Parks and recreation areas and time spent in Almaty -
Observation deck in the mountains overlooking Almaty -
Kok-Tobe Park is an entertainment center and one of the most popular and favorite recreation areas in Almaty, located on the top of Kok-Tobe Mountain at an altitude of about 1,100 meters above sea level. This picturesque hill offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city and the majestic ridges of the Zailiysky Alatau. The Park was opened in 2006 after a major reconstruction, and since then it has become not only a tourist center, but also a place where city residents come to spend time with family, friends or just enjoy the fresh air. You can get to the park along a serpentine road by bus, taxi or private car, as well as by cable car, which is located next to the Palace of the Republic, which in itself is a separate attraction. The Park has a famous monument to the rock band The Beatles, the Kok-Tobe TV tower is clearly visible from the top of the mountain, there is also a Ferris wheel, a small zoo, a climbing wall, a cafe, a restaurant, the Alma fountain of wishes, a health trail that leads to another observation deck on the mountainside and much more.
How to get there and visit -
The entertainment center "Kok-Tobe Park" is located on the top of Kok-Tobe Mountain, Medeu district, Almaty city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'01"N 76°58'32"E
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 24:00
Contacts: + 7 727 272 77 77; + 7 702 000 44 88
Information -
The history of Mount Kok-Tobe goes back a long way: it used to be called "Verigina Gora" after a Russian official, and its modern name is translated from Kazakh as "Green Hill". Ancient legends associate this peak with shepherds and nomadic tribes who grazed cattle here. Today, Kok-Tobe is a symbol of Almaty, a place where nature, history and modernity come together. The most famous and picturesque way to get to Kok-Tobe Park is by cable car. The funicular was built back in 1967 and is one of the oldest cable cars in the CIS. The ascent takes about 6 minutes and is an exciting attraction with beautiful views. The most recognizable object on Kok-Tobe is the 372-meter-high television tower, built in 1983. It is one of the tallest TV towers in the world. It is important to note that the tower is an active communications facility and is closed to tourists, but it serves as a great backdrop for photographs.
It is best to come to Kok-Tobe in the afternoon to catch the daytime panoramas, and then enjoy the view of the evening city with millions of lights. The sunset here is especially beautiful. Keep in mind that it is almost always windy and cooler on the mountain than in the city, even in summer, so it is worth taking a windbreaker or sweater with you. Do not forget a camera or a charged phone, because the views are stunning. It is more convenient to buy tickets for the funicular and attractions in advance through the official website or mobile application of the park to avoid queues.
Kok-Tobe Park is not just a recreation area. It is a living organism, where the heart of Almaty beats. Here children and old people, tourists and locals, nature and technology, the past and the future meet. Climbing Kok-Tobe means not just seeing the city from above, but feeling its soul. Don't leave Almaty without visiting here - you'll take with you not just a photo, but a piece of its spirit.
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