Exploring Burabay Natural Park: Kazakhstan's hidden gem

The Burabay State National Park, nestled in the Kokshetau region in northern Kazakhstan, often referred to as the "Kazakh Switzerland," has been captivating visitors with its stunning landscapes, majestic pine forests, imposing rocks, and serene lakes since its establishment in the year 2000.

Home to nearly 800 plant species and a rich array of wildlife, Burabay is a true ecosystem waiting to be explored.

Perfect for relaxation, it offers a variety of recreational activities in an enchanting setting, far from urban bustle.

A must-visit destination, whether in winter or summer, for any traveler in Kazakhstan!

According to the legend of Burabay Park, a proud white camel named Bura lived in the surrounding forests and protected the locals by warning them of dangers. One day, he was wounded by a hunter, and sensing death approaching, he made his way to the lake, where he transformed into a great mountain. Since then, this magical place has been called Burabay, and one of the peaks resembles the silhouette of the camel, with an arrow-shaped feature as a tribute to his sacrifice.

Must-see attractions in Burabay Park

The numerous lakes

The lakes of Burabay Park are deep, with fresh or slightly salty waters and often steep shores.

Surrounded by pine forests, they offer a unique atmosphere and are famous for fishing, hosting species such as zander and pike.

Among the many lakes, the largest and most popular is Lake Borovoye (or Lake Burabay), also called the "sea" because of its size. Considered the jewel of the region, it is surrounded by mountains and is distinguished by the beauty of its water and landscape.

Lake Shchuchye, famous for its pike, is the deepest lake in the region, reaching a depth of 23 meters. From the air, it resembles a dinosaur or a seahorse, although its shape has been fading over time due to silting.

The Bolshoye and Maloye Chebache lakes, meaning "Big Chebache" and "Small Chebache," are also quite popular. The first, surrounded by mountains, has a unique climate, while the second, though less visited, will leave you in awe of its beauty.

Lastly, the saline Lake Maibalyk completes the list. Its mineral-rich water, full of iodine and bromide, was until recently used by the sanatoriums of Shchuchinsk and Okzhetpes to treat certain ailments. Due to a lack of sanitary control, the water became polluted and was replaced with artificial saline solution in the treatment centers, but visitors still come to enjoy its benefits.

Rocks and mountains

Visitors to the park particularly appreciate the mountains, whose majesty impresses and reflects the natural richness of Kazakhstan.

Among them, Okzhetpes Mountain and Zhumbaktas Rock are iconic to the region.

Okzhetpes Mountain, whose name means "the arrow will not reach," is located at the edge of Lake Borovoye and is a famous regional attraction, surrounded by legends.

Its name evokes the story of a beautiful Kalmyk captive who, to escape a forced marriage, jumped from the top of the mountain. Other legends speak of a prophetic eagle who protected justice and a boy named Okzhetpes, who became a hero by repelling invaders and was then transformed into stone to escape the enemy.

These tales make Okzhetpes a symbol of courage and love, deeply rooted in local culture.

Zhumbaktas, meaning "mysterious stone" in Kazakh, is a strangely shaped rock standing in the middle of Lake Borovoye (or Lake Burabay), in which some perceive the face of a woman.

Mount Bolektaou, rising to 147 meters, is a natural viewpoint emblematic of the Burabay resort. It offers breathtaking views of the blue bay, Zhumbaktas Rock, Okzhetpes Mountain, and the Borovoye and Bolshoye Chebache lakes.

The ascent takes only about fifteen minutes and is accessible to all thanks to a wooden staircase installed to ease the climb. At the beginning of the trail, a trilingual information sign provides guidance.

Sign up for a guided tour to discover the many legends and traditions surrounding these mountains, lakes, and rocks. For this, you can contact me via Instagram or Whatsapp ! 

Activities in Burabay Park

Burabay National Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions.

In addition to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, pedal boating, swimming in the summer, and skiing in the winter, the park also features museums.

Visitors can explore an interactive multimedia complex, offering immersive experiences about the history of Kazakhstan.

The park also hosts two museums at the visitor center: one dedicated to nature and the other to local history, providing insight into the region’s wildlife, flora, and culture.

Additionally, the open-air ethnographic museum, Botai-Burabay, dedicated to the Eneolithic period (or the Copper Age), immerses visitors in the life of the ancestors. It is here that archaeological research revealed that horses were domesticated 1,000 years earlier than previously believed!

Note: In the summer, the Botai-Burabay museum is open daily, but off-season visits are by appointment. To arrange a visit, contact the Akmola Regional Local History Museum. When booking a tour, entrance fees to the protected area of Burabay National Park are included in the ticket price.

Accomodation in Burabay Park

The park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers.

From modern, star-rated hotels providing all the comforts, to cozy guesthouses and wooden cottages nestled in nature, the choices are vast and depend on your preferences and budget.

If you're looking for an authentic experience, traditional yurts are also available. For those who enjoy sleeping under the stars in a tent, designated camping spots are provided to help preserve the environment.

Dining in Burabay Park

As a popular tourist destination, the park offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafés.

These establishments range from traditional Kazakh cuisine to international options, serving dishes made from fresh, local ingredients with stunning views of the lakes.

You can taste specialties such as beshbarmak, a traditional dish made with meat, or koumis, a fermented mare's milk drink.

How to get to Burabay Park

From Astana

🚗The 257 km drive takes 3 to 4 hours. Take the A1 highway towards Shchuchinsk. After 222 km, exit the highway onto the R-223 towards Zhumbayev.

🚂 Electric trains (829M) run daily from Astana station to the Borovoe Resort stop in 3h10.

🚌 Buses depart regularly to Shchuchinsk, the closest city to the park.

From Almaty

🚗 The 1470 km drive, without traffic jams, takes 19 hours. Start on the M-36 highway, follow the Karaganda-Astana route passing through Kurty, Akseuks, Priozersk, Balkhash, and Akshatau.

🚂 The train journey involves a transfer in Astana and takes a full day.

🚌 There is no direct bus from Almaty. You will need to travel first to Astana or Shchuchinsk, from where buses depart.

✈️ Flights of just under 2 hours depart three times a week to Kokshetau, 80 km from the park. From there, you'll need to take a taxi or a bus. Alternatively, you can fly via Astana with daily flights of less than 2 hours, followed by a taxi to the train station. The total journey will take between 10 and 12 hours.

🧭 I frequently organize expeditions in Kazakhstan, feel free to follow me on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming departures or contact me on Whatsapp. You can also email me at easternpathsdata@gmail.com or sign up for a call if you have a travel project!

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