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Burabay (Borovoe)
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Burabay (Borovoe)

Pine Forests and Granite Rocks Round a Steppe Lake

Plan this trip
2 daysIdeal stay₹3,780From / night₹1,470Food / day₹160Entry

The lake resort Kazakhs call their Switzerland, three hours north of Astana: pine forest and granite outcrops round Lake Burabay, with the Zhumbaktas rock standing in the water under Okzhetpes, and Lake Shchuchye next door. Walks, boat rides and sanatoriums in summer; the lakes freeze in winter. The Burabay Express train from Astana takes about 2.5 hours to Kurort-Borovoe station, a taxi ride from the village; buses and cars take about 3 hours. Busiest from June to August.

Highlights

  • Okzhetpes and the Zhumbaktas rock in the lake
  • Boat ride on Lake Burabay
  • Forest walks to Blue Bay
  • Bolektau viewpoint
  • Swimming in Lake Shchuchye in July and August

Things to do

  • Walk round Lake Burabay to OkzhetpesMorning · 3h
  • Boat ride to ZhumbaktasAfternoon · 1h
  • Climb to the Bolektau viewpointMorning · 2h 30m
  • Lake Shchuchye shoreAfternoon · 2h

Tours & tickets

Tours & tickets in Burabay (Borovoe)via GetYourGuideTours & tickets in Burabay (Borovoe)via Klook

Tourisma may earn a small commission if you book — it never changes your price.

When to go

Best time: June – August

Heads up

Burabay in Winter

The lakes freeze and temperatures fall below -20°C. Blizzards close the Astana–Borovoe highway at times; the train keeps running, so book it rather than a car. Many summer guesthouses close.