Almaty → Shymbulak transfer
Shymbulak, Kazakhstan's biggest ski resort, is 25 km above Almaty — but private cars cannot drive the last stretch. Every transfer to "Shymbulak" ends at the Medeu gondola station, where the ski rental has moved; the gondola does the rest.
- Distance25 km
- Drive time48 min
- Pricefrom $40
Inside Kazakhstan the trip is operated by a licensed Kazakh partner driver; we arrange and stand behind it.
Almaty → Shymbulak: price per car
| Car | Per car one way | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Camry or similar | $40 ≈ 20,500 ₸ | $20 | $13 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Starex / Delica | $55 ≈ 28,000 ₸ | $28 | $18 | $14 | $9 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Land Cruiser / Prado / UAZ | $75 ≈ 38,500 ₸ | $38 | $25 | $19 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $110 ≈ 56,000 ₸ | $55 | $37 | $28 | $18 |
English-speaking driver +$15–20 · return — same price. Prices updated 12 October 2026.
The road
Dostyk avenue and the Medeu road up the Small Almaty gorge to the lower gondola station. In 2026 the city council banned petrol and diesel cars on the Medeu–Shymbulak road, and all cars at weekends.
Good to know
- Gondola Medeu–Shymbulak return about 12,000 tenge (September 2026).
- Almaty airport → Medeu: same price, driver helps with skis to the gondola.
- Cheaper skiing next door: Karakol in Kyrgyzstan costs roughly half — see Almaty → Karakol.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, tolls
- Meet & greet with name sign at airports, 60 min free waiting
- Stops on the way where you ask (up to 1 h in total)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Pay the driver in cash or card — no prepayment for transfers
Almaty → Shymbulak: questions
Can a taxi take me up to Shymbulak?
No — private cars are not allowed on the Medeu–Shymbulak road; you take the gondola from Medeu.
How much is a transfer to Medeu?
$40 by sedan from the city or airport, $55 minivan with skis.
Who drives?
Licensed Kazakh partner drivers.