Ile-Alatau National Park

Ile-Alatau National Park protects the northern slopes of the Zailiysky Alatau range of the Tian Shan mountains, spanning from the outskirts of Almaty south to the Kyrgyz border. Established in 1996, it encompasses alpine meadows, glaciers, gorges, and forests. The park is the most accessible mountain wilderness from Almaty, with trailheads within 30 minutes of the city centre.

By Plane

Almaty International Airport (ALA) is 30 km from the main park entrances.

By Train

Almaty railway stations connect to the park via bus or taxi.

By Car / Road

From Almaty, take Abay Avenue south to the Medeo skating rink or Shymbulak ski resort. Taxi from Almaty centre to the Medeo trailhead costs about 3,000 KZT.

Hiking trails throughout the park. Cable cars at Shymbulak. 4x4 on some forest roads.

• Medeo skating rink — the world's highest Olympic-sized ice rink (1,691 m)

• Shymbulak ski resort — Kazakhstan's premier ski destination (up to 3,200 m)

• Big Almaty Lake — stunning turquoise alpine lake at 2,511 m

• Turgen Gorge — waterfalls and ancient Saka burial mounds

• Gorelnik Waterfall — 30-minute hike from the road

• Kok Zhailau plateau — vast alpine meadow, popular hiking destination

• Hiking and trekking — dozens of trails from easy nature walks to multi-day treks

• Skiing and snowboarding — Shymbulak ski season November-April

• Horseback riding — guided rides through the park

• Ice skating at Medeo — iconic high-altitude rink, open November-March

• Cable car rides — scenic gondola from Medeo to Shymbulak (3.4 km)

• Mountain biking — trails suitable for experienced riders

• Photography — Big Almaty Lake is one of Kazakhstan's most photographed spots

• Medeo restaurant — mid-range Kazakh and European cuisine
• Shymbulak mountain cafes — meals at 2,260 m
• Piknik cafe (Gorelnik trailhead) — budget Kazakh food
• Bring a packed lunch — most visitors eat on the trail

• Shymbulak après-ski bars — drinks and snacks
• Mountain spring water — safe to drink from marked springs

• Budget: Medeo hostel — 5,000-8,000 KZT
• Mid-range: Shymbulak Hotel — 20,000-35,000 KZT (ski-in/ski-out)
• Upscale: Rixos Shymbulak — luxury mountain resort
• Camping — limited camping zones, permit required

• Medeo souvenir stalls — Kazakh handicrafts
• Shymbulak shops — ski equipment and gear (expensive)

• Almaty — Kazakhstan's largest city
• Altyn-Emel National Park (250 km) — Singing Dune
• Charyn Canyon (200 km) — red rock formations