Borovoe (Burabay)
Kazakhstan's Switzerland - Lakes, Forests & Mystical Rocks
Last reviewed on 29 September 2026
Borovoe, officially known as Burabay, emerges like an oasis from the endless Kazakh steppe—a landscape of pine-covered hills, crystal-clear lakes, and bizarre rock formations that earned it the nickname "Kazakhstan's Switzerland." This national park, just three hours from the capital, offers a perfect escape into nature with comfortable resort infrastructure.
Legend says that when Allah was distributing natural beauty across the Earth, the Kazakhs were left with only the vast steppe. Taking pity, he took remaining forests, lakes, and mountains from his sack and scattered them here, creating Borovoe. The result is 130,000 hectares of protected landscape featuring 14 lakes, ancient pine forests, and granite formations sculpted into fantastic shapes by millennia of wind and weather.
Today, Burabay National Nature Park combines pristine wilderness with developed resort facilities, attracting everyone from presidents conducting state meetings to families seeking lakeside holidays. The region offers year-round appeal: summer swimming and hiking, autumn mushroom picking, winter ice fishing and skiing, and spring wellness treatments at numerous sanatoriums.
Borovoe or Burabay — and Which Lake Is Which?
Borovoe is the Russian name and Burabay the Kazakh one; both refer to the same place, and you will see them used interchangeably on road signs, booking sites and bus timetables (plus the spellings Borovoye and, in German, Borowoje). Strictly, Burabay is the national park and the village at its centre, while Borovoe is how most visitors and almost all Russian-language material still refer to the resort area as a whole.
The park holds 14 lakes, but four carry the visitor traffic. Lake Borovoe (Burabay, Auliekol) is the one in the photographs — 4.5km long, ringed with pines, with the Zhumbaktas rock standing in it and most hotels along its eastern shore. Lake Shchuchye, the deepest at over 20m, is the coldest and cleanest, and the sanatoriums cluster near it above the town of Shchuchinsk. Lake Bolshoe Chebachye is the largest by area and the quietest for swimming. Lake Katarkol is the shallowest and warmest, which makes it the family choice in July. If someone recommends “the lake” without qualifying it, they mean Borovoe.
Main Attractions
Lake Borovoe (Auliekol)
The heart of the resort area, this 4.5km-long lake is surrounded by pine forests and dramatic rock formations. The water is remarkably clear with visibility up to 4 meters, and summer temperatures reach a comfortable 20-22°C. The developed eastern shore features beaches, boat rentals, and most hotels, while the western shore remains wild.
Activities: Swimming (June-August), paddle boats (1,500₸/hour), kayaking (2,000₸/hour), fishing (permit required)
Best beaches: Central Beach (facilities, crowded), Wild Beach (north shore, quieter)
Zhumbaktas Rock (Sphinx)
Rising from Lake Borovoe, this 18-meter rock formation changes appearance depending on viewing angle—from one side a sphinx, another a sleeping woman, yet another an old woman. Local legend tells of a beautiful girl who turned to stone to escape an unwanted suitor. Boat trips to the rock are the most popular excursion.
Boat trips: 2,000₸/person, 30 minutes, every hour in summer
Best photos: From boats or the viewing platform on the eastern shore
Mount Kokshe (Blue Mountain)
Elevation: 947m (highest point in region)
The signature mountain offers panoramic views over the entire lake district. A well-maintained trail leads to the summit (2-3 hours round trip), passing through pine forests and alpine meadows. The mountain's blue-tinged granite gives it its name. On clear days, you can see the steppe stretching endlessly beyond the forest.
Trail start: Behind Rixos Hotel or from Katarkol Lake
Difficulty: Moderate, steep final section
Facilities: Viewing platform at summit, no services
Okzhetpes Rock (Arrow Rock)
This dramatic 300-meter cliff face resembles an arrow shot into the earth. Legend says no arrow could reach its peak, hence the name "unreachable by arrow." Rock climbers now regularly scale its face, while hikers can reach viewpoints via forest trails. The rock is especially photogenic at sunset.
Climbing: Routes from 4a to 7c difficulty
Hiking: 1-hour trail to base viewpoint
Lake Shchuchye (Pike Lake)
Larger and deeper than Borovoe (over 20m at its deepest), this lake is famous for its fish and quieter atmosphere. The town of Shchuchinsk on its shore serves as the region's transport hub. The lake hosts sailing competitions and has several comfortable beaches with gentler development than Borovoe.
Features: Cold, very clear water, good fishing, sailing
Accommodation: More budget options than Borovoe
Lake Katarkol
A hidden gem accessed via forest road, this small lake sits in a bowl surrounded by pine-covered hills. Less developed and crowded, it offers pristine nature and excellent hiking. The trail around the lake (5km) provides constantly changing perspectives of the surrounding peaks.
Access: 5km dirt road from main highway, or hiking trail from Borovoe
Facilities: Basic camping area, no services
Dancing Birches Grove
This curious natural phenomenon features birch trees with unusually curved and twisted trunks, as if frozen mid-dance. Scientists debate the cause—soil conditions, magnetic anomalies, or genetic mutations. The grove has become a popular selfie spot and is said to have special energy.
