5-Day Kazakhstan Winter Ski Adventure: Shymbulak & Oi-Qaragai

What’s included

Itinerary

1. 01
   Day 1Arrival in Almaty – Welcome to Winter in Kazakhstan

   Arrive in Almaty, a vibrant city set against the spectacular backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains.

   Meet your driver and transfer to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city, explore local cafes, or admire views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks.

   Use the day to settle in, prepare your winter clothing, and arrange any ski equipment or lessons needed for the following days.

   If time and conditions allow, you may also visit the Medeu mountain valley for scenic winter views.

   Enjoy a relaxing evening in Almaty before beginning your ski adventure.

   Highlights: Arrival in Almaty, winter city atmosphere, mountain views, preparation for skiing.

   Overnight: Almaty.

2. 02
   Day 2Shymbulak Ski Resort – A Full Day in the Mountains

   Begin your ski adventure at Shymbulak Mountain Resort, a spectacular destination in the Tian Shan Mountains above Almaty.

   Travel to the Medeu area and continue toward the resort using the available cable car connection. Once at Shymbulak, spend the day skiing or snowboarding against a backdrop of impressive mountain peaks.

   The resort offers slopes for different ability levels, along with equipment rental and ski instruction options. Beginners can arrange a lesson to learn the basics, while more experienced skiers can explore suitable runs according to their skill and current piste conditions.

   Take breaks at a mountain cafe, enjoy the panoramic scenery, and capture photographs of the surrounding snow-covered landscape.

   In the afternoon, return to Almaty and enjoy a free evening.

   Highlights: Shymbulak Ski Resort, skiing or snowboarding, optional ski lessons, mountain panoramas.

   Overnight: Almaty.

3. 03
   Day 3Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort – Skiing Among the Forests

   Today, discover a different side of skiing near Almaty at Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort.

   Located in a scenic mountain and forest setting, Oi-Qaragai offers a distinctive atmosphere compared with the higher alpine terrain of Shymbulak. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding on the available slopes, with options suited to different ability levels depending on the trails open that day.

   Equipment rental and additional winter activities may be available at the resort. Depending on your interests and operating schedules, you can arrange a ski lesson, enjoy the mountain scenery, or take a break at one of the resort’s dining venues.

   The forested setting makes this a particularly appealing day for travelers who enjoy a relaxed mountain atmosphere alongside their winter sports.

   After your time on the slopes, return to Almaty or stay overnight at Oi-Qaragai if your package includes mountain accommodation.

   Highlights: Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort, forested winter scenery, skiing, optional activities.

   Overnight: Almaty or Oi-Qaragai, according to your package.

4. 04
   Day 4A Second Day at Shymbulak – Ski More, Explore More

   Return to Shymbulak for another day on the slopes and make the most of your time in the mountains.

   With a second ski day, you can build on your previous experience, explore additional suitable runs, or arrange another lesson if you’re learning to ski.

   More experienced skiers can focus on their preferred terrain, subject to open slopes and conditions. Non-skiers in your group may enjoy the resort’s mountain views and optional sightseeing experiences.

   Take time for lunch at the resort and enjoy the spectacular surroundings before returning to Almaty.

   If you prefer a more relaxed day, discuss an alternative winter sightseeing plan in advance.

   Highlights: Additional skiing, snowboarding, optional lessons, mountain scenery, flexible activities.

   Overnight: Almaty.

5. 05
   Day 5Almaty – Leisure Time & Departure

   Enjoy your final morning in Kazakhstan.

   Depending on your departure time, spend a little time exploring Almaty, relaxing at a cafe, or shopping for souvenirs.

   An optional morning ski session may be possible for travelers with a later departure, but it should be arranged only if there is sufficient time for transportation, equipment return, and airport check-in.

   Transfer to the airport or your onward destination according to the confirmed package arrangements.

   Your five-day winter adventure concludes with memories of skiing at two mountain resorts and discovering the snowy landscapes around Almaty.

   Highlights: Free time in Almaty, optional activities, departure transfer.

Tour highlights

• Ski at Shymbulak, one of Kazakhstan’s best-known mountain resorts.

• Discover Oi-Qaragai, a scenic forest resort near Almaty.

• Enjoy three planned days of skiing or snowboarding across the two resorts.

• Experience the snow-covered peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains.

• Arrange optional ski or snowboard lessons for beginners.

• Rent ski equipment at the resorts, subject to availability.

• Enjoy panoramic mountain views and opportunities for winter photography.

• Explore Almaty during your free time.

• Travel with private transportation between the city and mountain resorts.

The tour map

About the tour