The air gate to the top of the mountain where the city meets the sky -
A place to relax and attractions of Medeu district in Almaty -
The Kok-Tobe cable Car is not just a transport facility, but an iconic aerial route leading to one of the most recognizable sights of Almaty, Mount Kok–Tobe. This is a journey that begins in the bustling center of a megalopolis and in a few minutes takes you to the realm of mountain air, panoramic views and the Kok-Tobe park area. The road has become the most romantic and picturesque way to look at the city from a height, feeling the unity of the Almaty landscape, where urban lines dissolve into the blue ridges of the Trans-Ili Alatau.
The cable car station is a gateway to another dimension of the city. From here, rising in a booth above the dense crowns of trees and the roofs of houses, you understand the true scale and beauty of the southern capital. This is an obligatory ritual for every guest and citizen who wants to see Almaty in all its majestic fullness. A whole world awaits travelers at the top: an observation deck, an amusement park and symbols of the city – The Beatles monument and the famous Kok-Tobe TV tower, and the Alma fountain of desires.
History, creation and evolution
The history of the cable car (funicular) on Kok Tobe is a story of constant renovation, striving to make the connection of the city with its main observation deck even more reliable and impressive.
The first cable car on Kok-Tobe appeared back in 1967. Then it became a real miracle of engineering — an easy air route from the Palace named after him. Lenin Avenue Dostyk took people to the top in just six minutes. The length of that road was 1,727 meters, it was supported by only three pillars and operated with the help of two traditional trailers. For the people of Almaty, it was not just a transport, but a symbol of a young city stretching upward.
As time passed, the technology required updates. The first major reconstruction took place in 2005, and a complete modernization of the old system began in 2014. By February 2015, the former stations and supports had been completely dismantled. A modern cable car has grown in their place: six new poles, updated lower and upper stations, as well as 17 spacious cabins made in France. Each is designed for eight people – comfortably, safely and quickly.
On March 4, 2016, the road was officially reopened. Its length now stands at 1,620 meters (3,420 meters in both directions) and the ascent takes 6-8 minutes – the time in which both the urban landscape and the view of the snowy ridges of the Trans-Ili Alatau fit.
In 2022, the cable car underwent major maintenance for the first time in ten years. The work was completed promptly – on November 20, she received guests again. Since then, maintenance has been carried out regularly to ensure that the system always works perfectly.
From the very beginning, the lower station was conceived not only as a transport hub, but also as a park recreation area. Over time, the space around it was improved, adding elements of landscape design, family leisure areas and infrastructure for comfortable waiting. Today, the station is a harmonious combination of historical heritage and modern service, where respect for the past is combined with the technologies of the future.
Today, the cable car has become one of the most important tourist routes in the city. During the summer season, Kok Tobe is visited by up to 4,500 people per day, and even more during the holidays.
Station architecture
The modern cable car stations are designed in the style of a minimalist mountain pavilion. The lower one is located on Dostyk Avenue, next to the lively area of the old town. The upper one is right in the center of Kok-Tobe Park, organically integrated into the landscape and built so as not to disrupt the natural forms of the slope.
Panoramic glass walls, light materials, neat shapes – everything in these stations is created for the visual ease and convenience of guests. Six sturdy supports securely carry the ropes over the urban landscape, ensuring the smooth running of the cabins and a 360-degree panoramic view from them.
The ascent is organized as smoothly as possible: visitors almost do not feel the transition from an urban environment to a mountainous one, and the structure itself resembles an aerial gallery between two worlds.
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How to get there and visit -
The cable car and Kok-Tobe station are located in the eastern part of Almaty next to the Palace of the Republic, at 104B Dostyk Avenue, Medeu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'32"N 76°57'32"E
The upper station is located on Kok-Tobe Mountain in Kok-Tobe Park.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'03"N 76°58'31"E
It is convenient to get to the cable car by any type of transport. The most convenient way is to use taxi services or to arrive by private car using the navigator. There are also numerous buses to the destination: Nos. 5, 5a, 5B, 12, 29, 29P, 48, 66, 120, 121 and 141. For those who prefer the metro, the Abaya station is within walking distance (about 10 minutes of leisurely walking), from where it is easy to walk to the entrance to the station.
Working hours: daily from 08.00 to 20.00 (seven days a week)
The cost of the lift: One–way fare - 3500 tenge. Round trip fare – 6000 tenge.
The cable car ride takes 6-8 minutes, and the system operates daily. In summer, the queue may increase, so it's better to arrive in the morning or closer to sunset – then you can see the city in golden light and without fuss.
Official website of the cable car
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Atmosphere and features
The atmosphere of a cable car trip is a feeling of mild excitement, turning into delight. The slow lifting off from the ground, the increasing silence, broken only by the soft hum of machinery, and the panorama gradually opening up to its full width create the effect of a real cinematic spectacle.
Climbing Kok Tobe is a feeling of light floating, when the city slowly goes down and the mountains get closer. The cabins move quietly and smoothly, through the panoramic windows you can see the green slopes, the red roofs of the old quarters, the lines of the avenues and the gleam of dawn over the ridge.
The trip takes only a few minutes, but it manages to become a small journey – calm, bright and full of inspiration.
At the top, guests will find Kok-Tobe Park with viewing platforms, attractions, walking alleys, cafes and restaurants. But it is the cable car that sets the mood for the whole visit – lightness, silence and the feeling that the city has temporarily remained somewhere below.
Legend
There is a story about the "first dawn" among the station staff. It is said that during the opening of the old 1967 cable car, one of the engineers climbed onto the first trailer before the official launch. From the top, he saw such a powerful sunrise that he believed that if he met the dawn on Kok Tobe, his wish would surely come true.
Since then, many employees and guests have said that climbing the mountain on the very first climb of the day is a special happiness. It's like the city itself gives you a boost to make your dream come true today.
There is also a belief that if, crossing the middle of the path in a booth, you make your innermost wish and mentally "send" it towards the mountains, then the spirits of Alatau will hear it and contribute to its fulfillment. And lovers believe that if their cabin touches a cloud or a light mountain haze at the moment of ascent, then their union will be just as light and sublime. Locals joke that a real Almaty resident is obliged to ride a cable car at least once a year in order to "check the clock" with the rhythm of his hometown and fall in love with it again.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Abai Square;
• Monument to Abai;
• Hotel "Kazakhstan";
• Almaty terrencourt (health trail);
• Republic Square;
• Independence Monument;
• City Akimat (government building);
• Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Palace of Schoolchildren (former Palace of Pioneers).
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