Kok Tobe, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kok-Tobe Hill is a popular tourist attraction in Almaty and also a favorite spot amongst locals. The small mountain — standing at 1130 meters above sea level and presiding 200 meters over the relative height of Almaty — is located on the southeast edge of Almaty. With its name translating to “Blue Hill”, a small amusement park, various monuments, a myriad of viewing platforms, and the Almaty TV Tower are just a few of the attractions at Kok-Tobe. There is a cable car to the top as well as a road for cars and foot traffic.
Initially, the area was called Verigina Mountain in honor of a rich merchant who built his house at its foot. In the 1960s, the leaders of Almaty decided to turn the hill into a park and work began on creating all the necessary infrastructure. In 1965, the lower station of the cableway was built and all work was completed in 1967. On 4 November of that year, the grand opening of the Kok-Tobe Park took place.
Epic Kazakhstan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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