Medeu, Almaty

Nestled at the foot of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, in the valley of the Malaya Almatinka River, lies one of the most scenic gorges in Almaty—Medeu Gorge. Evergreen trees, with their centuries-old canopies, cover the area in a lush green blanket, sitting between the mountains Mokhnataya Sopka and Serkebay.

At the start of the 21st century, Medeu, along with the Butakovskoe and Shymbulak gorges, became part of the State Regional Natural Park “Medeu.” Despite its new protected status, the area faced illegal construction activities, which began to impact the region’s wildlife and vegetation. In response, Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, ordered the inclusion of Medeu in the national list of natural heritage sites. This decision was vital for preserving the unique landscape and safeguarding rare species in the region. As a result, the recreational, cultural, and ecological significance of Medeu and its surroundings was restored.

To protect the city of Almaty from mudslides, a 150-meter dam was constructed in Medeu during Soviet times. Visitors can ascend to the top of the dam via stairs, where they are rewarded with breathtaking views of the gorge. A cable car also runs above the gorge, connecting visitors to the Shymbulak ski resort. This cableway stretches over 4.5 kilometers.

The Medeu High-Mountain Sports Complex is an iconic symbol of Almaty, evoking images of snow-capped peaks, the smooth glide of skates, and a lively atmosphere.

Built in the mid-20th century at an elevation of 1,691 meters above sea level, the Medeu ice rink holds the title of the highest-altitude ice rink in the world. It has a seating capacity of over 8,000 spectators. Perhaps it’s the pure mountain air that gives athletes an edge because Medeu has become known for breaking world records in speed skating. The rink’s ice is made using crystal-clear mountain water, which sets a standard for quality and offers skaters an unmatched experience. Over the years, the complex has hosted a variety of championships and prestigious events, including the USSR Bandy Championship, the Speedway World Final, and the Kazakhstan Cup in speed skating. Esteemed athletes, such as Lyudmila Voronina, Viktor Proshin, and Nikolay Statkevich, have graced its ice.

Even today, Medeu remains a vital training center for professional athletes, where daily lessons in speed skating and short track are held. And if you’re not an athlete but dream of learning how to skate, there’s a school with instructors who will help you gain confidence on the ice.

Since 2022, the complex has operated year-round, so now you can skate even in the warmer months, thanks to the indoor ice rink. In addition to skating, visitors can enjoy other activities, such as bandy, rollerblading, a skatepark, and a gym. Notably, the rollerblading arena is adorned with the largest horizontal graffiti artwork in Central Asia. There’s also a photo zone where you can learn about the history of the stadium.

Within the complex, you’ll find several cafes and restaurants, though drinking alcohol is prohibited.