Almaty sights. Medeo-Shymbulak

No vacation in the southern capital is accomplished without a visit to the mountains

The Ile-Alatau National Park is located in the Zailiyskiy Alatau, to the south of Almaty. The protected area is 198,669 hectares and has a large number of unique natural wonders to visit. In this article, we will inform you about several of them, located within walking distance from each other.

Residents and guests of the southern capital come here every weekend and even more frequently. During the cold season, you must go skiing to Shymbulak, skating to Medeo. And in the summer, climb the mountains, plunge into thermal mineral springs, refresh yourself in a mountain stream, observe waterfalls, breathe fresh air. The endemics of this region are the Tian Shan firs. Unique trees reach 60 meters in height and 2 meters in diameter.

Butakovskoe Gorge

Butakovskoe gorge (Butakovka) is an easy route for mountain trekking. During the hot summer, the whole city gathers in the favorite place of Almaty residents to decompress in the coolness of the firs and the mountain river Butakovka. At the end of the hiking route, there is a natural waterfall of the same name. It has everything you need for rest: pure air, breathtaking views, the opportunity to fully experience all delights of being in nature.

Medeo

Medeo is the world's largest high-altitude winter sports complex. The skating rink is located at an altitude of 1691 m. above sea level. The crystal clear mountain water is used to fill the ice. The conditions of the highlands contributed to the achievement of high results in speed skating. Totally over 200 world records have been set here at all distances among men and women. Therefore, Medeo was nicknamed the "factory of records".

In the cold season, the skating rink is available for everyone.

Gorelnik

The hot radon waters of Gorelnik have beneficial properties and help cure many skin diseases. Immersion in these waters decreases blood pressure, reduces inflammation, cleanses the skin, improves the functioning of the sebaceous glands, heals, and restores your power.

The Gorelnik complex consists of two fonts with thermal waters, equipped locker rooms, a shower, a place to relax, and a sports ground. Entrance to the "Gorelnik" is free.

Shymbulak

The natural conditions of the Shymbulak gorge made it possible to create ski slopes of various intensity levels. For example, the length of the route starting from the Talgar pass is 3500 m. and allows you to develop maximum velocity throughout its entire length. The height difference is 900-1000 m. For the convenience of athletes, a cable car was stretched from the Medeo skating rink to the highest point of Shymbulak, located above the clouds. Several points of the route allow you to choose the route according to the degree of training.

The abundance of facilities in the resort will make your stay comfortable.

Been to the mountains: Gaziza Gabi

Translator-editor: Chingiz Smakov

Photos: from the archives of press services