Kok Tobe

About the place

Panoramic city and mountain views, walking areas and a memorable six-minute cable-car ascent.

City views and the cable car's history

Kok Tobe offers a different view of Almaty's transition from the urban plain to the foothills. A cable car connected the city centre with the hill in 1967, and a rebuilt line opened in 2016. The ascent is part of the city's leisure history as well as a change of perspective.

For a first visit, make the viewpoints and an unhurried walk your main plan, with rides as an optional extra. Compare the city and mountain views, then check your way down. Leave a margin for the return journey instead of making a sunset visit depend on the final departure.

How to get there

Bus 48 to Hotel Kazakhstan → walk about 5 minutes to the lower station → cable car to Kok Tobe.

Visiting tips

Check the cable-car status before travelling and allow extra time for possible queues.

Check the park's notices and cable car operation before leaving; an old timetable does not establish access on your travel day.

Bring an extra layer and decide when to return, especially if you are going up for the evening views.