A City Where Mountains Meet Windows
The city of Almaty is full of surprises — open your window and snow-capped peaks greet you instantly. Even better, most trailheads are only a cheap bus ride or a short taxi trip away. Outdoor lovers, welcome home.
Kok Tobe: Sunset Views & Mountain Fun
Hike, take the cable car, or ride a minibus — whichever you pick, Kok Tobe is the easiest mountaintop escape right inside the city. 
How to Get There
- Cable Car: From Abai Metro Station, take the Kok-Tobe Cableway (4500 KZT one-way / 8000 KZT round trip).
- Hiking Route: Take bus 95 or 99 to the final stop and follow the Health Path.
- Minibus: Shuttles run between the mid-level parking lot and the summit (1500–2000 KZT), operating until late night.
The hike is gentle — just a couple of kilometers with wide, open views. On clear days, the snowy peaks shine like polished silver.
The Magic of Kok Tobe at Dusk
Locals love climbing here for sunset. As the sun melts into the horizon, the whole city glows like caramelized orange candy — soft, golden, and utterly romantic. Plan to arrive around 4–5 PM to catch the perfect moment.
At the top, there’s a mini amusement area with restaurants, a Ferris wheel, a small zoo, and climbing spots.
Don’t miss the gravity-powered alpine coaster — racing downhill with sunset light in your face? Unforgettable.
Ile-Alatau National Park: The Affordable “Little Switzerland”
Just outside the city lies Ile-Alatau National Park, home to glaciers, spruce forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and ski resorts. It’s part of the Trans-Ili Alatau range, which mirrors the landscapes of Europe’s Alps — but far cheaper and much less crowded.
Getting There
Buses reach the area in about 40 minutes, making it one of the most accessible snow-mountain experiences in Central Asia.
Three-Stage Cable Car Adventure
The park features a three-stage cable car system extending all the way to Shymbulak and up to the 3200-meter summit.
Start Point: Bus 12 → Medeu Cableway
Tickets:
- Full round-trip (all three sections): around 8000 KZT
- If hiking partway, get only the first-section ticket one-way
Stage Highlights
- Stage 1
A long gondola ride offering stunning layers of spruce and fir forests.
The first platform features cafés, restaurants, and cultural costume activities.
- Stage 2
Choose the open-air lift on the right-hand queue — highly recommended.
Legs dangling, wind in your face, drifting through forests — a true Alpine moment.
- Stage 3
The summit sits at 3200 m, a snowy world even when the city is warm.
In winter, this becomes Central Asia’s largest ski area.
A full-day ski pass costs under $50, and gear rental is easy and affordable.
Big Almaty Lake: A Wild Trek to a Turquoise Gem
Hidden at 2500 m elevation, Big Almaty Lake is famous for its unreal Tiffany-blue water. Cars can’t reach the lake directly because of restricted access — so travelers hike up via an old service road beside the Soviet-era steel pipeline.
Trail Information
- Starting Point: Taxi to Tourbaza Edelweiss checkpoint
- Route Length: ~10 km
- Terrain: Dirt paths and mountain roads (you walk beside the pipeline, not on it)
- Tips: No shops along the route — bring water and snacks
- Why the Pipeline?
It’s part of an older system connected to the lake, which remains one of Almaty’s main drinking water sources, so activities like swimming or kayaking are prohibited.
Visitors can enjoy a picnic near the viewpoint, take photos, and soak in the untouched wildness.
Panfilov Park: History, Nature & Coffee Bliss
In the city center sits Panfilov Park, a leafy sanctuary of massive old trees and peaceful walking paths.
Here you’ll find:
- The fairy-tale Ascension Cathedral
- The powerful Monument of Panfilov’s 28 Guardsmen
- The Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
- The Military History Museum
Inside the park, don’t miss Agosto Café — a dreamy space filled with greenery and dried floral decor. With park views outside the window, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy an unhurried afternoon in Almaty.
