Burabay (Borovoe): day trip from Astana

Is Burabay worth a day trip from Astana?

Yes, if you like lakes, pine forest and short climbs, and you have a whole free day. Burabay is where the Kokshetau hills rise straight out of the flat steppe — a real change of scene after Astana’s glass towers. The classic view is Okzhetpes rock above the bay with the rock island Zhumbaktas in the water below.

Be realistic about the distance: it is 240–260 km and about three hours each way. A same-day trip gives you roughly four hours in the park — enough for the main viewpoints, a walk and lunch by the water. If you mainly came for Astana’s architecture, or you have only one day in the capital, stay in town.

Burabay National Park entrance fee

The fee is per vehicle, per day. According to the park directorate’s 2026 rates, as published by Tengrinews, BES.media and Finratings, a passenger car pays 1,298 ₸ on weekdays and 1,730 ₸ at weekends and public holidays from 1 May to 30 September. Minibuses up to 16 seats pay 4,325 ₸ and 6,488 ₸.

Rates are set in Kazakhstan’s monthly calculation index (MRP), so they rise every January. We found no published 2026 rate for visitors on foot. Park rules say you must be able to show proof of payment while you are inside.

Checkpoints have number-plate cameras and terminals with an operator call button. On a tour the fee is usually included — check when you book.

Train, bus, car or tour?

For a day trip, a car or a tour is simplest. The train and bus make sense if you sleep in Burabay.

What to see in Burabay

• Okzhetpes — a granite hill on the north-west bay; from the side it looks like an elephant, hence its nickname.
• Zhumbaktas — the “Sphinx”, a rock island standing 20 m out of the water right in front of Okzhetpes.
• Blue Bay — the shore facing both rocks: a beach, pedal boats and kayaks, and in summer, crowds.
• Ablai Khan Glade — a historic clearing at the foot of Kokshe and a starting point for forest walks.
• Bolektau — a low hill between Burabay village and Ablai Khan Glade with a viewpoint over the lake; the path is rocky.
• Kokshe (Sinyukha) — the highest point of the Kokshetau hills, around 947 m, with marked trails to the top.
• Nature Museum in Burabay village — the park’s plants and animals, with a small zoo corner.

Best time to visit Burabay

Burabay is open all year, but each season is a different trip. Summer means swimming, boats and beaches — the water is warm enough roughly from late June to late August. It is also the busiest time, and weekend entry costs more.

September brings yellow birches among the pines, fewer people and mild days — in our view the best month for walking and photos. Winter is snowy and beautiful, with skiing and frozen lakes, but daylight is short and the A-1 highway closes in blizzards.

The weather changes fast: it is windy on the rocks and by the water even in July. Check the forecast for Burabay or Shchuchinsk, not Astana — they are 250 km apart.

Views around Astana compared

Places with a view rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.

How to do it right

• Leave Astana by 7–8 am to fit in the rocks, Bolektau and a lakeside lunch, and still be back for dinner.
• The classic photo — Okzhetpes and Zhumbaktas together — is from the Blue Bay shore or from a boat.
• Weekdays are cheaper to enter and much quieter by the water.
• Wear shoes with grip: the Bolektau and Okzhetpes paths are rocky.
• Want to swim? Go between late June and late August; the rest of the year the water is cold.
• If you take the train, sleep at least one night in Burabay — the timetable leaves no time for a same-day return.

Questions