Almaty: Custom city tour, Shymbulak & Horseback-riding

Planning a trip to Kazakhstan’s vibrant city of Almaty? This customizable tour promises an engaging mix of urban exploration and mountain adventures, tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re eager to see the city’s top sights or want to enjoy some horseback riding in the scenic Koktobe Mountains, this experience adapts to what you’re craving.

We love how flexible and personalized this tour can be — with options ranging from a full-day exploration to a more relaxed, half-day experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine cultural sights, outdoor activities, and stunning mountain views, all in one seamless day.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour involves a fair amount of driving (mostly in electric cars), so expect a good deal of comfort and efficiency rather than a purely walk-around experience. This makes it ideal for those who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail.

This experience is a great fit for first-time visitors eager to see the city’s highlights, outdoor lovers looking for scenic mountain activities, or anyone seeking a flexible day that balances culture and nature.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary: Tailor your day to include city sights, mountain activities, shopping, or dining.
• Scenic mountain views: Enjoy Shymbulak Ski Resort and horseback riding in the Koktobe Mountains.
• City highlights: Visit Kok-Tobe Hill, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and more.
• Comfortable transportation: Electric cars with a knowledgeable local guide make for smooth travel.
• Cultural insights: See a mini museum featuring Abay Kunanbayev’s saddle.
• Ideal for a full or half-day: Options range from 3.5 to 10 hours, depending on your interests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour Options

This tour’s beauty is in its versatility. You can choose a 10-hour full-day adventure that whisks you from mountain peaks to city streets, or opt for a shorter horseback ride experience that focuses on scenic trails and cultural sights. The tour is private, ensuring personalized attention, and the guide speaks English, Kazakh, and Russian.

The 10-hour Tour: A Day in the Mountains and City

Starting with a pickup from your hotel or designated location, the journey begins in a comfortable electric car. The first stop is Shymbulak Ski Resort, perched at 2,260 meters. Here, you’ll have the chance to soak in views of the surrounding mountains, sip coffee at a mountain café, and enjoy some leisure time—whether for breakfast, a snack, or just soaking up the scenery.

Next, you’ll head to a horseback riding club in the Koktobe Mountains. This is where the tour shines, especially if you’re a fan of outdoor activities. The horseback riding sessions are suitable for all experience levels, and you’ll get to trot along mountain trails with panoramic city views. One review mentions that the ride offers “beautiful views over the city and surrounding nature,” making it a highlight for many. For a touch of local culture, there’s also a small museum with a saddle of Abay Kunanbayev, adding historical interest to your adventure.

In the afternoon, the tour includes visits to key city landmarks such as Kok-Tobe Hill, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the Central State Museum. If shopping is on your wishlist, your guide can take you to malls like Esentai or Dostyk Plaza. The flexibility to include food tastings, market visits, or dedicated sightseeing makes this itinerary highly adaptable.

Horseback Riding Only: A Scenic & Cultural Escape

For those who prefer focusing solely on outdoor activity, the horseback riding experience offers a relaxed way to enjoy Almaty’s natural beauty. The pickup is convenient, and the ride takes place in the Koktobe mountains, known for their breathtaking vistas. The guided ride caters to all skill levels, and you’ll have ample time to relax afterward in the mountain air. The visit to the saddle museum provides a unique cultural layer, appreciated by guests keen on Kazakh history.

Shymbulak & City Tour Combo

This option balances mountain adventure with city sightseeing. After an early morning pickup, you’ll hop in an electric car and venture up to Shymbulak. Expect an hour of scenic drive, with the chance for coffee or breakfast at a mountain café (food not included). Once back in the city, the focus shifts to Almaty’s top attractions, with stops like Kok-Tobe, Panfilov Park, and the Zenkov Cathedral. Depending on your timing and interests, your guide can also include a visit to the Green Bazaar or modern shopping malls.

