Kok-Tobe translates from Kazakh as "Green Hill." It is not just a hill on the southern outskirts of Almaty — it is the city`s main viewing platform, a place from which the most impressive view of the metropolis and the mountains opens up. The hill rises above the city at 1,100 meters above sea level (approximately 150 meters above the city), and from it, Almaty can be seen as if on the palm of your hand.
The history of Kok-Tobe Mountain Park as a tourist destination began in the 1960s, when the first cable car was built here. In those years, Alma-Ata was actively developing, and the city authorities decided to create a recreational area for citizens with a view of the city. The first cable car was relatively simple, but even then it became popular — residents and guests of the city flocked to the hill to see Alma-Ata from above.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the park gradually improved: alleys, benches, and cafes appeared, and a viewing platform was built at the summit. In Soviet times, it was a quiet place for walks, where families would come to breathe fresh air and admire the panorama.
After Kazakhstan gained independence, and especially in the 2000s, Kok-Tobe Mountain Park was given a new life. The park was reconstructed, new attractions and restaurants appeared, and the cable car was completely replaced with a modern one. Today, Kok-Tobe is not just a viewing platform, but a full-fledged amusement park and one of Almaty`s main tourist attractions.
Cable Car: The Path to the Sky
The modern cable car to Kok-Tobe was built in 2006 (according to some sources, completed in 2008) and completely replaced the old one, which had become outdated back in Soviet times. The new cable car uses Austrian technology, which guarantees safety and comfort.
The cable car begins in the city center, next to the Sports Palace and Almaty Stadium (in the area of Seifullin Avenue), and ascends to the summit of Kok-Tobe. The length of the cable car is about 1.5 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 5–8 minutes. The cabins are enclosed, with panoramic windows, and are designed for 6–8 people. They move smoothly and quietly, allowing you to enjoy the unfolding view.
Along the way, the cabins pass over residential areas in the southern part of the city — first over low-rise buildings, then over cottage settlements and green zones. It is especially beautiful to look at the city in clear weather: on the left, you can see the city center with its high-rises; on the right, the green slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau; and below, the streets along which the city`s life flows. As you ascend, the city grows smaller, and the mountains grow closer.
At the summit, there is a cable car station with turnstiles and an exit to the viewing platform. There is also a small square with a fountain and benches, from which all routes through the park begin.
Views from Kok-Tobe Park: City and Mountains
The main reason people come here is the views. From Kok-Tobe, a 360-degree panorama of Almaty opens up. And it is impressive:
To the north — the entire city is visible: from the southern neighborhoods to the northern industrial zones. The city`s main street — Abay Avenue, which crosses all of Almaty from east to west — is clearly visible. In clear weather, you can even see the outskirts of the city, and sometimes the Kuldzha Highway heading toward China.
To the south — the Trans-Ili Alatau. The mountains here seem very close: snowy peaks, gorges, green slopes. Talgar Peak (4,973 m) and Abay Peak (4,010 m) are clearly visible, as are the Kok-Zhaylyau and Medeu gorges. On clear days, the snow on the peaks sparkles so brightly that you cannot take your eyes off it.
At sunset — Kok-Tobe becomes a place for romantics. The sun sets behind the mountains, and the city begins to light up. This is one of the best moments for photos. It is especially beautiful when, on one side, the city lights have already been turned on, while on the other, the orange sky above the mountains is still visible.
Kok-Tobe TV Tower: A Symbol at the Summit
At the highest point of Kok-Tobe, at an elevation of 1,130 meters above sea level, stands Almaty`s main television tower — the Kok-Tobe TV Tower. Its height is 371 meters (according to other sources, about 372 meters), making it one of the tallest television towers in the world among structures of this type. For comparison: it is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris (330 meters including the antenna) and nearly twice as tall as the Astana-Baiterek monument in Astana. The tower was built in 1983 and has since remained the main television and radio broadcasting center not only for Almaty but for the entire southeastern region of Kazakhstan.
Unique Construction
The Kok-Tobe TV Tower is not just a metal mast. Its structure combines a reinforced concrete shaft and a metal antenna mounted on the upper section. This solution was chosen for a reason: Kok-Tobe is located in a seismically active zone, and the tower had to withstand earthquakes and strong winds, which are typical for the foothill area.