Location: Between lakes Borovoe and Bolshoye Chebachye
Access: Short walk from parking area on main road
Activities by Season
Summer (June-August)
- Swimming: Lakes warm to 20-24°C
- Hiking: All trails accessible, longest daylight
- Water sports: Sailing, kayaking, SUP boarding
- Mountain biking: Rental 2,000₸/hour
- Horseback riding: 3,000-5,000₸/hour with guide
- Berry picking: Wild strawberries (June), raspberries (July)
- Note: Peak season, book accommodation well ahead
Autumn (September-October)
- Mushroom hunting: Abundant after rains
- Hiking: Perfect temperatures, golden colors
- Photography: Best light and colors
- Wellness: Sanatorium treatments less crowded
- Wildlife: Animals preparing for winter more visible
Winter (November-March)
- Ice fishing: Popular on all lakes
- Cross-country skiing: Groomed trails at resorts
- Snowmobiling: Rental available
- Ice skating: Natural rinks on lakes
- Banyas: Traditional saunas with lake plunges
- Dog sledding: Available at some resorts
Spring (April-May)
- Birdwatching: Migration season
- Wildflowers: Carpets of tulips and irises
- Quiet season: Fewer tourists, lower prices
- Note: Muddy trails, variable weather
Getting There: Astana to Borovoe by Bus, Train or Car
Borovoe is about 245km north of Astana — roughly three hours by road on the good A1 highway towards Kokshetau. Everything below starts from Astana; from Almaty, fly to Astana first. Fares change often, so treat the prices as ranges and confirm locally.
By bus or minibus (cheapest)
- Where from: Astana's main intercity bus station, Saparzhay, next to the railway station. Look for boards reading Бурабай (Burabay), Боровое (Borovoe) or Щучинск (Shchuchinsk).
- How long: 3–4 hours, with a stop or two on the way
- Cost: roughly 2,500–5,000₸ one way
- Frequency: several departures a day, more in summer and at weekends; minibuses leave when full, so arrive early
- Where it drops you: Burabay village on Lake Borovoe (most resorts) or Shchuchinsk town (sanatoriums and cheaper stays) — check which before you board
- Shared taxis: wait outside the bus and railway stations and leave when all seats are sold; quicker than the bus for a little more money
By train
- Route: trains on the Astana–Kokshetau–Petropavl line stop at Shchuchinsk and Burabay (Kurort-Borovoe) stations
- How long: about 3–4 hours depending on the train
- Cost: roughly 2,000–7,000₸ depending on class
- Last leg: neither station is on the lakeshore — take a taxi (20–30 minutes) to your hotel, or arrange a pick-up
- Tickets: on the national railway site railways.kz or its app; summer weekend trains sell out
By car, tour or transfer
- Self-drive: A1 north from Astana, about 3 hours; roads inside the park are paved to the main lakes, and there is a park entry fee per person and per car at the checkpoints
- Day tours: sold by Astana agencies and hotels, usually a minibus with a boat trip and lunch
- Private transfer: roughly 20,000–35,000₸ one way per car; a Yandex Go or inDrive intercity ride is often cheaper
From Almaty (about 1,200km)
- By air: fly to Astana (under 2 hours), then bus, train or car as above; Kokshetau airport is closer to the park but has far fewer flights
- By train: direct overnight trains to Shchuchinsk/Burabay exist on some days — long, but it saves a hotel night
Local Transport
- Taxis: between lakes and attractions (1,000–3,000₸); Yandex Go works around Burabay and Shchuchinsk
- Bicycle rental: at larger hotels and on the Borovoe promenade in summer
- Hotel shuttles: many resorts offer transfers from the stations
- Walking: the lakeshore sights around Burabay village are within walking distance
More on buses, trains and ride-hailing apps in our Kazakhstan transport guide.
Accommodation
Luxury Resorts
- Rixos Borovoe: 5-star all-inclusive, private beach, spa (from $200/night)
- Park Hotel Kokshetau: Modern facilities, lake views (from $120)
- Rufus Lodge: Boutique eco-resort, exclusive location (from $150)
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel Zheke Batyr: Good location, decent facilities (from $60)
- Green Which: Family-friendly, near lake (from $70)
- Hotel Promenade: In Shchuchinsk, more affordable (from $40)
Sanatoriums
Soviet-era health resorts offering medical treatments, full board included:
- Okzhetpes: Cardiac and respiratory treatments (from $50/day full board)
- Shchuchinsk: Mineral water treatments (from $45/day)
- Borovoe: General wellness programs (from $60/day)
- Note: Doctor consultation usually included, some Russian helpful
Budget Options
- Guesthouses: In Shchuchinsk town (from $20)
- Camping: Designated areas near lakes (1,000₸/tent)
- Hostels: Limited, mainly in Shchuchinsk (from $10)
- Yurt camps: Seasonal, basic facilities (from $30)
Booking notes: Essential in summer (July-August) and New Year. Many Russians vacation here, so Russian booking sites (booking.com, ostrovok.ru) have more options.
