Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Almaty

Almaty is one of the rare capitals of two-wheel riding where the mountains start almost at the edge of the city. Head south from the centre and within half an hour the road is climbing switchbacks toward Big Almaty Lake, a turquoise alpine lake sitting at roughly 2,500m, or winding up the Medeu Gorge past the famous ice rink toward the gondola base at Shymbulak. Rent a motorcycle in Almaty and these places stop being day-trip photographs other people took and become somewhere you rode to yourself, wind, altitude and all.

What makes this city genuinely suited to riding two wheels is the terrain around it. Almaty sits right at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau range, so many of its best destinations aren't flat highway drives but winding mountain roads with altitude changes and the odd gravel stretch, exactly the kind of riding a motorcycle handles more naturally, and more enjoyably, than a car. Closer to the centre, dense traffic and scarce parking make a bike far more practical than four wheels for getting around downtown as well.

Top 10 things to see in Almaty by motorcycle

1. Big Almaty Lake (Bolshoe Almatinskoe Ozero) — the classic Almaty ride, a paved-then-gravel mountain road climbing to an alpine lake at around 2,500m, with a checkpoint along the way.
2. Kok-Tobe Hill — a short climb above the city for a panoramic view over Almaty and the Trans-Ili Alatau range.
3. Medeu (Medeu Ice Rink) — an easy, scenic run up the Medeu Gorge to the world's highest-altitude skating rink.
4. Shymbulak (Chimbulak) Ski Resort — continue past Medeu on a winding mountain road to the gondola base of Kazakhstan's main ski resort.
5. Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles) — a full-day highway ride east of the city to a dramatic red-rock canyon often compared to a mini Grand Canyon.
6. Kolsai Lakes — a longer ride toward the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border area for pine-forested alpine lakes.
7. Assy Plateau — a high-altitude grassland plateau reached via a twisty mountain pass, loved for its remoteness and views.
8. Big Almaty Gorge / Ozerny waterfall road — the mountain approach toward Big Almaty Lake, full of switchbacks and forest scenery.
9. Kaindy Lake — reached on the same road as Kolsai, famous for its sunken forest rising out of turquoise water.
10. Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral — a central, easy in-city ride to Almaty's landmark wooden cathedral and war memorial park.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Almaty?

You'll need a valid motorcycle licence, plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home licence. The legal minimum age is 18, but most rental companies set the bar higher, often 21 and up, and may ask for one to two years of riding experience. Expect to leave a deposit, either in cash or as a card hold, along with your passport details for identification — keep the physical passport with you, though, since you may need to show ID at police checkpoints.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Almaty?

Average rental prices run around 11,500 KZT per day in low season, climbing to roughly 17,000–23,000 KZT per day in high season. Larger-displacement or adventure bikes typically cost more, from about 25,000 to 35,000+ KZT per day.

• Prices peak from June to August, the busiest months for mountain riding.
• Prices drop from November to March, when snow limits access to the high mountain roads.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Almaty?

High season runs June to August, when demand and prices both climb, so booking a few weeks ahead is wise if you want your pick of bikes. Low season stretches from November to March, with cheaper daily rates but fewer mountain routes open due to snow. May–June and September–early October tend to offer the best balance: mountain roads are generally clear and prices haven't hit their summer peak.

Local traffic rules in Almaty

Kazakhstan drives on the right. Helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger on any motorcycle or scooter. Speed limits are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 100–110 km/h on main highways. Alcohol tolerance is zero — no measurable blood alcohol is allowed behind the handlebars. Ride with dipped headlights on at all times outside town, and be ready to stop at the traffic police checkpoints common on intercity routes, showing your licence, IDP and vehicle documents.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!