Shymbulak, Bogbanovisch Glacier and Oktabriskaya Cave Hike
Overview
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Take a guided hike (2 km - one way) to the Bogdanovich Glacier and Oktyabrskaya Cave from Shymbulak Ski Resort. Reach an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level and enjoy a scenic hike to the glacier. Start by taking the cable car to Shymbylak Ski Resort.
Visit the hidden gem of Oktyabrskaya Cave. Tucked away in the heart of the mountains, this ice cave feels like stepping into a secret world with its fascinating ice and rock formations and a sense of mystery that will spark your curiosity.
Equipped with helmets, hiking poles, and spikes for safety, capture magical photos of the glacier and enjoy a scenic outdoor lunch. Pack snacks like sandwiches, chocolate, and tea to savor at the glacier.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Shymbulak is a modern ski resort located in the stunning Medeu Valley in Almaty. From Medeu, you take a cable car up to the third station at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The resort is known for its high-quality slopes, mild climate, and breathtaking mountain views. It offers excellent facilities, including equipment rental, cozy cafés, and hotels, making it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Bogdanovich Glacier is a picturesque mountain glacier located near Almaty, on the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau range. Known for its impressive alpine scenery, the glacier sits at an altitude of around 3,500 meters and offers stunning views of surrounding peaks. It is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts exploring the high-mountain landscapes above Shymbulak.
What‘s Included
Spikes for shoes
English-Speaking Guide
Helmet
Sitting pad
Hiking poles
Snacks
Lunch
Bottled water
Shymbulak Cable Car
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Bogdanovich Glacier
Pickup included
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Almaty glacier hike
Kayvan M,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The scenery and the views are breathtaking. Adam was very accommodating. He is an excellent tour guide. I highly recommend this tour.
Best Hike Yet!
Arjunsingh T,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was honestly the highlight of my trip. The views are incredible the whole way. It’s a bit challenging but nothing too crazy if you’re reasonably fit, and definitely worth the effort. Our guide Yerkin aka Adam was amazing. He was very friendly, knew the area well, was an absolute expert and made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the hike. Everything felt smooth and well-paced. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Almaty.
2 friendly guides, patient...
Bambang D,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.002 guides are friendly, patient, friendly and very helpfull, not hunting suitable for mature participants either solo or couple traveller
One of the best...
Roza a,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best experiences ive ever had! Truly amazing. Viktor our guide was very helpful and helped us as beginners to hiking.
Amazing Experience
Go32258332352,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience, the Glacier is very scenic and crazy beautiful, our guide Victor was genuinely experienced and very friendly. Enjoyed a lot!
100% recommended.
Althea A,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our trip to Shymbulak and the hike to the glacier was an unforgettable experience. It was definitely tiring, but every step was worth it. The views were absolutely stunning, and the whole adventure was filled with fun and excitement. I especially enjoyed sliding in the snow—it was such a fun and memorable moment. Our tour guide made the journey even better; he was very fun to be with and encouraging throughout the trip. Despite the exhaustion, our truly enjoyed every moment and would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is fit loves nature and adventure. Please read the instructions given before hiking, you must have a proper snow attire because the cold is not kidding😁
Victor and Bogdonavich Glacier were awesome!
cheytea,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I moved to Almaty in August on a work visa, and we've gone on quite a few guided tours to get used to the nature in Kazakhstan and this tour was totally worth it! Our guide Victor had great English skills, was easy to talk to, funny, knowledgeable about history and nature, and a great photographer (he took so many amazing photos and some hilarious ones too). He was also really attentive when it came to our safety on and around the ice. Out of all the tour companies we've gone to the mountains with, this one is the most worth it. We did our tour yesterday, and I've already recommended this company and specifically this tour to at least 5 friends lol. Also, the hike was very moderate, I think the majority of people will find no problem at all doing this hike, you take the cable cars all the way up Shymbulak so you get to see the skiers and snowboarders too! Lots of fun coffee places and lunch places along the way too.
Moderate Hike, Great Views, Exceptional Guide!
Low E,Mar 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went on this hike on a sunny day (5-10C), which was pretty ideal for the hike as visibility was good and it was not too cold or windy. The hike goes from the combi-2, the top of Shymbulak ski resort via an unmarked path to the glacier. The hike was manageable (for a non-sporty guy like me), but there is a section with a steep incline that will quite tiring to complete, especially with the thinner air. The hike is absolutely worth it though, as the inside October cave is truly a unique and beautiful. My guide, Yerkin is an exceptionally helpful and friendly guy, as well as a great drone photographer.
From US$100.00
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