Panoramic points in the mountains of Almaty -
Excursion to Kok-Tobe Park -
Mount Kok-Tobe is one of the most beloved and popular recreation areas for residents and guests of Almaty. It is located at an altitude of about 1100 meters above sea level in the southeastern part of the city and rises above the city, opening a stunning panorama of the metropolis and the mountains of the Zailiysky Alatau. The name translates as "Green Hill" - and this is no coincidence: the slopes are covered with greenery, and the mountain itself has long been a place of solitude, inspiration, relaxation and pastime. This mountain is also known under the names "Blue Hill" and "Heavenly Hill". On the mountain is the highest TV tower in the world, the Kok-Tobe TV Tower, which is visible from different parts of the city. There are also cozy restaurants on the mountain where you can taste national and European cuisine. The mountain is also famous for its nature: fresh air reigns here, and the mountain slopes create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation from the bustle of the city. There is a health trail on the mountain along which you can go down a little lower from the mountain to another equipped observation deck.
Kok-Tobe is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its rich history. In Soviet times, the mountain became a symbol of the cultural life of Almaty, and later - a real, world-class city landmark. In 2006, an entertainment center "Kok Tobe Park" was built on the mountain, where walking areas, attractions, observation decks were made, and there is even a small zoo. One of the most picturesque views of the city of Almaty opens from the top, especially in the evening, when the city lights up with millions of lights. One of the symbols of Kok-Tobe has become a monument to the legendary British band The Beatles. Four bronze musicians are sitting on a bench, inviting tourists to sit down next to them and take a photo. This place has long been the calling card of the mountain. You can climb the mountain by cable car, the station of which is located right behind the Republic Palace on Abay Square.
How to get there and visit -
Kok-Tobe Mountain is located in the south-eastern part of Almaty, along Dostyk Avenue, Medeu District, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'02"N 76°58'32"E
History and information -
At different times, Kok-Tobe Mountain had different names. In the 19th - early 20th centuries, local residents called it Verigina Mountain or Veriginskaya Sopka - after the name of one of the first settlers, whose estate was at its foot. Later it was called Kok-Tyube and Green Hill - this translation was fixed in the modern Kazakh name. The Soviet period turned Kok-Tobe into a landmark place of cultural life: walks were organized on the mountain; observation platforms became favorite for dates and meetings. The mountain acquired special significance after the construction of the TV tower in the 1970s. The huge structure, more than 370 meters high, changed the silhouette of Almaty and made Kok-Tobe a real calling card of the city. Despite modern attractions, Kok-Tobe has always retained its natural charm. In the past, its slopes were used as pastures for cattle, wild apple trees, mountain grasses and shrubs grew here. Local residents believed that the mountain had special energy and was a place of power, where you can clear your thoughts and find harmony.
Today, Kok-Tobe is a modern cultural and entertainment cluster, harmoniously combining the historical basis (cable car, TV tower) and new tourist attractions. Its history is a clear example of the transformation from a wild natural corner into the main observation deck and calling card of the southern capital of Kazakhstan.
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