Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Cable Cars & Mountain Railways

Medeu–Shymbulak Gondola

Almaty, Kazakhstan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST CABLE CARS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 35 2026
Medeu–Shymbulak Gondola

Three-stage gondola and chairlift line from Medeu valley up to Talgar Pass, about 3,200 metres. Riders see green valleys, peaks and glaciers on the way, and find cafés, restaurants and a prayer room at the stations and summit.

Highlights

  • Shymbulak station
  • Talgar Pass
  • Tian Shan peaks

Good to know

  • Round-trip ticket 12,000 tenge, one-way not sold
  • Top is cold, bring a jacket
  • Weather changes fast, rain and fog possible

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