Almaty's highest point at 1,100 meters, Kok Tobe Hill, offers a panoramic view of the city. A popular spot and hangout place even among locals, so of course, I had to visit too! During my solo trip to Almaty in July 2024, I took an afternoon walk on Kok Tobe Hill, and here's my guide on how to visit on a budget and what to expect! Let's go!
đź’ˇ Want more inspiration in Kazakhstan? Check out these posts and start exploring!
- Travel Story: Alone but Not Lonely: My Solo Travel through the Great Steppe of Kazakhstan
- Budget Accommodation: Wanderlust Hostel in Almaty
- Hiking Suggestion: A Morning Hike in Small Almaty Gorge in Shymbulak
- Sightseeing: Charyn Canyon National Park & Tour to Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lakes
- Experience(s): Banya Experience in Arasan Wellness & Spa Complex
- Border Crossing: Almaty to Bishkek by Public Bus (Ak-Zhol Border)
What is in Kok Tobe Hill? When is the best time to visit?
Kok Tobe Hill is a picturesque hill located just outside Almaty's city center. It's more than a viewpoint, it's a mini amusement park! Here’s what you’ll find:
- A mini-zoo
- Amusement rides for the kids and families
- Cafes & restaurants with city views
- And most notably, the Almaty Television Tower, the tallest free-standing tubular steel structure in the world (thanks, Wikipedia!)
Locals and tourists usually come before sunset and stay until after dark to enjoy the city lights. Naively, I didn’t realize how late the sunset was during summer! I arrived at 5 PM and only stayed until 7 PM—too early for the views to shine, but I couldn’t wait any longer and decided to head back down.
If you’re visiting during summer, I recommend arriving between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM to catch both daylight and the golden hour.
How to go to Kok Tobe Hill in Almaty?
Depending on your budget and adventure appetite, there are a few ways to reach Kok Tobe Hill. Here are a few options for you:
By Taxi or Private Car đźš—
The most convenient but not the most budget-friendly. Taxis and ride-hailing apps can take you directly to the top.
By Bus – Budget Option 🚌
Take a bus from Omarova Street or Dostyk Street for just KZT 500 per person, one way. It's the cheapest way to reach the hill if you're trying to save.
On Foot – A Scenic Walk 🥾
I found out a little too late (thanks to Rachel of She Travels Abroad) that you can actually walk up the hill! What a shame, I would've probably done that. Sounds like a scenic little hike and perfect for a warm-up, right?
By Cable Car – Scenic but Pricey 🚡
However, the most scenic and popular way to reach Kok Tobe Hill is by the cable car. It is not the cheapest option though, but for a good reason. The cable car ride offers beautiful views of Almaty and takes only 6 minutes (or so they say—I was too distracted admiring the views!).
Kok Tobe Hill Cable Car Details
If you're planning to take the cable car, here are some important details you should note:
- Cable Car Station: Kok Tobe Hill Gondola Cableway (Google Pin here)
- Ticket Cost: KZT 8,000 (two-way tickets for adults as of July 2025)
- Nearest Subway Station: Abay
- Nearest Bus Stop: Respublika Palace
If you're coming by metro or bus, you'll end up on Abay Avenue. From there, walk towards Dostyk Avenue until you reach the Republic Palace. Look for the glass building—that’s the Kok Tobe Gondola Cableway. Head inside to buy your ticket, and you're on your way!
From the Republic Palace, walk inside the glass building - Kok Tobe Gondola Cableway, to purchase your cable car tickets.
Highlights & What To Expect in Kok Tobe Hill:
But what should you expect to see at Kok Tobe Hill? Surprisingly, quite a lot! What I thought was just a viewpoint (I didn’t do my research properly—oops!) turned out to be a fun, family-friendly spot with something for all ages.
Here’s what to expect:
Panoramic View of Almaty
This is the main highlight—you’ll get a sweeping view of the entire city if the weather is clear. On some days, haze or smog (like in my photos below) can blur the view, thanks to Almaty’s mountain-trapped geography. But still, it’s a beautiful spot to take in the skyline and see how the city stretches out in all directions.
Small Amusement Park & Mini-Zoo
If you're visiting with kids—or you're a kid at heart like me—you’ll enjoy this part!
There are a few rides, but the standout attractions are the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and the quirky upside-down house.
There’s also a small adventure park with a wooden obstacle course, and the famous Beatles statue (yes, all four of them!). It’s so popular that I couldn't even snap a photo because of the queue. Yes, people are taking photos with the statues! The best part? Beatles songs are played on a loop. So cool!
Next to that is a mini-zoo featuring animals from different parts of the world. You can feed them by buying the designated feed (and you can only feed certain animals), but there’s no entrance fee just to look.
Now, I’ll be honest—I still find it unethical to keep these animals in small cages. But curiosity got the better of me, and I ended up looking at all of them and reading the info signs, which were actually quite educational.
The animals that stood out to me were the peacock, llama (Lama Guanaco), European doe, Kazakh Arkhar-Merino (a crossbreed between a ram and a merino), and the colorful pheasants.
Almaty Television Tower
You can’t go inside, but this towering structure is hard to miss. Standing tall against the mountain backdrop, it’s iconic and instantly photo-worthy!
💡 Rochelle’s Tip: A visit to Kok Tobe Hill in Almaty is more of a relaxing stroll than a full-day trip. As a tourist, you probably only need 1–2 hours unless you plan to eat or wait for sunset.
Final Thoughts on my visit to Kok Tobe Hill
While it might feel underwhelming to some visitors, Kok Tobe Hill is a lovely break between high-intensity activities like hiking and those long, exhausting day tours outside Almaty. A Filipina working in the city told me this is her favorite spot when she’s feeling stressed—and I could understand why.
It’s a quick escape from the city, a scenic place to watch the sunset, and a relaxing space for all ages. What more could you need?
Ready to explore Almaty? Check out these tours!
