We caught the #12 bus up to the ice rink. The bus was very full, and it was worth getting on before the often publicised stop outside the Kazakhstan hotel on Dostyk Avenue (that is just around the corner). The bus stop to get off for the cable cars is a few hundred yards short of the ice rink - you can't miss it.

We chose to get a return trip to the very top costing 3,500T each and it was a great choice. After 3 separate sections, each in nicely enclosed cars, we reached the top to see beautiful scenery including glaciers and snowy peaks. We wandered around for about 90 minutes. There is a small bar at the terminus (the 3,200 metre bar) which was surpringly reasonable, but with little food.

We rturned down to the mid way station hoping to get lunch. There is a small hotel there (SnEG) with a nice open deck. The mulled wine was lovely, but pricey at almost 2,000T each. The food service was very slow and the staff inattentive, and when food did come it was the wrong order. We paid for the drinks and left. They also had a small circus troup act to entertain customers which we thought unnecessary and distracting given the fact people come for the views.

We then transited down to the first and main station. This is the one you can visit for 'just' 2,500T return. It is not as scenic as the higher ones, and has a range of average restaurants. It also had a band outside playing bad 1980's dance music very loudly. Why someone thought this was appropriate we had no idea. We covered our ears and caught the cable car back to the bottom. Had we only paid for the lower priced ticket this all we would have seen, and we would have been very disappointed.

It was about 3pm when we returned, and rather than wait for the bus there we walked up to the ice rink. This was a good idea as the crowds waiting for the bus meant the first bus was full to bursting and did not stop at the cable car bus stop at all. We caught the second which also ended up being full (so most people had to stand). Perhaps the crowds were due to it being during the school holidays.

In summary, a great trip, but we strongly recommend that you pay that little bit more and go all the way to the third station.

Very quiet,peaceful and beautiful place.Kinda bit expensive for nothing.there is many restaurants nd cafe but prices are high so if u get cold better bring food nd tea with urself.in summer its nt much interesting better to visit in winter.

Hi everyone. Im from turkey. And this place is the most usefull place I have ever seen. Cafes and restaurant were very smart and near the ski-run. And also there were an hotel middle of the ski-run. Every part of there, Ideal for all new and professional skiers. It was beatiful..