A path above the city where the sky comes closer -
A place of silence, light, and an endless horizon -
Star Meadow (Zvezdnaya Polyana) is one of Almaty most recognizable observation decks, a place where the air becomes cleaner and the sky deepens, as if specially created to remind people how beautiful the world is both below and above. Situated in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, above Al-Farabi Avenue and the First President Park, the meadow is located on an open section of the slope, from where the city spreads out before you, sparkling with thousands of lights. People come here for peace, inspiration, and the opportunity to view Almaty from a height where even their thoughts become clearer.
The meadow is called a symbol of evening strolls, romantic encounters, and those rare moments when the city seems endless, and you feel like a part of a vast universe. A paved road leads to the meadow, so people most often arrive by car, drive into the meadow, and spend time there. Another observation deck overlooking Almaty from the mountains is located in Kok-Tobe Park on Kok-Tobe Mountain in the eastern part of the city.
History and Origin
Zvezdnaya Polyana (Star Meadow) has no official date of birth or strict biography, it emerged naturally, as a place that people themselves discovered, fell in love with, and turned into a magnet. Since Soviet times, people have hiked up here along old trails to gaze at the lights of Almaty at night, drink tea from a thermos, and watch the sunrise. Then, when a road was built into the foothills and a dacha community was built, people began arriving by car.
Over the years, the spot has become increasingly popular. The observation deck is unequipped and lacks amenities such as benches or restrooms, but despite this, it is an excellent place for relaxation, photography, and meditation. The place is no longer a secret for a select few and has become one of the city's most atmospheric observation decks, while retaining its natural wilderness and unique tranquility.
Atmosphere and Features
The Star Meadow is a space where human voices sound softer, the wind rustles the grass, and the vast sky opens up overhead.
During the day, the entire city is visible from here: the straight lines of the avenues, the panorama of high-rise buildings, the sparkle of sunlight on glass facades. But the real magic begins in the evening, when Almaty turns into a vast scattering of lights, resembling a star map, and that's when you understand why the meadow got its name.
You can truly feel the altitude here: the air is cooler, the wind is cleaner, and the horizon is unobstructed. This place is ideal for those who want to take a breath, listen to the silence, and disconnect for a moment from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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How to get there and visit -
Star Meadow is located in the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, above Al-Farabi Avenue along Dulati Street. At the gas station above the police post, turn right onto Atamura Street and drive up, Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°09'01"N 76°52'32"E
The best time to visit is evening and early night, when the city lights create that hypnotic view.
But if you want peace and quiet and space to yourself, come at dawn: the gentle light over Almaty makes the meadow almost surreal.
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Legend and Tradition
A story circulates among Almaty residents about how young astronomers from KazSU once climbed to Star Meadow. They brought an old telescope, pointed it precisely north, and observed the sky until late at night. They say that one of them once saw a bright comet streaking right over the clearing, and after that, the place became known as "Starry."
There's another legend: a couple who greets the sunrise in the Starry Glade will be together for life. Therefore, people often propose here, have romantic evenings, and leave secret messages under stones, like small vows addressed to the sky.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park;
• Almaty Nature Reserve;
• The Great Almaty Mountain Gorge;
• Big Almaty River;
• Alma-Arasan Gorge;
• Kok-Zhailau Mountain Plateau;
• Zhailjau Golf Club Resort;
• Kamenskoe plateau;
• Kamensky Plateau Observatory;
• Kazakhfilm Film Studio.
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