Almaty: Custom city tour, Shymbulak & Horseback-riding

Introduction

Exploring Almaty through this customizable tour feels like having a local friend show you their favorite spots while allowing room for your personal interests. Whether you’re craving stunning mountain vistas, cultural insights, or a relaxed day in nature, this experience offers a flexible way to dive into Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital and surrounding landscapes.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to tailor your day—you can choose to focus on city highlights, mountain adventures, or a blend of both. Plus, the inclusion of horseback riding and a visit to Shymbulak adds a fun, active touch.

That said, it’s important to note that the tour requires some physical activity, which might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with altitude sensitivities or mobility issues. But overall, it’s a great fit for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, outdoor fun, and cultural exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Flexible options allow you to customize your day based on your interests and energy levels.
• Expect stunning mountain views and opportunities for outdoor activities like horseback riding.
• The tour includes city highlights such as Kok-Tobe Hill, Panfilov Park, and Zenkov Cathedral.
• Transportation is handled via an electric car, making the experience comfortable and eco-friendly.
• Food and shopping stops are personalized according to your preferences.
• Suitable for travelers who enjoy active, scenic, and cultural experiences.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This tour offers several options, each designed to balance city sightseeing with mountain adventures, all in a private, flexible setting. Whether you pick the full-day 10-hour experience or a shorter horseback riding or Shymbulak-focused outing, the core idea is to give you control over your day.

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins with a pickup from one of five convenient locations within Almaty, including hotels and popular shopping centers like Dostyk Plaza. From there, you’ll hop into a quiet electric car—a modern, eco-friendly way to glide through the city and mountains while your guide shares insights and answers questions.

The electric car makes for a relaxed, noise-free ride, which is especially appreciated when you’re absorbing scenic views or stopping for photo ops. The vehicle also provides shelter from unpredictable weather, so you won’t be overly exposed if the skies turn gray.

Exploring Shymbulak: Mountain Majesty

One of the tour’s top highlights is the visit to the Shymbulak Ski Resort, perched at 2,260 meters above sea level. Expect a scenic drive through winding mountain roads, with panoramic views that are worth the early wake-up call.

Travel time to Shymbulak is approximately an hour, giving you enough time to enjoy crisp mountain air, sip coffee at a local café, and take in spectacular vistas of the surrounding peaks. Many reviewers comment on how breathtaking the scenery is, with one mentioning that “the views make you forget all your worries,” and another noting that the mountain landscape is “simply unforgettable.”

If you’re visiting outside winter, don’t worry—Shymbulak is just as stunning in summer or fall, with lush greenery and fewer crowds, making it perfect for casual walks or sightseeing. You might choose to grab a snack or just relax and soak in the mountain atmosphere before heading back down.

Pro tip: If you plan to visit a specific restaurant or café, communicate that with your guide ahead of time. The flexibility here is a major plus.

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Horseback Riding in the Koktobe Mountains

A highlight for many is the horseback riding experience in the Koktobe Mountains. It’s suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders, with a guide leading you along scenic trails that offer sweeping views of Almaty.

The ride lasts about two hours, providing ample time to enjoy the fresh air and nature while getting a bit active. Many reviews praise the calm pace and the friendliness of the guides, who share insights about the local flora and fauna along the way.

For those with an interest in Kazakhstan’s culture, there’s also the opportunity to visit a small museum featuring Abay Kunanbayev’s saddle, adding a touch of history to the outdoor adventure.

Expect to feel relaxed and rejuvenated after the ride, with some reviewers mentioning how it’s a perfect way to balance sightseeing with outdoor activity. The mountain air and panoramic views create a peaceful backdrop that makes the whole experience feel authentic and memorable.

City Highlights: Discovering Almaty

No matter which variation of the tour you choose, the city exploration component is a key feature. Your guide will take you to must-see attractions at your pace, including:

• Kok-Tobe Hill, with its panoramic city views and vibrant atmosphere
• Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, showcasing colorful architecture and peaceful green spaces
• The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, for those interested in local history and culture
• The bustling Green Bazaar, a great spot to observe local life and sample regional snacks

Many reviewers appreciate the personalized approach—if shopping is a priority, your guide can help you navigate malls like Esentai Mall or Dostyk Plaza, ensuring efficient and enjoyable shopping experiences.

The tour’s flexibility means you can skip or include whatever interests you most. If you love architecture, the colorful Zenkov Cathedral is often highlighted as a visual delight. Food lovers can opt to visit a local restaurant or sample street food at the Green Bazaar.

Additional Activities and Customizations

The beauty of this tour is in its ability to be tailored to your preferences. Want to add a food tasting or an afternoon walk? The guide can accommodate that, especially if you communicate your interests upfront.

It’s also possible to extend the experience with activities like ziplining, visiting a food market, or simply enjoying some leisure time in cafes or shopping centers. The tour’s flexible duration, from 3.5 to 10 hours, ensures you can craft a day that suits your pace.

The Value of a Private, Custom Tour

Given the personalized nature, the cost reflects the private group setting, which ensures a more relaxed experience without the rush of large tours. The inclusion of electric transportation and a local guide fluent in English, Kazakh, and Russian adds convenience and insight you can’t easily get on your own.

The full-day option provides a comprehensive experience—combining mountain adventure, city sightseeing, and cultural insights—for a fair price considering the variety of activities and the comfort of private transport.

Reviewer feedback notes that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, with some mentioning how flexible the stops are—“We could tailor the day to include exactly what we wanted,” was a common refrain.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy active days, scenic landscapes, and cultural sights. It’s perfect for those wanting to see both Almaty’s city charms and its mountain majesty without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

However, keep in mind that altitude sickness or mobility issues could make some activities challenging—it’s best suited for active individuals comfortable with some physical activity.

Couples, families (over age 7), and solo travelers will all find this tour adaptable, especially since it’s private and customizable. If you prefer a more laid-back day or want to include shopping or dining, this tour can be tailored precisely to your mood.

The Sum Up

This customizable tour offers a well-rounded taste of Almaty with options to suit varied interests. The mix of scenic mountain visits, city sightseeing, and outdoor activities ensures you’ll get a genuine feel for the region. The inclusion of interactive experiences like horseback riding and the flexibility to design your day mean you’ll leave with memorable impressions tailored to your preferences.

The use of electric transportation adds comfort and eco-friendliness, making the journey enjoyable rather than exhausting. The tour’s focus on authentic sights and local culture makes it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a balanced, personalized experience of Almaty.

Overall, if you’re seeking a flexible, engaging way to explore both the urban and mountain sides of Kazakhstan’s gem, this tour is a smart pick—especially if you value good guides, scenic views, and the freedom to shape your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration varies from 3.5 to 10 hours, depending on the options you choose and how much time you want at each stop.

What are the pickup locations?
You can be picked up from five locations within Almaty, including hotels like Rixos Almaty, Kazakhstan Hotel, or shopping centers like Dostyk Plaza, making it convenient for most travelers.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 years, pregnant women, and travelers with certain health conditions are advised to consider the physical demands. The experience is best suited for active guests comfortable with outdoor activities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible. You can include shopping, specific restaurants, or additional activities like food tasting, depending on your interests.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, sports shoes, and an ID card or a photocopy. It’s advisable to dress comfortably for outdoor activities and mountain conditions.

Are there any restrictions or prohibitions?
Yes, pets, weapons, intoxicants, smoking indoors or in the vehicle, and food in the vehicle are all not allowed. The tour is also not suitable for unaccompanied minors or those with certain health issues.

This tailored experience in Almaty promises a wonderful blend of culture, nature, and adventure—perfect for making the most of your time in this fascinating city and its scenic surroundings.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby