Hiking In Shymbulak - An Iconic Experience of Perseverance and Rewards
A year earlier, I spent my summer travelling across Central Asia. I had the opportunity to hike in some of the most beautiful landscapes across the region, most notably, Ala-Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan.
Living abroad in Almaty provided opportunities to take on some new and fun activities during my time in Kazakhstan. One such area to visit was the famous Shymbulak Ski Resort. Located about 45 minutes south of Almaty, Shymbulak is a high profile ski resort during the winter month and a tourist hiking paradise in high season.
After plans with a group of people to Shymbulak fell through, I was determined to visit and hike the mountain at my own pace. With only a couple bottles of water, a few protein bars and a few apples provided to me by a Russian family I met in the cable car, my adrenaline rush was at a high level. This proved to be one of the key factors in allowing me to accomplish the hike up to Talgar Peak, the highest point in Shymbulak.
Riding the cable car with a friendly Russian family, I practiced my Russian and received an apple from them for my hike to Talgar Peak.
How to Get To Shymbulak?
As a newcomer to Almaty, finding my way to Shymbulak was a bit of a challenge. After some research, I was able to pinpoint the correct drop-off point. Fortunately, a Yandex taxi got me to the right ticket office, and I felt a sense of relief as I headed to the cable car station.
What is Shymbulak and Significance?
Shymbulak is the largest sky resort in Central Asia and part of the Medeu Valley along the Alatau Mountain range running along southern Kazakhstan. Popular for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days and large amount of snow during the winter months, Shymbulak offers character and vibes for locals and travellers alike! While I am not a skier, for ski gurus and winter maniacs, Shymbulak is a definite visit when hitting up the slopes.
One of the first downhill routes in the Soviet Union in the 1940s, Shymbulak hosted many skier competitions such as the USSR Championships in 1961 and Silver Edelweissee prize skiing events. Shymbulak has previously participated in Olympic bids for alpine and downhill skiing events and could be a potential candidate for a future Winter Olympics if Almaty successfully gets awarded the spectacle one day.
Riding the Cable Car.
Shymbulak features three cable car levels, each with a different stop. The first leg of the journey was in an enclosed cable car, where I met a Russian family living in Almaty. Our conversation, in basic Russian, made the ride more enjoyable. The second leg, on an open ski lift, was thrilling—soaring up the mountain in the open air, cautiously taking videos and pictures. The final ascent to the top summit greeted me with breathtaking views, cooler temperatures, and winds blowing from all directions.
A view of Shymbulak from the ski lifts! Hanging on the chair, I imagined how different this scene would be during ski season, bustling with skiers.
I stumbled upon a tall mountain that led to Talgar Peak, the highest summit in Shymbulak. After making a judgment call, I kindly left the lunch table at a lookout restaurant to attempt the hike up the mountain. My adrenaline rush began to increase and I began the ascent up the mountain.
Taking in the views of the Alatau Mountain range from the top of Shymbulak Ski Resort. Just 50-60 km south lies the border with Kyrgyzstan.
The Ascent to Talgar Peak
At the top, I spotted a towering mountain that led to Talgar Peak, Shymbulak's highest summit. After a quick decision, I left a lookout restaurant and began my ascent. My adrenaline surged as I started the climb, drawing on memories of my trek in Ala-Archa the previous year. I was determined to conquer Talgar Peak and experience the reward that awaited at the top.
Disclaimer: Hiking in Shymbulak without a guide requires careful planning and isn’t recommended for travelers with limited experience. I strongly advise hiring a local or licensed guide to ensure safety and provide guidance throughout the hike.
Along the way, I met fellow travellers from Armenia and Egypt, with whom I hiked to the first lookout. Later, I joined a Kazakh-Turkish girl for the remainder of the ascent. The climb was challenging—rocky platforms with little margin for error—but I persevered. Finally, I reached the summit, standing at 3,155 meters above sea level. The view was nothing short of spectacular.
At the summit of Talgar Peak, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Almaty region in Kazakhstan.
Leaning over the edge, taking in the expansive horizon, was the most epic highlight of my time in Kazakhstan so far. I spent a good 15 minutes at the peak, reflecting on the journey and savoring the moment before beginning the treacherous, yet exhilarating, descent. The way down wasn’t without its mishaps—I had a couple of falls and bruised my palm—but eventually, I reached the gondola level and made my way back to the mountain's base.
Standing on top of the peak, I felt on top of the world, overlooking the iconic mountain views. Photos can't capture the true essence of this in-person experience.
Post-Hike Bliss
Exhausted and with adrenaline fading, I treated myself to a well-deserved meal at Dardzvani, indulging in delicious Georgian cuisine. Devouring a whole khachapuri and beef dumplings felt like pure bliss. Satisfied, I returned to my apartment to reflect on the day and take pride in having conquered Shymbulak.
My adventure at Shymbulak set a high bar for future hikes and reminded me of the thrill of pushing my limits. It’s an experience that has become a cornerstone of my time living in Almaty.
