About this experience
During a grand journey through the former capital of Kazakhstan, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the most secular city in the country. Trace the key milestones in its development and realize that it is much older than its official age. Passing through the main monuments, you will see what events and personalities have left a special mark in Almaty's history. And by going up to the mountains, you will appreciate the stunning panoramas and be able to make a wish at the magical fountain.
What to Expect
Heading to the Mountains!
First, we will visit the high-altitude Medeu skating rink and take a cable car up to the Shymbulak ski resort (at an altitude of 3200 m). You will learn what influenced the choice of location for the USSR record forge and what achievements it brought. After descending to the city, we will go up again—this time to Kok-Tobe Mountain, where you can make a wish at the fountain symbolizing life values, admire the sunset and the view of Almaty from the observation deck. (Kok-Tobe is visited from March to October, colder weather and fog in the colder months may not allow you to enjoy the city view).
Stroll through the Old City
The second part of the program is a guided walking tour through the historical center, where you will explore our major attractions.
- We will start the walk at the Abay Opera and Ballet Theater. Walk along our Broadway and Arbat. We will show you several unique buildings with French charm and tell you how they ended up on Kazakh streets.
- In the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, we will honor the memory of the heroes of the Volokolamsk Highway and walk along the Alley of Heads of State.
- By the Ascension Cathedral, a bright example of earthquake-resistant wooden architecture from the early 20th century, you will learn about its history, reconstruction, and return to the people.
- You will also see the monument to V. Tsoi, placed where the famous final scenes of the movie 'The Needle' were shot. Approach the Batyr Memorial Wall, praising 'Julia' and 'Nelyubimaya'. You will also find out why our activists wrote a letter to Yoko Ono and the city council of Liverpool.
Route: Medeu High-altitude Skating Rink—Shymbulak—Kok-Tobe—Abay Opera and Ballet Theater—V. Tsoi Monument—28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park—Green Bazaar—Arbat—Republic Palace.
Organizational Details
- The Green Bazaar is closed on Mondays. The Green Bazaar and Ascension Cathedral are open from 08:00-18:00.
- Visiting the Museum of Musical Instruments is not included in the excursion program.
- Transportation, full guide assistance, and a bottle of water (0.5L per person) are included in the program price
- Additional fees apply for: cable car/taxi to Shymbulak (around 1000 rubles per person) and Kok-Tobe (around 1000 rubles per person), guide included.
- If during the tour you initiate a visit to a restaurant, this implies payment for the guide as well
- Please note that a long lunch stop (or for other reasons) will extend the overall excursion time. Therefore, you may not be able to visit some attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, and sunglasses—the sun in the mountains is very strong even in winter
- The remaining cost of the excursion must be paid in tenge on the day of the tour. The amount in tenge is fixed according to the current exchange rate of the National Bank of Kazakhstan on the order confirmation day, which will be communicated to you in the correspondence.
