Borovoe (Burabay) - Pearl of Kazakhstan

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.

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 Kokshetau (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 (maximum depth 23m), 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: Warmer than Borovoe, excellent fishing, sailing school

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

From Astana (245km, 3-3.5 hours)

By car: A1 highway north, excellent road
By bus: Regular from Astana bus station (2,500₸, every 2 hours)
By train: To Shchuchinsk station (3,000₸), then taxi to Borovoe (1,500₸)
Tour bus: Day trips and packages from Astana (from 8,000₸)
Private transfer: 20,000-25,000₸ one way

From Almaty (1,230km)

By air: Fly to Astana, then drive
By train: Overnight to Shchuchinsk (12 hours, from 7,000₸)
By car: 14-16 hours drive (not recommended)

Local Transport

Taxis: Between lakes and attractions (1,000-3,000₸)
Bicycle rental: Available at major hotels (1,500₸/day)
Hotel shuttles: Many offer lake transfer service
Walking: Many attractions within hiking distance

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