Almaty: Butakov Waterfall, Auyl Restaurant & Shymbulak Ski Resort

Discover Almaty’s top mountain highlights on a full-day tour combining nature, culture, and stunning mountain views.

Meet your guide at 9:00 AM in front of the Abay Opera House and travel to Ile-Alatau National Park. Visit the Butakovka Visit Center before hiking through scenic pine forests to Butakovka Waterfall (about 1 hour each way). Guests who prefer not to hike can relax at the Visit Center and enjoy the mountain scenery.

After the hike, enjoy free time for lunch at Auyl Restaurant (lunch is not included), a unique mountain restaurant offering panoramic views of the Small Almaty Gorge.

Continue to Shymbulak Mountain Resort and take the cable car up to the resort. Enjoy free time to explore, take photos, and admire the spectacular mountain scenery. During the cable car ride, you can also enjoy views of Medeu and the surrounding mountains.

After visiting Shymbulak, return to Almaty city center.