Kok-Tobe Park: the most beautiful panoramic view of Almaty

When you arrive in Almaty city, look towards the mountains, and you will definitely notice a magnificent transmission tower. This is the place from which you can have the most beautiful panoramic view of the whole city, and it is called Kok-Tobe Park. No matter which part of the city you are in, Kok-Tobe Park can be seen from everywhere. The park is located at an altitude of 1130 meters above sea level, and in the Kazakh language, it means "the Green Peak". Kok-Tobe park is famous for its panoramic view. There are several observation platforms from which you can have a magnificent view of Almaty and the snowy peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau ridge.

How to get there?

There are several ways to get to Kok-Tobe Park: by cable car, by bus, or by taxi. All of these methods are available from the city center. You can take a taxi from anywhere in the city, although they can charge an extra price.

Fast and breath-taking transport

For those who wish to reach Kok-Tobe Park with a spectacular experience, there is an option like a cable car. You will need to get to the bus stop Abay Avenue, and from there, take the cable car that will transport you over the cottage houses to the park itself. A fun fact related to Kok-Tobe: local people call these cottage houses the “Compote” district (compote being a drink made with dried fruits). Wondering why? The houses over which the cable car passes are located on the streets called Yablochnaya, Vishnevaya, which literally means “apple” and “cherry”. The price of a one-way ticket is 1000 tenge. Before visiting it, please check the work schedule of Kok-Tobe Park on its official website.  Working hours differ depending on the season. 

Take a bus or a taxi

Also, there is a bus #95 traveling from the city center. At the final stop, you will see a bus depot, from where you can buy a minibus ticket to Kok-Tobe Park. A one-way ticket is 600 tenge. There is another option for ordering a taxi from the city center. The price in average starts from 500 tenge. 

A nice view with a tasty meal 

Imagine yourself drinking a coffee or eating something delicious while you have a perfect view of the city and mountains. You will feel far away from the city, but you will still see it. In the "Abai" restaurant, you can feel the atmosphere of Kazakh culture and taste Kazakh dishes. The prices are more expensive there, but if you don’t feel like saving up some extra money, you are welcome to feel the best Kazakh atmosphere of Kok-Tobe in "Abay" restaurant. There is also a restaurant called "Inzhu", where you can find dishes of European cuisine and enjoy it in a modern way.

If you prefer to have a fair price but also a nice view and a tasty meal, there are cafes available, such as "Monteverde" and "Food Castle". Throughout the park, there are small counters that offer snack food to take with you, so you can eat and drink while having a nice walk in the park. 

For animal lovers

Here, you can visit the mini-zoo. An additional fee is not required to enter the zoo, that will be on your way to the transmission tower. Also, you can explore the contact zoo. This place is available to visit for an additional cost. At the entrance, you will be offered to buy pet food so that you can feed them and play.

Joyful attractions

Ride on the Ferris wheel, where you will have a view of the city from different sides. However, be careful not to visit the Ferris wheel when the sun is at its highest point. You can get a sunstroke or you might feel hot and stuffy in the booth. The rest of the time, you shall not feel any inconveniences, and you can enjoy an amazing view.

Feel the adrenaline and ride on Fast Coaster. This is probably the most exciting way to have the panoramic view. The attraction is made for two persons to have a shared ride. 

What else to do in Kok-Tobe Park?

Visit the shifter-house, a new attraction which was opened in the winter of 2019.  If you are interested in what is inside, it is definitely worth entering. You will be experiencing the house that turned upside down. How marvellous is that? 

There are small souvenir shops in the park, where you can make a local purchase, starting with key chains and ending with national clothes. As a bonus, in the park, you can find a monument to the musical group "The Beatles".

The panoramic view 

Take a picture and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. For the sake of this beautiful view, Kok-Tobe Park has become one of the most frequently visited places in the city. People do not get tired of visiting the park again and again, enjoying the beauty of the city, and meeting the sunrises and sunsets. Kok-Tobe Park is designed for everyone, locals and tourists. There are even the couples who back in time had the dates in the alley of lovers, confessed their love to each other, and after the years, they bring their children and walk around with the whole family. In the very center of Kok-Tobe Park, you will find a fountain with an apple, the symbol of the city of Almaty. Visitors throw a coin, make their wishes and add "I want to return to Kok-Tobe Park to see the most beautiful panoramic view of Almaty again".