Cable Car in Kislovodsk Park: Worth the Hype?

My Verdict: Walk Instead! Why I Wouldn't Recommend the Cable Car in Kislovodsk Park During Peak Season

summarizeEditor's Summary

I recently visited the cable car in Kislovodsk's resort park, expecting a convenient way to reach the upper station. But the experience was a letdown - long queues and cramped cabins made for a frustrating ride. While the scenery was stunning, I wouldn't recommend taking the cable car during peak season. In hindsight, walking uphill might not have been so bad after all.

settingsSpecifications

KararPekİyalaRehberEtmez

BiletFiyati6/10

KablosuzTreninHizmeti4/10

KablosuzTreninHareketi5/10

KablosuzTreninKalitesi4/10

KablosuzTreninKapasitesi3/10

KablosuzTreninGörünümü6/10

Hello everyone!

I recently visited the cable car in Kislovodsk's resort park, and I'm still trying to make sense of my experience. After reading reviews that walking uphill is exhausting, my husband and I decided to save our energy and take a ride with the wind to the upper station. We figured we'd walk down on foot afterwards, enjoying the views. It seemed like nothing could go wrong? But let's get into the details.

GPS coordinates: 43.897996, 42.737377

The operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30, with a break from 13:00 to 14:00. Be aware that it might be closed in strong winds;

The cost is 400 rubles for an adult ticket and 200 rubles for a child's ticket.

Getting There

We made our way to the lower station, which is located near the 'Temple of Air', with ease, walking along the picturesque cascading staircase and through the park grounds. If you want, you can take an electric car for an additional 400 rubles. But we didn't consider that option, as we felt up to the task, and our mood was high.

Initial Impression

My enthusiasm waned a bit when we saw the queue. Long, winding, and over a hundred people. It's summer, the middle of the day – clearly a very popular time to visit.

After a few minutes of hesitation, we decided to wait, as we were already in the mood for an adventure. Not even two old, leisurely cable cars, each carrying twenty people like sardines in a can, fazed us.

Cable car in the resort park of Kislovodsk – review We ended up waiting for an hour and a half. And for most of that time, we were under the scorching sun, so I'd recommend bringing water and a hat. Finally, we entered the building, paid for our tickets, and went through the turnstile.

The boarding process was a bit like rush hour. The cable car arrived, one group spilled out, and then our group poured in. It was a bit cramped inside, and unfortunately, I got a not-so-great seat.

Ascent to the Upper Station

The cable car ride was 1743 meters long, and the ascent took around eight minutes. But after waiting for over an hour and a half, that time flew by in an instant. From the top, I managed to catch glimpses of the park and the tops of ancient pine trees, and even snapped a few photos through a small open window that I had to stretch to reach. It wasn't bad, I suppose... But it was nowhere near what I was expecting.

Cable car ride in the resort park of Kislovodsk – review Cable car ride in the resort park of Kislovodsk – review Cable car ride in the resort park of Kislovodsk – review The Drop and the Main Event

Once we reached the top station, located on the Ginaleski Ridge plateau, we felt a bit disoriented. The fatigue from waiting for so long had dulled our senses. But that was still not the end of the journey.

Cable car ride in the resort park of Kislovodsk – review We started making our way down the hiking trail. And it turned out to be fantastic – wide, well-maintained, and with a comfortable incline. Walking was easy and enjoyable. And the most important thing – we were able to fully appreciate those stunning views that we had been looking forward to.

Cable car ride in the resort park of Kislovodsk – review We didn't miss out on the attractions along the way either.

Cable Car Ride in Kislovodsk Resort Park - Review Cable Car Ride in Kislovodsk Resort Park - Review Final Verdict

I'm left with mixed feelings about the cable car ride. Waiting for an hour and a half in a massive queue just to take an eight-minute ride isn't an experience I'd recommend. If you're active, energetic, and in good health, it's better to hike up instead. Even that'll take a lot more out of you, but at least you'll get some exercise.

Check out my other reviews:

▪️What's hiding behind the gates of the Green Quarter park and is it worth visiting? A honest review of my summer 2025 trip

▪️Myskhako - a one-day trip route. Soft season 2023

▪️Cherkesskoe Uchelie - a hike along the riverbed, dry waterfalls, and breathtaking views

Thanks for stopping by!

❤

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the operating hours for the cable car in Kislovodsk Park?

The cable car operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:30, with a break from 13:00 to 14:00. Be aware that it might be closed in strong winds.

How much does it cost to take the cable car?

The cost is 400 rubles for an adult ticket and 200 rubles for a child's ticket.

Is the cable car easily accessible?

Yes, the lower station is easily accessible, with clear signage and a convenient location near the 'Temple of Air'.

Can I take an electric car instead of walking?

Yes, an electric car option is available for an additional 400 rubles.

What are the GPS coordinates for the cable car?

The GPS coordinates are 43.897996, 42.737377.

Can I walk uphill instead of taking the cable car?

Yes, walking uphill is a viable option, and you might even find it more enjoyable than taking the cable car.

Are there any amenities at the upper station?

Unfortunately, the upper station is not particularly impressive, with limited amenities.

Is the cable car a good value for money?

Considering the lack of amenities and the cramped conditions, I'd say it's not the best value for money.

check_circlePros

•The scenery is truly breathtaking, with picturesque cascading staircases and beautiful park grounds.
•The lower station is easily accessible, with clear signage and a convenient location near the 'Temple of Air'.
•The operating hours are pretty reasonable, with a break in the middle of the day to avoid the peak sun.
•The cost is reasonable, with adult tickets priced at 400 rubles and child tickets at 200 rubles.
•The electric car option is available for an additional 400 rubles, which might be a good choice for those who prefer not to walk.
•The cable car does offer a unique perspective on the park's landscape, especially for those who want to take in the views without exerting themselves.

cancelCons

•The queue was ridiculously long, making the wait feel like an eternity.
•The cabins are incredibly cramped, with barely enough room to stand comfortably.
•The ride itself was pretty uneventful, with no real sense of excitement or thrill.
•The wind can be a major issue, causing the cable car to sway precariously and making it feel like it might collapse at any moment.
•The upper station is not particularly impressive, with limited amenities and no real sense of arrival.
•The whole experience felt overpriced, considering the lack of amenities and the cramped conditions.