Overview
The descent from T-1 back to the Shymbulak gondola station reverses the morning route: moraine to Mynzhylki dam (45 min), through the Bastions and Tuyuksu Gate (1 hour), to the Shymbulak base (30 min). Total descent time is approximately 2.5–3 hours. The gondola returns to Medeu (15–20 min); from there Dostyk Avenue leads back to Almaty. The last gondola departure is typically 19:30 on standard operating days — confirm this before leaving the glacier. The drive back to central Almaty takes 35–40 minutes.
Open Descent Almaty in maps
Choose a map provider for this destination.
These links open only this place, not a full road-trip route. Links open in a new tab. 2GIS opens the map point; start navigation there.
Gallery
.jpg){kind=link}
Jump to visit notes
Visit notes
Viewing visit notes for Tuyuk-Su Glacier
Descent — return to Almaty
Step 8 · 8 km from previous · 150 min drive
The descent from T-1 back to the Shymbulak gondola station reverses the morning route: moraine to Mynzhylki dam (45 min), through the Bastions and Tuyuksu Gate (1 hour), to the Shymbulak base (30 min). Total descent time is approximately 2.5–3 hours. The gondola returns to Medeu (15–20 min); from there Dostyk Avenue leads back to Almaty. The last gondola departure is typically 19:30 on standard operating days — confirm this before leaving the glacier. The drive back to central Almaty takes 35–40 minutes.