Borabay: A Jewel of Nature in Northern Kazakhstan

Borabay is a corner of pristine nature located in the northern part of Kazakhstan. It's a resort area with lakes, forests, and mountains, offering excellent hotels and clean air. All of this makes Borabay a gem hidden amidst the vast steppes of Kazakhstan.

This place is also known as the "Switzerland of Kazakhstan." Whether this comparison is fair is up to you to judge, but the beauty of Borabay's nature is truly impressive! It's a place worth visiting for outdoor walks, boating, and even swimming in the lakes during the summer.

@Ł K H T K

Before I describe this beautiful place to you, I'd like to clarify the names. Actually, Borabay, Burabay, and Borovoe are all names for the same place. Why does one location have several official names? The reason goes back to the Soviet past of Kazakhstan when the Russian language was imposed as the main language of communication, and all traditionally Kazakh names were translated into Russian style. Conversely, some Russian names were altered by the local residents of Kazakhstan. As a result, many places in Kazakhstan have several name variations.

Distance from Astana

Borovoe, located 250 kilometers south of the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours by car and 2.5-3 hours by train.

How to Get There

In addition to the mentioned ways to reach Borovoe by car and train, for those who prefer convenience, taxi services are available. There are many private taxi drivers who transport tourists from Astana to Borovoe, picking you up from any location in Astana and taking you directly to the hotel. On average, the cost of a taxi (with a Camry 40 or 50 car model) is around $45 one way. The ride takes about 2.5-3 hours with one 10-minute stop.

To contact private taxi drivers, you can find advertisements for tourist transportation on Google.

Where to Stay

The choice of accommodation depends on your preferences and budget. All accommodation options are available on hotel booking services such as Booking.com.

Hotel complexes offer a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, pools, and spa centers.

Guest houses are usually more affordable and provide a more authentic experience of staying in a national style.
If you're traveling in the summer, don't forget about the possibility of camping to enjoy nature by the lake or in the forest under the starry sky.

Climate

Borovoe is famous for its pleasant climate throughout the year. Summer is quite warm, with an average temperature of around +25°C. Winters can be cold, with an average temperature of around -15°C, but this time is attractive for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring and autumn offer moderate temperatures and beautiful natural landscapes.

Must-See Attractions in Borovoe

National Park

@e-history.kz

One of the main places to visit in Borovoe is the Burabay National Park, where you can see diverse flora and fauna, as well as visit local lakes and waterfalls. The lakes Kotyrkol, Borovoe, Shchuchye, Gornoye, Lebedinoye, and Karas'ye are closely associated with the beauty and uniqueness of Borovoe. But special attention is drawn to the Blue Bay, in the midst of which rises the Zhumbaktas Rock (translated from Kazakh as "mysterious mountain" or "mystical mountain"). Tourists have nicknamed it the Mysterious Sphinx due to its resemblance to the sculpture of the ancient Egyptian creature. Here, you can go boating, photograph charming ducks swimming in the lake, and take a stroll along the lake on a well-equipped pedestrian alley.

Abylay Khan Glade

Surrounded by rocky mountains and birch groves, the glade is adorned with a tall stele, atop which proudly stands a spread-winged eagle. It is located on the way to the national park, just a few minutes' drive by car. So, visiting these two attractions can easily be combined into one trip. The glade is considered a sacred place for Kazakhs, as it was the residence of one of the greatest khans (supreme rulers) of Kazakhstan – Abylay Khan.

@borovoe.kz

Just above the stele, enclosed by a small fence, is his stone throne. Many Kazakhs believe this to be true, although there is no evidence, as Kazakhs traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle, meaning they did not have cities, and they moved from one place to another seasonally. Nevertheless, locals have a custom of circling the throne 7 times clockwise, reciting prayers and blessings. So, if you see people circling a pile of stones, don't be surprised, but better join the ritual.

At the glade, you can try archery, ride horses and camels. But the most beautiful thing about this place is the nature around the glade. You can hike up the mountain or take a walk to the birch grove. Explore the local lakes, such as Borovoe and Zhumyrt, by boat or water bike. 

For adventure enthusiasts, there are many cycling and hiking routes offering breathtaking landscapes and impressive views.

Multimedia Complex

@borovoe.kz

In Borovoe, there is an interactive space where you can learn about Kazakhstan and its main attractions in a 5D format. The entrance ticket costs 4000 tenge – about $9. Visit the "Flight of the Samruk Bird" show to take a virtual tour of the beauties of Kazakhstan following the mythical bird. And if you want to take on the role of a Kazakh warrior ("batyr"), visit the Batyrs' Steppe hall.

Botay-Burabay Ancient History Museum

@borovoe,kz

This interesting open-air museum showcases the life of people from 3500–3000 BCE. During the Botay period, horses were domesticated, shamans performed their rituals, and local residents hunted wild animals. All of this is reflected in the museum, so if you love history, you won't be bored here! The museum recreates the life of people from that time, and you can see real items created 5000 years ago! The museum is located near the town of Shchuchinsk, on the Astana-Borovoe highway. The cost of the tour is only 1000 tenge ($2).