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City Tour: The Urban Highlights

If you’re short on time or prefer to stick to the city, the guided city tour covers all the essentials — from the bustling Green Bazaar to the historic Zenkov Cathedral. The relaxed pace allows you to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed, and you can customize the stops based on your interests.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Shymbulak Ski Resort: Expect wide mountain vistas, fresh mountain air, and a lively mountain village atmosphere. It’s an excellent spot for photos, a warm drink, or simply soaking in the grandeur of the peaks.

Horseback riding in Koktobe Mountains: The trails are scenic and generally suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. The ride offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle, with plenty of opportunities for photos and a chance to connect with Kazakh equestrian culture.

Kok-Tobe Hill: This hill offers sweeping views of Almaty, along with a small amusement park and a cable car. It’s a lively spot, perfect for photo ops and enjoying the city from above.

Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral: Expect to see a peaceful park with lush greenery, historic war memorials, and the colorful wooden cathedral that’s a symbol of Almaty’s resilience.

City Museums and Markets: The Central State Museum provides insights into Kazakhstan’s history and culture, while the Green Bazaar offers opportunities to try local snacks and shop for souvenirs.

Shopping & Dining: The tour can include visits to modern malls like Esentai Mall or Dostyk Plaza, where you’ll find international brands and local boutiques. Your guide can help with shopping tips or recommend local restaurants, ensuring a taste of authentic Kazakh cuisine.

Transportation & Comfort

The use of electric cars makes for a quiet, eco-friendly ride with minimal stops for breaks. Reviews highlight how smooth and efficient the transfers are, enabling more time to enjoy each destination. The experience is designed for comfort, with flexible pick-up and drop-off points within the city, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule.

Value & Practical Tips

While the price depends on your chosen option and duration, the tour’s flexibility and inclusion of multiple activities make it a good value for travelers wanting a comprehensive day in Almaty. Adding shopping or extra food stops can be tailor-made, and the private group setting means a more personalized experience.

Guests appreciate the professionalism of the guide, Alsu Serikbek-Daukeyeva, along with the detailed planning that keeps the day flowing smoothly. Given the mix of cultural, outdoor, and city sights, this tour appeals especially to those who hate rigid, cookie-cutter sightseeing and prefer a tailored approach.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see a broad spectrum of what Almaty offers, from mountain peaks to cultural landmarks. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the horseback riding and mountain vistas, while culture enthusiasts will appreciate the historical and architectural sights. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, all-in-one day that can be customized based on their interests.

The Sum Up

The Almaty: Custom city tour, Shymbulak & Horseback-riding offers a balanced mix of city exploration and outdoor adventure, all wrapped in a flexible, private package. It’s especially valuable for those who want a personalized experience without the hassle of planning multiple activities separately.

The stunning mountain views, combined with cultural insights and the chance to enjoy horseback riding, make this tour stand out. Whether you choose a full-day adventure or a shorter excursion, you’ll come away with memorable photos, new perspectives on Almaty, and a deeper appreciation for this lively city and its beautiful surroundings.

This tour really shines for travelers wanting to maximize their time and see a broad slice of Almaty’s natural and cultural landscape, all in one seamless day.

FAQ

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible. You can choose to include shopping, dining, or specific sights depending on your preferences.

How long is the tour?
Options range from 3.5 hours for a quick horseback ride to 10 hours for a full-day experience including mountain visits and city sightseeing.

What transportation is used?
The tour is conducted in electric cars, ensuring a quiet, eco-friendly, and comfortable ride between locations.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but you can enjoy on-your-own options at Shymbulak cafés or city restaurants based on your preferences and budget.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 7, and other groups like pregnant women or those with altitude sickness should consider their comfort level.

Can I include shopping stops?
Absolutely. Your guide can take you to malls like Esentai or Dostyk Plaza, and shopping can be tailored to your interests.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, sports shoes, and an ID card or a copy. It’s also helpful to have some cash or cards for shopping or snacks.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with non-folding strollers, due to the nature of some activities and terrain.

This comprehensive, flexible tour offers a brilliant way to experience Almaty’s highlights while enjoying the natural beauty of its mountains — perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: