Shymbulak<\/h2>\n
You will probably fly into the biggest city of Kazakhstan, Almaty. With the mighty Ala Tau mountains as a backdrop, we make our way to the city center, which will serve as our base for the rest of the week.<\/p>\n
Several ski resorts are located around the city, and we\u2019ll visit the three most exciting ones: Ak Bulak, Oi Qaraqai, and Shymbulak. We\u2019ll stay in a local hotel in the center of Almaty. After our arrival on Sunday, we will take a short walk in the city center. Almaty has a relaxed, almost European feel, with leafy boulevards, cozy caf\u00e9s, and a lively food scene. What makes it truly unique is how quickly you can go from city streets to high alpine terrain\u2014it\u2019s a rare place where urban energy and mountain adventure blend seamlessly.<\/p>\n
![\"Zenkov](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_0646-2-1024x819.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Shymbulak<\/h2>\n
On Monday morning, after a short drive from the city centre, we arrive at Shymbulak<\/a>, the largest ski resort in Central Asia. It hosted the 2017 Winter Universiade\u2014the Olympic Games for students\u2014and offers challenging terrain reaching up to around 3,200 meters.<\/p>\n Shymbulak, the most famous ski resort in Kazakhstan, is connected to the Medeu ice skating stadium by a modern gondola that takes you from 1,600 to 2,200 meters in about 20 minutes. The resort has hosted numerous FIS competitions, and in 2024 it welcomed the first Freeride World Tour event in Central Asia.<\/p>\n With a vertical drop of over 1,000 meters and a top elevation of approximately 3,250 meters, the skiing here is both varied and impressive. One of our favorite spots, Bar 3200, offers stunning views of the Talgar Glacier (5,017 meters). The ski area is ultra-modern and equipped with the latest lift systems, and on clear days, you can even enjoy views over the city of Almaty as you ski down.<\/p>\n Lesnaya Skazka, also known as Oi Qaraqai<\/a>, is one of the newest ski resorts in the Almaty region and offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the larger, more established areas. Often referred to as the \u201cfairytale forest,\u201d the resort is set among quiet, wooded slopes lined with deciduous trees, creating a peaceful and almost magical setting.<\/p>\n The surroundings are truly beautiful, with rolling terrain and scenic forest runs. Despite its charm, Oi Qaraqai is still relatively undiscovered, meaning you\u2019ll often have plenty of space to explore. The modern lift system is fast and efficient, giving you more time on the slopes and making it easy to lap your favorite runs. It\u2019s an ideal spot for enjoyable tree skiing, relaxed cruising, and soaking in the unique landscape.<\/p>\n On Wednesday morning, we set off early for the ski resort of Ak Bulak<\/a>. It\u2019s time to leave Almaty behind and head out into the vast open landscapes of Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n Our first stop is Ak Bulak, a resort known for having some of the most challenging terrain in the country. While the number of lifts is limited, there are plenty of ungroomed runs to explore.<\/p>\n A fast gondola takes you quickly from 1,650 to 2,050 meters. From there, a two-seater chairlift continues up to around 2,700 meters. At the top, there are no groomed pistes, offering great opportunities for off-piste skiing, while below 2,050 meters you\u2019ll find perfectly groomed runs.<\/p>\n After Ak Bulak, we continue our journey across the Kazakh steppe to a hot spring<\/a> near the village of Chundzha. Along a quiet, dead-end road close to the Chinese border, you\u2019ll find several pool complexes fed by natural thermal water that rises close to the surface.<\/p>\n Outside, the conditions can be harsh and freezing, with temperatures often dropping below -20\u00b0C. Fortunately, we have access to multiple hot springs where you can warm up and relax. We\u2019ll stay in twin rooms located around the pools.<\/p>\n The next morning, we drive to the border village of Karkara. In this remote mountain region, we\u2019ll have a PistenBully at our disposal for two full days. Normally used to groom ski slopes, this powerful machine is fitted with a heated cabin for up to 15 people and will take us deep into the mountains, accessing untouched powder runs.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll stay in an authentic mountaineering camp at the foot of the Karkara range, at around 2,100 meters. It\u2019s a truly special location, complete with a sauna, a relaxation area, and a cozy, social atmosphere. Local Kazakh cooks will prepare delicious, hearty meals throughout our stay.<\/p>\n Each day, the PistenBully departs directly from the camp, bringing us to a variety of slopes in the surrounding mountains. The runs are chosen based on the group\u2019s level, but are generally accessible to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. A local guide will lead the way, ensuring we find the best lines and make the most of the terrain.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n On Saturday morning, it\u2019s time to leave Karkara.. We are going to the deepest point of our journey, the <\/span>Charyn canyon<\/span><\/a>. A 370-meter gorge looms from ground level. The gorge is called the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan<\/a>, and during a short hike, you will understand why. Stretching over 90 kilometers, this majestic canyon features vibrant red rock formations, intricate cliffs, and deep gorges sculpted by the Charyn River over millions of years. The most famous section, the Valley of Castles, boasts towering rock structures that resemble ancient fortresses. We will explore the canyon on foot, taking in the breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Charyn Canyon is definitely a must-visit destination. With this, we almost bring this unique journey to an end. Fortunately, we still have one more evening in Almaty ahead of us.<\/span><\/p>\n In Almaty, we\u2019ll enjoy an extensive farewell dinner. Those who still have some energy left can head out and experience the city\u2019s nightlife, while others may prefer to get a good night\u2019s rest. Unfortunately, this is where our journey together comes to an end. You\u2019ve no doubt gotten to know Kazakhstan a little better\u2014and we hope we\u2019ve had the chance to get to know you as well. We\u2019ll arrange your transfer to the airport and hope to see you again next year, wherever that may be.<\/p>\n As soon as we have reached the minimum amount of reservations (5), we will send you an e-mail. If we don\u2019t have enough participants, we will send you an e-mail 40 days before departure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n *We recommend flying Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines as they have a generous baggage allowance<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n ARRIVING (TURKISH AIRLINES) RETURN (TURKISH AIRLINES) *We did not have to cancel any trips due to a lack of reservations so far.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n If you want to travel as a group of at least five people, you can request a tailor-made trip. Other departure dates are always possible in consultation. Please contact us via mail@rycetravel.com or WhatsApp at +31528447050.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","wp_travel_outline":"![\"Shymbulak](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/IMG_4151-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLesnaya Skazka (Oi Qaragai)<\/h2>\n
![\"Yurt](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Yurt-Kazakhstan-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAk Bulak<\/h2>\n
![\"Ak](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/20180211_145505-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\nHot Springs<\/h2>\n
![\"Chundzha](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Chundzha-Hot-Springs-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCat Skiing<\/h2>\n
![\"Karkara](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Karkara-Cat-Ski-1024x363.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCharyn Canyon<\/h2>\n
![\"Charyn](\"https:\/\/rycetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Charyn-Canyon-1024x575.jpg\")
<\/p>\nReturn to Almaty<\/h2>\n
Ski Kazakhstan for you?<\/h2>\n
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Included<\/h2>\n
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Not included<\/h2>\n
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Don\u2019t book any flights yet!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
SUNDAY<\/strong>
01:20 IST Istanbul Airport \u2013 08:55 ALA Almaty<\/p>\n
SUNDAY<\/strong>
09:55 ALA Almaty \u2013 14:40 IST Istanbul Airport<\/p>\nTravel as a group?<\/h2>\n
Ski adventure Kazakhstan<\/h2>\n
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\n \u00a0<\/td>\n \u00a0<\/td>\n ACCOMMODATION<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sunday<\/td>\n Arrival Almaty \/ City Tour<\/td>\n hotel Almaty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Monday<\/td>\n Ski resort Oi Qaraqai<\/td>\n hotel Almaty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tuesday<\/td>\n Ski resort Shymbulak<\/td>\n hotel Almaty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wednesday<\/td>\n Ski resort Ak Bulak \/ hot springs<\/td>\n hotel Chundzha<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thursday<\/td>\n Pistenbully droppings \/ cat skiing<\/td>\n mountain lodge Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Friday<\/td>\n Pistenbully droppings \/ cat skiing<\/td>\n mountain lodge Karkara<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Saturday<\/td>\n Charyn Canyon \/ farewell dinner<\/td>\n hotel Almaty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sunday<\/td>\n Return<\/td>\n \u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","wp_travel_trip_include":"","wp_travel_trip_exclude":"","_joinchat":[]},"itinerary_types":[165],"travel_locations":[176,177,178,179,180,181,175,182,183],"travel_keywords":[],"activity":[285,294,287,288,296,292],"class_list":["post-144899","itineraries","type-itineraries","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","itinerary_types-ski-adventure","travel_locations-ak-bulak-ski-area","travel_locations-almaty-en","travel_locations-charyn-canyon","travel_locations-chundzha-hot-springs-en","travel_locations-dzungarian-mountains","travel_locations-kapchagai-en","travel_locations-kazakhstan","travel_locations-lesnaya-skazka-oi-qaragai-ski-area","travel_locations-shymbulak-ski-area","activity-cat-ski-en","activity-city-tour-en","activity-hot-springs-en","activity-karaoke-en","activity-nightlife-en","activity-ski-resort-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n