Delegate Tour Activities - QS Higher Ed Pre-Summit: Asia Pacific

Booking Your Excursion

Experience the charm of Almaty with this comprehensive city tour, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Almaty has something to captivate every traveler.

Price per person from 50$ ~ 24 000 KZT (group of 10 people) for one excursion.

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City Tour

Almaty city tour. Embark on an unforgettable journey through Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture. This comprehensive city tour will take you to the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, providing a deep dive into the essence of Almaty. On this excursion you will visit: the Shymbulak ski resort, the famous high-mountain skating rink Medeo, visit a park with a delightful panoramic view, which is located on Mount Kok-Tobe.

Total length of the route by transport: ~ 42 km. The walking part is 1-2 km.

Excursion Programme

Direction 1 (Medeu+Koktobe)

Time	Location	Note and Features
13.00-13.10	Gathering in the parking lot of KazNU (Palace of Students)	General gathering of tourists, instructions, introduction to the guide. Boarding the transport
13.10-14.30	Departure towards the high-mountain skating rink “Medeu”. Arrival, acquaintance with the location.	Length – 18 km.
14.30-15.30	GLK “Shymbulak”. Excursion.	Ascent to Shymbulak on an eco-bus (10-12 people), conducting excursions.
15.30-16.00	Lunch at the Assorti Shymbulak restaurant	Average check for lunch: 5000-6000 tenge.
16.00-17.00	Descent to Medeo. Departure to the city towards Kok-Tobe	Length – 13 km.
17.00-18.00	Arrival at the Kok-Tobe observation deck, local excursion	Showing objects by a guide, getting acquainted with the location.
18.00-18.30	Departure to the city, return to the beginning of the route.	Length – 10 km.

Hiking Tour

Hiking tour. Ile-Alatau National Park is a unique natural complex in the Trans-Ili Alatau, in the north-west of the Tien Shan, and is under state protection. It is characterized by the complexity and beauty of the landscape, as well as amazing biodiversity.

The history of the Japanese road is unique and dates back to the mid-twentieth century. In 3-3.5 hours, which will take to cover the entire distance of the trail, every tourist will be able to deeply feel the atmosphere of history imbued along the way. The trail was built on the steep rocky slope of the Bolshaya Almatinka River gorge by Japanese prisoners of war, hence the name – Japanese Road. This winding road is clearly visible from the Ayusai Visitor Centre.

On the one hand, the route is close to the city, and on the other, it is a real mountain track. You will have panoramic views of the city and the gorge. You will be able to look firsthand at a project that used a colossal number of human resources. Just imagine, a man cut through a mountain to build tunnels for water – adits, of which there are two on the Japanese Trail.

Excursion Programme

Direction 2 (Ayusai)

Time	Location	Note and Features
13.00-13.10	Gathering in the parking lot of KazNU (Palace of Students)	General gathering of tourists, instructions, introduction to the guide. Boarding the transport
13.10-14.00	Arrival at the Visit Center “Ayusai” (Great Almaty Gorge)	Length – 21 km.
14.00-15.30	Ascent and descent along the Japanese trail (to the first saddle, ascent)	The length of the walking path along the slope, descent and ascent – 3-4 km (round trip)
15.30-16.30	Lunch at the Tary Ayusai restaurant	Average check for lunch: 5500-6000 tenge.
16.30-17.30	Excursion around the vicinity of the Visit Center “Ayusai” (Ayuly waterfall, first and second cascades).	The length of the walking path along the flat section is 2-3 km (round trip)
17.30-18.00	Departure to the city, return to the beginning of the route.	Length – 21 km.
		Total length of the route by transport: ~ 52 km. The walking part is 5 km.

Practical Information

Tips for the Tour:

Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and the weather conditions.
Cash: Bring some local currency (Kazakhstani tenge) for market purchases and small expenses.
Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning sights and vibrant culture of Almaty.

Duration: Full-day tour (approximately 5-6 hours)
Language: English-speaking guide (other languages available upon request)
Inclusions: Entrance fees to all attractions, transportation, and guide services
Exclusions: Meals and personal expenses