Kok-Tobe Hill, Almaty

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Kok-Tobe Hill, Almaty

A fascinating attraction in Almaty is a trip to Kok-Tobe Hill, which you can reach by cable car. Standing 1,130 meters tall, Kok-Tobe Hill is located on the eastern side of the city. The park atop Kok-Tobe offers panoramic views of Almaty, crowned by the city’s tallest structure and one of its symbols—the TV tower. The area is home to several nature reserves, picturesque groves, and forests.

The Almaty TV Tower on Kok-Tobe, one of the nation’s most recognized landmarks, was built in 1983, reaching a height of 371 meters after nearly a decade of construction. Known for its seismic stability, it is one of the world’s most earthquake-resistant structures. A viewing platform for tourists is located on one of the upper floors, offering stunning views of the city below.

Next to the tower is a small café serving delicious grilled dishes. There are plenty of attractions for children as well, including a monument to the apple, which is the symbol of Almaty.

Today, Kok-Tobe Hill is one of the main tourist destinations in Almaty for both locals and visitors. As evening falls, the air cools, making it a perfect retreat from the heat of the day in the city.

The Kok-Tobe Cable Car

The cable car, built in 1967 and repeatedly renovated, departs from the Dostyk station, near the Arman Cinema. The 1.5-kilometer journey takes you over private homes and lush gardens, reaching the top in about six minutes. The uniqueness of this cable car lies in its engineering—spanning 1,620 meters with an elevation difference of 250 meters, it required only three supports, with the longest span between them being about one kilometer. Safety, accessibility, and comfort were top priorities during its design.

Attractions at Kok-Tobe Park

Tourists flock to Kok-Tobe for the scenic cable car ride and the observation decks, which provide sweeping views of Almaty and the Zailiysky Alatau mountain range. Telescopes installed on the platforms allow visitors to explore the landscape in greater detail.

For an even higher vantage point, you can take a ride on the 30-meter Ferris wheel, which stands 1,136 meters above sea level. The Ferris wheel is equipped with enclosed cabins that comfortably hold six passengers.

Kok-Tobe also offers romantic spots, such as the Lovers’ Alley, perfect for evening strolls under the twinkling city lights. Popular activities in the park include a rope park, a children’s playground, a climbing wall, and the Fast Coaster—a thrilling ride that winds through the park. Other attractions include the Ferris wheel with a view of the city and the Kapchagay Reservoir.

One of the park’s central features is the “Alma” wishing fountain, shaped like a giant granite apple—the symbol of Almaty. Visitors toss coins into the fountain, hoping their wishes will come true. Another highly photographed spot is the Beatles monument, unveiled in 2007. The sculpture captures John Lennon sitting with his guitar, while Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr stand around him. Made of bronze, this monument is a beloved feature of Kok-Tobe. Surrounding the statue are speakers that play hits from the iconic British rock band.

Kok-Tobe Hill also hosts local fairs, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, pottery, leather goods, traditional clothing, and other handcrafted items. The park boasts a small zoo, children’s rides, souvenir shops, and walking trails. For those interested in modern art, there is an art gallery showcasing the works of local painters, sculptors, and photographers.

Historical Background

During the Russian Empire, Kok-Tobe was a popular leisure destination for locals. In winter, people would ski and sled, while springtime saw the celebration of May Day picnics. At that time, the hill was named after a wealthy merchant, Verigin, who lived at its base.

In the 1960s, city officials decided to transform the green hill into a recreation area, laying the foundation for the necessary infrastructure. The lower station of the cable car was established in 1965, and by 1967, the park was officially opened.

The cable car, designed in collaboration with Georgian engineers, was among the first of its kind in Central Asia. In 1975, plans were drawn up to build a broadcasting tower on the hill. Engineers chose Kok-Tobe, or Verigin Hill, for its elevation of 1,080 meters above the city, which provided excellent coverage and made the tower visible from almost anywhere in Almaty. Construction of the TV tower began in 1978 and was completed at a height of 372 meters, making it the ninth tallest tower in the world at the time (now ranked 41st).

One of the tower’s key features is its exceptional seismic resistance, designed to withstand earthquakes up to 10 on the Richter scale. Unfortunately, the Almaty TV Tower is currently closed to tourists due to safety concerns, although it does have observation decks and a restaurant. Future plans include modernizing the tower to reopen it for public visits, offering even higher vantage points of the city and surrounding mountains.

In the spring of 2004, after heavy rains, the slopes of Kok-Tobe began to erode, raising the risk of landslides in nearby neighborhoods. For safety reasons, the area was temporarily closed to the public.

In 2005, efforts began to reinforce and stabilize the slopes of Kok-Tobe. During this time, illegally built structures, mostly cafes, were removed from the hilltop. All utility lines were replaced, roads were improved, and extensive repairs were made to the park’s infrastructure. The cable car and viewing platforms were also restored.

In 2006, the Kok-Tobe entertainment center opened, followed by the unveiling of the Beatles monument in 2007. In September 2014, the park was closed for the construction of a new cable car and renovations to its northern section. The updated park and new cable car system were opened in 2016. That same year, a new Ferris wheel was added to the park’s attractions.

How to Get to Kok-Tobe Park

The easiest way to reach Kok-Tobe is by taking the cable car from its lower station at 104B Dostyk Avenue. The nearest public transport stop, “Republic Palace (Abai Avenue),” is just a two-minute walk away. You can take buses 12, 57, 65, 66, 99, 120, or 128 to reach the stop. If traveling by metro, the closest station is “Abai,” about 700 meters (an eight-minute walk) from the cable car station.

In addition to the cable car, you can also drive to Kok-Tobe via a winding road, either in a private vehicle, by taxi, or by taking buses 95 or 99 to the final stop, “Kok-Tobe.”

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