Dining
Resort Restaurants
- Most hotels have restaurants open to non-guests
- Rixos has multiple options including Kazakh, European, Asian
- Lakeside cafes serve standard Russian/Kazakh fare
- Prices 30-50% higher than cities
Local Specialties
- Fresh fish: Pike, perch, carp from local lakes
- Forest berries: In desserts and preserves
- Pine honey: Unique local product
- Mushroom dishes: In season (August-September)
- Kumys: Fermented mare's milk from nearby farms
Practical Dining
- Shchuchinsk has supermarkets for self-catering
- Beach cafes operate summer only
- Hotel breakfast usually best value
- Pack lunch for hiking—limited trail facilities
Hiking Trails
Mount Kokshetau Circuit
- Distance: 12km round trip
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: Summit views, pine forests, possible wildlife sightings
Lake Borovoe Perimeter
- Distance: 14km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Changing lake views, beaches, rock formations
Three Lakes Trail
- Distance: 18km
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route: Borovoe → Katarkol → Maybalyk → return
Okzhetpes Viewpoint
- Distance: 4km round trip
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: Sunset for photography
Wellness & Spa
Borovoe has been a health resort since the 1920s, offering various treatments:
Traditional Treatments
- Kumys therapy: Digestive and respiratory conditions
- Pine air treatment: Respiratory ailments
- Mud wraps: Joint and skin conditions
- Mineral water: Internal and bathing treatments
- Russian banya: Traditional sauna experiences
Modern Spa Services
- Rixos Spa: Full luxury treatments (from $50)
- Hotels offer massage, saunas, pools
- Day spa packages available for non-guests
Wildlife & Nature
Flora
- Relic pine forests (some trees 300+ years old)
- Birch groves unique to steppe-forest transition
- Over 800 plant species including 12 endemic
- Medicinal herbs traditionally harvested
Fauna
- Mammals: Roe deer, wild boar, fox, badger, occasional wolf
- Birds: 200+ species including eagles, cranes, swans
- Fish: Pike, perch, carp, crucian, roach
- Protected: Argali sheep reintroduction program
Conservation
- National park status protects ecosystem
- Fishing requires permits (1,500₸/day)
- Camping only in designated areas
- Fire restrictions during dry periods
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: July-August (warm, crowded, expensive)
- Ideal weather: June, September (warm days, cool nights)
- Budget travel: May, October (variable weather)
- Winter sports: January-February
What to Bring
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes in summer)
- Sunscreen and hat (limited shade on trails)
- Warm layers (cool evenings year-round)
- Hiking boots (many trails rocky)
- Swimming gear (June-August)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Money & Services
- ATMs in Shchuchinsk and major hotels
- Cards accepted at resorts, cash needed elsewhere
- Limited English—Russian helpful
- Mobile coverage good near lakes, patchy in forests
- Medical: Basic clinic in Shchuchinsk
Cultural Notes
- Popular with Russian tourists—Russian widely spoken
- Conservative dress away from beaches
- Alcohol restricted in public areas
- Respect private property—some lakefront areas restricted
Day Trip Itinerary from Astana
- 7:00: Depart Astana
- 10:30: Arrive Borovoe, coffee at lake viewpoint
- 11:00: Boat trip to Zhumbaktas Rock
- 12:00: Hike to Okzhetpes viewpoint
- 13:30: Lunch at lakeside restaurant
- 15:00: Visit Dancing Birches, explore beaches
- 16:30: Shopping for pine honey and souvenirs
- 17:00: Depart for Astana
- 20:30: Arrive Astana
Cost: Tour 12,000₸/person, self-drive 5,000₸ gas plus meals
Borovoe FAQ
How do I get from Astana to Borovoe by bus?
Buses and minibuses to Burabay (Borovoe) and Shchuchinsk leave Astana's Saparzhay bus station, next to the railway station, several times a day. The trip takes 3 to 4 hours and costs roughly 2,500 to 5,000 tenge. Check whether your bus ends in Burabay village or in Shchuchinsk.
Can I get to Borovoe by train?
Yes. Trains from Astana towards Kokshetau and Petropavl stop at Shchuchinsk and Burabay (Kurort-Borovoe) stations in about 3 to 4 hours. Neither station is on the lake, so take a 20 to 30 minute taxi to your hotel. Tickets are sold on railways.kz.
Is Borovoe the same as Burabay?
Yes. Borovoe (also spelled Borovoye, or Borowoje in German) is the Russian name and Burabay the Kazakh one. Both refer to the lake, the resort village on it and the surrounding Burabay National Park.
Is Borovoe worth a day trip from Astana?
It works as a long day trip: about 3 hours each way leaves 5 to 6 hours for a boat trip to Zhumbaktas rock, a short hike and lunch. One or two nights is better if you want to hike Mount Kokshe or see more than one lake.
Should I stay in a resort or a sanatorium?
Resorts and hotels around Lake Borovoe suit a normal holiday. Sanatoriums, mostly near Lake Shchuchye, sell full-board packages with medical treatments and a doctor's consultation; they are good value but the routine is structured and Russian helps.
Planning the capital too? See our Astana guide, Kazakhstan weather by season and where to stay.