Burabay National Park & Lake Borovoe: The Gateway to Northern Kazakhstan
Updated January 2026 (originally published November 2024)
Burabay National Park (also known as Borovoe) in Northern Kazakhstan offers a stunning contrast to the southern mountains—pine forests, granite formations, and turquoise lakes evoking “Kazakh Switzerland.” Centered on Lake Borovoe (Kazakh: Burabay; Russian: Borovoe), the park spans legends of healing waters and sacred sites.
Just 250 km north of Astana, it’s an easy escape with cooler summers and vibrant autumn colors.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Hotel Nurlytau (great reviews, central).
- Midrange: Sultan Plaza Borovoe (comfortable, well-rated).
- Luxury: Rixos Borovoe (lakeside resort with spa).
Book early in peak season via Booking.com.
Getting There from Astana
~3-hour drive (tolls apply; rent car for flexibility).
- Shared Taxi/Marshrutka: From Saparzhai-Astana station (~1,700–2,000 KZT).
- Train: To Shchuchinsk/Kurort-Borovoe (~2,000 KZT), then taxi (~2,000 KZT).
- Day Tour: Guided options include highlights + lunch.
Top Things to Do
- Boat Trip on Lake Borovoe → Motorboat tours or rent kayak/canoe for closer views.
- Zhumbaktas Rock → Iconic island formation (“unresolved riddles”); paddle near in season.
- Grove of Dancing Birch Trees → Twisted trees along the shore with folklore origins.
- Kenesary Cave → Historical shelter of Kenesary Khan.
- Bolektau Mountain → Short steep hike (10–30 min) for panoramic lake views.
- Chebache Lake → Larger neighbor; rich wildlife (evaporating slowly).
- Glade & Throne of Abylai Khan → Legendary site; circle throne boulders for wishes.
- Mount Kokshetau → Park’s highest peak (957m; “blueish mountain”).
- Shchuchie Lake → Entry-point lake near town.
- Museums: Interactive Multimedia Complex (history/culture); Botai-Burabai open-air (ancient yurts).
Packing & Best Time
Year-round: Summer/autumn ideal (pleasant/mild); winter snowy. Pack hiking shoes, bug spray (summer mosquitoes), cash, water bottle.
Burabay blends nature, legends, and serenity—perfect northern escape. Questions? Ask below!