# Burabay (Borovoe): day trip from Astana

> Burabay, also known as Borovoe, is a national park and lake resort of pine forest, granite rocks and clear lakes 240–260 km north of Astana. It is about 3 hours each way, so plan a full day. The park is open all year; a passenger car pays 1,298 ₸ on weekdays and 1,730 ₸ on summer weekends.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/burabay

- City: [Astana](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana), Kazakhstan
- YesGo score: 16/100 (Yes, if nearby)
- Time on site: 4 h
- Opening hours: Open all year; the entry fee is charged per day in the park
- With kids: Fine with kids
- Entry by car: 1,298 ₸ on weekdays; 1,730 ₸ at weekends and holidays, 1 May – 30 September
- Minibus up to 16 seats: 4,325 ₸ on weekdays; 6,488 ₸ at summer weekends
- On foot: No 2026 rate for walkers published — ask at the checkpoint
- Free entry: Pensioners, disabled visitors, residents of the park and its buffer zone, electric cars
- Journey time: ≈ 3 h by car, or train to Kurort-Borovoe station + 25 km
- Burabay Express train: ≈ 2.5 h non-stop, five days a week, from 2,962 ₸
- Location: Burabay District, Akmola Region; Burabay village is on the lake’s east shore
- Time to allow: A full day: about 6 h on the road and 4 h in the park
- Coordinates: 53.07490, 70.27630
- Facts checked: 30.10.2026

## Key facts

- **≈ 130,000 ha** — the size of Burabay National Park since it was enlarged in 2010 (source: Russian Wikipedia — 129,484.88 ha; English Wikipedia, “Burabay National Park” — 129,935 ha)
- **11 km²** — the area of Lake Burabay (Borovoe), 4.5 × 3.9 km (source: English Wikipedia, “Lake Burabay”; Russian Wikipedia (Orexca gives 10.5 km²))
- **947 m** — Kokshe (Sinyukha), the highest point of the Kokshetau hills (source: Russian Wikipedia, “Kokshe”; Orexca gives 961 m)
- **12 Aug 2000** — the national park was created by Government Decree No. 1246 (source: English and Russian Wikipedia, “Burabay National Park”)
- **1935** — a nature reserve, Borovoe, was first set up here (source: English and Russian Wikipedia)
- **20 m** — Zhumbaktas, the “Sphinx” rock island, rises above the water (source: English Wikipedia, “Lake Burabay”; Russian Wikipedia; Orexca)
- **7 m** — the lake’s maximum depth; the average is 3.4 m (source: English Wikipedia, “Lake Burabay”; Russian Wikipedia; Orexca)
- **“The arrow won’t reach”** — the meaning of Okzhetpes; locals nickname it the Little Elephant (source: Russian Wikipedia, “Borovoe (lake)”; zabugorshiki travel guide)
- **320.6 m** — the lake’s surface above sea level (source: English Wikipedia, “Lake Burabay”; Russian Wikipedia)
- **11 July 2025** — the first Burabay Express electric train ran from Astana (source: Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (national railway); oq.gov.kz)

## 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.

> **The express train doesn’t suit a day trip** At launch the Burabay Express left Astana at 11:00, reached Kurort-Borovoe at 13:35 and headed back at 14:15 — only 40 minutes later. Use it if you stay overnight; for a day trip, go by car, taxi or tour.

## 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.

> **Paying as a foreign visitor** Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards work in hotels, restaurants and bigger shops. Kaspi QR, the local favourite, needs a Kazakh bank app or an Alipay+ wallet. Carry some tenge in cash for taxis, boat hire and small cafés by the lake.

## How to get to Burabay from Astana

1. From [Bayterek Tower](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/bayterek-tower), take a Yandex Go taxi to Nurly Zhol railway station (about 15 minutes) or to Saparzhai bus station.
2. Train: the Burabay Express or a regular train to Kurort-Borovoe station in Shchuchinsk takes about 2.5–4 hours. Book on bilet.railways.kz; summer trains sell out.
3. From Kurort-Borovoe station it is about 25 km to Burabay village — a taxi takes around 30 minutes, or take bus No. 11.
4. Bus: from Saparzhai station it is about 4 hours, usually to Shchuchinsk bus station; in summer some buses run straight to Borovoe’s central square.
5. By car: the A-1 toll road via Shortandy, Akkol and Makinsk to Shchuchinsk, then follow the signs — about 3 hours. It is closed in winter blizzards.
6. Easiest of all: a guided day tour from Astana with hotel pickup, 10–12 hours door to door.

## Train, bus, car or tour?

|  | Train | Bus | Car or taxi | Guided tour |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Journey | ≈ 2.5–4 h to the station + 30 min | ≈ 4 h | ≈ 3 h | ≈ 3 h |
| Drops you at | Kurort-Borovoe, Shchuchinsk | Shchuchinsk; Borovoe in summer | Wherever you like | The rocks and the lake |
| Park fee | None if you enter on foot | None if you enter on foot | 1,298–1,730 ₸ per car | Usually included |
| Getting around the park | Local taxi | Local taxi | On your own | With a guide |
| Same-day return | Awkward | Awkward | Yes | Yes |

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.

