated to backcountry adventures in the mountains surrounding Almaty. Departure from the hotel at 7:30 a.m. Transfer to selected gorges depending on weather and snow conditions.
Possible маршруты include:
Kimasar Gorge & Panorama Ridge – max altitude 3260 m; elevation gain 1300 m; descent ~6 km; duration 6–7 hours
Kok Zhailyau Valley & Three Brothers Peak – max altitude 2850 m; elevation gain 1250 m; descent ~6 km; duration 5–6 hours; slope 15–35°
Kotyrbulak Gorge & Bukreev Peak – max altitude 3010 m; elevation gain 1200 m; descent ~5 km; duration 5–6 hours; slope 15–40°
Tersbutak Ridge & Young Geologist Peak – max altitude 3200 m; elevation gain 1200 m; descent ~10 km; duration 6–7 hours; slope 15–40°
Mynzhylky Ridge & Memory Peak – max altitude 3700 m; elevation gain 1150 m; descent ~5 km; duration 5–6 hours; slope 15–40°
All routes involve a combination of hiking and ski touring due to steep ascent sections. Picnic lunches are provided during the day. Return transfer to a 4* hotel in Almaty.
*On Day 5, after backcountry activities, you will visit the open-air SPA complex – Tau Spa Center.
Enjoy 3 hours of relaxation with various steam rooms, saunas, hot and cold pools, and scenic mountain views.
Tau Spa (“Tau Dastarkhan”) is a unique high-mountain complex located in Alma-Arasan Gorge. Facilities include Alpine, Himalayan, Turkish hammam, Japanese, Oriental, Finnish, and Scandinavian baths, along with pools and relaxation areas.
Transfer to Almaty. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 6: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
An unforgettable journey to Charyn Canyon, located 190 km from Almaty.
Meet your guide at 09:00 a.m. and depart by comfortable vehicle. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, during which you will learn about the region’s history and culture.
Upon arrival, enjoy panoramic views and descend into the canyon. Walk approximately 2 km through the Valley of Castles with its unique rock formations.
At the canyon floor, you will reach a small oasis along the Charyn River, where an eco-park with yurts and a café is located (summer season). After resting, return along the same path and visit an additional viewpoint.
After approximately 3 hours, return to Almaty. Lunch will be arranged at a local café en route.
Arrival in Almaty around 19:00. Dinner at a traditional restaurant with live national music. Return to the hotel around 21:30.
Meals included: B, L, D
Day 7: Almaty City
Meet your guide at 09:00 a.m. for a 5-hour city tour.
Visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory, and the Museum of Musical Instruments.
Continue to the Green Bazaar to experience a traditional market atmosphere. Enjoy shopping for sweets, dried fruits, and souvenirs.
Lunch will be served at a café inside the bazaar.
Afterward, visit Kok-Tobe Hill, enjoy panoramic views, and explore the park.
Return to the city center by cable car (except Tuesdays, when eco-buses are used). Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Meals included: B, L
End of the program.
Additional Notes:
Depending on the weather and snow conditions, the guide may adjust the skiing program.
Insurance for extreme sports is mandatory.
