Bogdanovich Glacier by hiking and Shymbulak ski resort
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Shymbulak features a wide range of ski slopes suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced riders. The resort has modern ski lifts, including gondolas and chairlifts, providing easy access to well-groomed pistes and off-piste areas. The longest ski run stretches for more than 3 kilometers, with a vertical drop of approximately 900 meters.
The glacier stretches at an altitude of approximately 3,200–3,400 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 1 square kilometer. It is named after Russian geographer and explorer Bogdanovich, who studied the region. The glacier is surrounded by rocky peaks and steep mountain slopes, creating a dramatic high-altitude landscape.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Shymbulak
Shymbulak Ski Resort is the largest and most popular ski resort in Kazakhstan, located in the picturesque Zailiysky Alatau Mountains near Almaty. Situated at an altitude of about 2,200 meters above sea level, the resort offers breathtaking alpine scenery and clean mountain air.
The Bogdanovich Glacier is one of the most famous and accessible glaciers in Kazakhstan, located in the northern Tien Shan Mountains near Almaty. It lies on the northern slope of the Zailiysky Alatau range, close to the popular Shymbulak ski resort and above the Medeu Valley.
What‘s Included
Hiking sticks
English speaking guide
Shoe spikes
Hot tea
Cable car ticket
Pickup points
Kazakhfilm Hotel
Kazakhfilm Microdistrict, 18A Almaty Kazakhstan
Options
Bogdanovich glacier
Pickup included
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent and well worth it
arunsM9233WL,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the trip with John, who was very helpful throughout. Spoke excellent English and had a good banter going most of the time. There was some confusion with other group members in the morning which led to a delayed pickup by an hour, and eventually eating up our lunch time. The trip to the glacier was extremely rewarding - such a surreal experience walking under the frozen glacier. Do note that going into the cave is optional and you need to pay 3000 KZT extra - pls carry cash. Overall, the trek is not very difficult, with just some moderate level bouldering at some spots. Only feedback is if a buffer is factored in for delays so lunch isn’t missed out - was famished by the time you return to the hotel by 5PM, as you start the day at 6AM, and are running only on breakfast
A good introduction to Kazakhstan!
Margaret G,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great introduction to Almaty. We saw a lot and learned about the history and culture of Kazakhstan. Amir was a great guide for our first day here.
I liked the tour
beatrizaurora g,,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour is good, the guide is very friendly and shares a lot of information visit the most important points of the city
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Operated by Kazakhstan Very Nice