Medeu sits in the Medeu gorge of the Small Almaty river valley, about 15 km south-east of central Almaty, Kazakhstan, at 1,691 m above sea level. The complex is best known for its high-altitude outdoor ice rink, historically one of the largest of its kind in the world and a venue for speed skating records. The rink itself is currently closed for reconstruction, with reopening reported for the end of 2027 or 2028, so a visit today centres on the setting rather than skating.
What visitors actually see is a mountain-gorge landscape of steep, spruce-dotted slopes, the rink's concrete amphitheatre and a long stairway rising beside the dam. A massive mudflow-protection dam above the complex, built in the 1960s and 1970s to shield Almaty from glacial mudflows, is a prominent engineering feature and is accessible on foot. Climbing the stairs gives a broad view down the gorge toward the city and up the valley toward the peaks. The area around the complex is free to enter and open daily, with kiosks and small cafes near the base.
Medeu is also the lower gateway to Shymbulak. The Medeu-Shymbulak gondola departs from here, so many visitors combine the two stops in one trip, using Medeu as a short warm-up or as a quieter alternative when time or budget is limited. Walkers can follow paths along the river and the slopes beside the dam, while the air is noticeably cooler and fresher than in the city.
A typical stop lasts one to two hours. Morning is the best time, before afternoon crowds arrive, and weekdays are quietest. Weekends and summer afternoons bring heavy traffic on the access road and busy car parks, and queues for the gondola can lengthen. Spring and autumn offer clear air and fewer visitors, while winter brings snow cover and a more alpine feel. Getting there is straightforward by city bus 12 to the Medeu terminus, or by taxi booked through Yandex Go or inDrive, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the centre depending on traffic.
| Admission | Area free; rink closed |
|---|---|
| Hours | Surrounding area and dam open daily; the ice rink itself is closed for reconstruction (reopening reported for end of 2027 or 2028) |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Morning, before the afternoon crowds; weekdays are quietest |
| Getting there | City bus 12 to the Medeu terminus; taxi via Yandex Go or inDrive (about 30-40 minutes from the centre) |
| Address | Gornaya Street, Medeu, Almaty (end of the road in the Small Almaty river valley) |
Location
Gornaya Street, Medeu, Almaty (end of the road in the Small Almaty river valley)
43.1571, 77.0594 View on map
Highlights
- Mountain-gorge setting at 1,691 m in the Small Almaty river valley
- The large high-altitude rink complex, closed for reconstruction
- Stairway beside the mudflow-protection dam with views down to Almaty
- Starting point for the Medeu-Shymbulak gondola
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning on a weekday for the lightest crowds and easiest road access.
- Check the current status of the rink before travelling, since it is closed for reconstruction.
- Bus 12 to the Medeu terminus is the cheapest way up; taxis take about 30-40 minutes.
- Wear layers and sturdy shoes, as the gorge is cooler than the city and the stairs are long.
- Combine with Shymbulak by gondola if the day is clear.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are calmest; spring and autumn give clear air, and winter adds snow-covered scenery.
Accessibility
The base area around the complex is relatively level, but the stairway beside the dam is long and steep with no known alternative lift. Wheelchair access to the viewpoints is limited.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Medeu ice rink open?
No. The rink is closed for reconstruction, with reopening reported for the end of 2027 or 2028. The surrounding area and dam remain open daily.
How long does a visit to Medeu take?
One to two hours is typical for the dam stairway, viewpoints and a drink, longer when continuing to Shymbulak by gondola.
Does it cost anything to visit?
Entering the area is free. Costs arise only for the gondola, food and transport.
How do visitors get to Medeu?
City bus 12 runs to the Medeu terminus, and taxis through Yandex Go or inDrive take about 30-40 minutes from the centre.