What Can Be Seen from the Tower
There are no viewing platforms for visitors on the tower itself — access to the top is closed to tourists for safety reasons. However, the tower itself is an important landmark visible from any point in the city. It dominates Almaty`s skyline and can be spotted even from the outskirts. At sunset, when the sun illuminates the tower from behind, it looks especially striking: against the backdrop of the mountains and the orange sky, it becomes an elegant silhouette that photographers consider one of the most beautiful subjects for shooting in Almaty.
Golden Music: The Beatles Monument
One of the most unexpected attractions of Kok-Tobe Mountain Park is the monument to the Beatles. It was installed here in 2007 and became the first monument to the Liverpool four in the post-Soviet space. Bronze figures of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr stand on a small platform with a view of the city.
The monument did not appear here by chance. In the late 1990s, Sir Paul McCartney came to Almaty on tour. During his visit, he was so impressed by the reception and the beauty of the city that he promised to send something symbolic as a gift. Although the monument was installed later, it became a tribute to the band, which remains iconic in Kazakhstan as well.
Tourists often take photos with the bronze musicians: you can hug Lennon, "play" McCartney`s bass guitar, or simply stand next to the stage on which the figures are mounted.
Viewing Platform and Attractions of Kok-Tobe Park
Kok-Tobe Park offers not only views but also entertainment.
• The viewing platform — the park`s main point. This is an open area with railings and panoramic stands on which the city`s main landmarks are labeled. There are also binoculars for viewing the city (paid, but inexpensive). You can spend hours standing and examining the streets, buildings, and rooftops of Almaty.
• Ferris wheel — small but very atmospheric. It is located right at the edge of the hill, and as you ascend, breathtaking views of the city and mountains open up.
• Zip-line — for thrill-seekers. It is a descent along a cable through a gorge. Speed — up to 60 km/h, and the impressions last a lifetime.
• Amusement park — here you will find carousels and arcade machines for children, as well as several extreme rides for adults.
• Rope park — for active recreation: you can walk along suspension bridges, cross on ropes, and test your strength at height.
• Mirror maze — a fun attraction for children and the whole family.
• Mini-golf course — there is a small course for playing.
Cafes and Restaurants of Kok-Tobe Mountain Park
At Kok-Tobe, there are several establishments where you can have a snack or lunch:
• Restaurant "Alatau" — located right next to the viewing platform. They serve Kazakh and European cuisine. The windows offer a view of the mountains.
• Cafes with a view — several small cafes with panoramic windows. Here you can have coffee, enjoy dessert, and simply sit, looking at the city.
• Street kiosks — in the warm season, kiosks with ice cream, drinks, cotton candy, hot dogs, and other snacks operate.
Monuments and Small Architectural Forms
In addition to the Beatles monument, there are several interesting objects at Kok-Tobe:
• "Golden Man" sculpture — a copy of the famous Saka warrior found in the Issyk Kurgan near Almaty. This is a symbol of Kazakh statehood and national identity. The figure stands not far from the viewing platform.
• Art objects for photos — here you can find bright installations, such as huge letters spelling "Kok-Tobe" or "Almaty," selfie frames, and animal figures.
• Fountains — several fountains on the upper square, which operate in the warm season and create a cooling effect.
Infrastructure: How to Get There
• Cable car — operates daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (times may vary). The cost of the ascent is about 3,000–4,000 tenge (depending on the time and day). Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket offices at the foot of the hill.
• Services at the summit — free Wi-Fi, restrooms, luggage storage, pharmacy (in season), baby stroller rental.
• Pedestrian ascent — for those who do not want to use the cable car, there is a hiking trail, but it is long (about 2 km uphill) and requires good physical fitness.
• Parking — paid parking is available at the lower cable car station (Altynsarin Street, 2).
Practical Information
• Address of Kok-Tobe Mountain Park: Almaty, Altynsarin Street, 2 (lower cable car station).
• How to get there: from Abay metro station — walk 10–15 minutes to the lower station; or by buses and trolleybuses to the "Sports Palace" stop.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (cable car operating hours). The park is open 24/7, but attractions and cafes operate on this same schedule.
• Price: from 3,000 to 5,000 tenge, depending on the time, day, and ticket category (tariffs may differ for citizens and foreigners).
Kok-Tobe is a place that cannot be missed in Almaty. It is not just an amusement park — it is a symbol of the city: people come here to see Almaty from above, to feel its scale, and to understand why this city is called the "southern capital."
