Burabay (Borovoe)
The "Switzerland of Kazakhstan": pine-clad granite hills and lakes rising out of the steppe, a resort area about 3 hours' drive from Astana.
Burabay (formerly Borovoe) lies in Akmola Region in northern Kazakhstan, about 250 km and roughly 3 hours' drive from the capital, Astana. Here granite hills, pine forests and a cluster of lakes rise abruptly out of the flat steppe, earning it the nickname "Switzerland of Kazakhstan". The core area is Burabay National Park, centred on Lake Burabay: on its northern shore are the landmark Okzhetpes Rock, Zhumbaktas (the "Riddle Rock") in the lake, Blue Bay and Abylai Khan Glade; to the west is the highest peak, Mount Kokshetau (947 m); to the north is Lake Bolshoye Chebachye; and to the south, beside the town of Shchuchinsk, is Lake Shchuchye. Resorts, cabins and sanatoriums are concentrated in Burabay village and Shchuchinsk. Best seasons: Jun–Aug brings temperatures of 20–28°C, ideal for swimming, boating and hiking; September is crisp with autumn colours; in winter (Dec–Mar) temperatures hover around -20°C, good for activities on the ice and skiing. Getting there: trains run from Astana to Shchuchinsk (Burabay station), or you can hire a car or take an intercity bus; allow 2–3 days. Note: an eco-fee is charged to enter the national park, and camping fires are banned in some areas; summer weekends are busy, so book accommodation ahead; ticks are present in the forest, so take precautions when hiking.
Top sights
- Lake Burabay (Borovoe) – The core lake of the national park, surrounded by pine forest and granite mountains, with the Mystery Stone rock in its waters. It is the c…
- Okzhetpes Rock – A granite mountain about 380 m high on the north shore of the lake, named 'Out of Arrow's Reach' and shaped like a lying elephant. It is Bu…
- Zhumbaktas Rock – The Riddle Stone jutting out from Lake Burabay, which looks like a young girl, an old woman or a sphinx depending on the angle, and is the…
- Blue Bay (Golubaya Bukhta) – A small bay on the north shore of Lake Burabay facing the Riddle Stone and Okzhetpes rock, a popular spot for classic lake views, horseback…
- Bolektau Viewpoint – An isolated rock outcrop on the north shore, where a 20-minute climb to the top rewards you with views over Lake Burabay, the Riddle Stone…
- Kokshetau Mountain (Sinyukha) – The highest peak in the Burabay range at 947 metres, its pine-covered slopes look bluish from afar, and the summit offers views of the Big…
- Abylai Khan Glade – A grassy clearing among the pines at the foot of Okzhetpes, where legend says Khan Abylai was crowned, marked by a throne-shaped boulder an…
- Lake Shchuchye – The deepest lake in the Burabay area, with clear water, a cluster of sanatoriums and sandy beaches, and views across to the mountains on th…
- Bolshoye Chebachye Lake – A large lake north of Lake Burabay with rocky shores and scattered islets, peaceful bays and a favourite overnight spot for drivers and cam…
- Kenesary Cave – A rock cave in the hills south of Lake Burabay, where legend says the last Kazakh khan, Kenesary, hid during his uprising, reached by a ple…
- Burabay Nature Museum – A national park nature museum in the town of Burabay, displaying specimens of the region's wildlife, plants and geology, with a small zoo n…
- Lake Maloe Chebachye – A clear lake at the western foot of Kokshetau Mountain, surrounded by pine forest, sandy beaches and holiday camps, and a summer favourite…
Where to eat
- Dostar Restaurant – An affordable halal restaurant in downtown Burabay with thousands of positive 2GIS reviews; its beshbarmak is well rega…
- Skala Restaurant – A log-cabin restaurant in the Skala eco-hotel, serving Eastern and European dishes, about 8 minutes' walk from Burabay…
Itineraries
- Astana & Burabay Lakes – Spend two days exploring the modern architecture of the steppe capital, then take a train to the pine forests, granite…