Koktyube Park (Koktobe in Kazakh) overlooks Almaty from a hill on the southwest edge of town. You can’t miss it-–the needle-shaped 300 meter+ television transmission tower rises above the entire city from the park. There are terrific views of Almaty from Koktyube, and several cafes offering average Kazakh fare provide a nice place to sit and take in the city below.
Koktyube is also a great place to take a leisurely stroll. There is a path that leads in a large loop around the top of the hill, affording views of the beautiful Zailiysky Alatau Mountain range on one side and sprawling Almaty on the other. The TV tower is not accessible to the public. There is a playground (with huge double stand-up swings-–really fun) at the foot of the tower.
During the warmer months, dozens of newly married couples come careening up the hill in their elaborately decorated wedding cars (Mercedes is their car of choice if they can get one) to have their picture taken against the scenic backdrop of Almaty. It’s a hoot to watch them.
Besides risking your life driving up to Koktyube with the newlyweds, you can also take a cable car from near the Palace of the Republic on Dostyk. Cars depart three times per hour and the 10-minute ride is 100 tenge for adults, 50 tenge for students and free for kids under 7. You can also walk up on any of the small street that lead through the neighborhoods east of Lugansky Street.
There are many great hiking trails that are accessible from Koktyube. Check out "The Hiker’s Guide to Almaty" by Arkady Pozdeyev for info on trails.