## Before you go: checklist

- [ ] Transport chosen: car, tour, or train with an overnight stay
- [ ] Return train or bus time checked
- [ ] Some tenge in cash for taxis, boats and snacks
- [ ] Proper shoes for the Bolektau and Okzhetpes paths
- [ ] A windproof layer — it is breezy by the water
- [ ] In winter: forecast and A-1 road closure warnings

## Views around Astana compared

Places with a view rated by YesGo.

- [Bayterek Tower](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/bayterek-tower) — YesGo score 46/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · 2,500 KZT; kids 6–15 1,250 KZT
- [Nurzhol Boulevard](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/nurzhol-boulevard) — YesGo score 43/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free
- [Palace of Peace and Reconciliation](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/palace-of-peace-and-reconciliation) — YesGo score 39/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · 2,000 ₸ incl. guided tour
- [Burabay (Borovoe)](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/burabay) — YesGo score 16/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · Car entry from 1,298 ₸

## Back in Astana for the evening

Home by evening? Catch Bayterek lit up, stroll Nurzhol Boulevard and finish at Khan Shatyr.

1. [Burabay (Borovoe)](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/burabay) — YesGo score 16/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · Car entry from 1,298 ₸
2. [Bayterek Tower](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/bayterek-tower) — YesGo score 46/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · 2,500 KZT; kids 6–15 1,250 KZT
3. [Nurzhol Boulevard](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/nurzhol-boulevard) — YesGo score 43/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free
4. [Khan Shatyr](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/astana/khan-shatyr) — YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free entry; beach ≈ 20,000 ₸

## Good to know

Borovoe is the Russian name and Burabay the official Kazakh one; both mean the village, the lake and the national park. Kurort-Borovoe station is not on the lake but in the town of Shchuchinsk, 25 km away. Fires and barbecues are allowed only in fitted sites, and you must stay on roads and marked trails.

## Tips

- 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

### How far is Burabay from Astana?

About 240–260 km north along the A-1 highway — roughly three hours by car.

### How do I get from Astana to Burabay?

By car or taxi on the A-1, by train to Kurort-Borovoe station in Shchuchinsk plus 25 km by taxi or bus No. 11, by bus from Saparzhai station, or on a guided tour.

### Is there a train from Astana to Burabay?

Yes. Since July 2025 the Burabay Express electric train runs non-stop in about 2.5 hours, five days a week; regular trains take 3–4 hours. Check times on bilet.railways.kz.

### How much is the Burabay National Park entrance fee?

For 2026 the directorate set 1,298 ₸ per car on weekdays and 1,730 ₸ at weekends and holidays from May to September, per day.

### Can you do Burabay as a day trip?

Yes, by car or with a tour: about six hours on the road and four in the park. By train it is hard to do in a day.

### Is Burabay worth visiting?

If you enjoy nature and have a full free day, yes — it is the classic escape from Astana. If you only have one day in the capital, spend it in the city.

### What is the best time to visit Burabay?

July and August for swimming, September for hiking and autumn colours with fewer people. Winter is pretty, but the highway can close in blizzards.

### Can you swim in Lake Burabay?

Yes, there are summer beaches, especially at Blue Bay. The water is warm roughly from late June to late August.

### What are Okzhetpes and Zhumbaktas?

Okzhetpes is a granite hill on the shore whose name means “the arrow won’t reach”; Zhumbaktas, the “Sphinx”, is a rock island 20 m high just in front of it.

## How we checked

The park directorate publishes its fees on social media and its website has no price list, so we compared three Kazakh news reports — the figures match, but the rows stay marked “verifying”. No source gives a 2026 rate for visitors on foot, so we don’t quote one. The park’s area differs between the Wikipedias (129,485 vs 129,935 ha) and Kokshe’s height between Russian Wikipedia (947 m) and Orexca (961 m); we show both. The Burabay Express times come from its 2025 launch and may have changed. Sources disagree on the height of Okzhetpes, so we don’t give a number.

## Sources

- Tengrinews, 09.01.2026 — national park entry fees in Kazakhstan for 2026, Burabay section
- BES.media, 05.01.2026, and Finratings, 06.01.2026 — new Burabay park directorate rates
- zakon.kz, 21.07.2025 — who enters Burabay park for free
- Burabay State National Nature Park — rules for visiting the protected area
- Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, 11.07.2025 — launch of the Burabay Express electric train
- We Project, 01.08.2026 — ways to get from Astana to Borovoe
- Bento Travel and Travelto.ru — card and QR payments in Kazakhstan; Alipay+ and Kaspi.kz press release, August 2025
- English Wikipedia: “Burabay National Park”, “Lake Burabay”; Russian Wikipedia: “Burabay (national park)”, “Borovoe (lake)”, “Kokshe”; Wikidata Q4099294
- Orexca — Burabay (Borovoe) National Nature Park

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