Burabay National Park
National Park Scenic Kazakh park of lakes, forests, and resorts
Pine forests, rocky outcrops and clear lakes around Burabay make it Kazakhstan’s popular resort area near Astana; visitors hike, boat and stay in Soviet-era sanatoriums and weekend resorts.
.jpg?width=1200)
Burabay National Park is a protected landscape area in Akmola Region in northern Kazakhstan, known locally as Borovoe. It was designated as a national park to conserve the region’s lakes, pine forests and distinctive rock formations.
The park contains a string of lakes set among low forested hills and dramatic rock outcrops; key named features include lake shores used for boating and picnic areas and granite formations used as viewpoints. Popular short trails link lakes and viewpoints, and there are facilities for day visitors and seasonal water activities.
The area was set aside under national protection to conserve its scenic and ecological values and to regulate recreational use; the modern national park administration manages visitor services and conservation measures. Over time the site has become a regional tourist destination with infrastructure concentrated near the main lakes.
The park lies in the Kokshetau Hills of Akmola Region, close to the town and regional centre of Kokshetau and several small settlements named Burabay or Borovoe; it sits roughly north of Nur-Sultan (Astana), set among lakes and pine-covered ridges.
- Viewing and seasons: Best panoramic views are from the rock outcrops such as Okzhetpes; summer is the busiest season for boating and swimming while late spring and early autumn are popular for hiking.
- Access and proximity: Nearest regional centre is the city of Kokshetau, within a short drive; the park is roughly 200-300 km north of Nur-Sultan (Astana), making it a common weekend destination from the capital.
What to See #
- Notable rock formations: A collection of named rock outcrops and viewpoints including **Okzhetpes** and **Zhumbyktas**, both granite or sandstone formations used as popular lookout points over surrounding lakes and pine forest.
- Major lakes: Lake Burabay (also called Borovoe) and Lake Shchuchye, the largest lakes in the park, which sit among pine-covered hills and are focal points for boat trips and shoreline trails.
- Trails and recreation areas: A network of marked trails and picnic areas that link the main lakes and viewpoints, used for short walks and multi-day hikes.
How to Get to Burabay National Park #
Burabay (Borovoye) National Park is in Akmola Region and is reached by road from Kazakhstan’s larger centres. From Nur‑Sultan (Astana) the park area is approximately 200-260 km to the north (roughly a 3-4 hour drive depending on route and traffic). The nearest regional town is Kokshetau (closer to the park); regular buses and shared minibuses run between Nur‑Sultan, Kokshetau and the Burabay resort area, and once in the Borovoye resort zone the main lakes, viewpoints and trails are walkable from local parking areas.
Tips for Visiting Burabay National Park #
- Base yourself in Burabay (Borovoe) village or the nearby resort area and start early to make the most of the lakeside viewpoints before day-trippers arrive.
- Take a short boat trip on Lake Burabay (available from the main harbors in the village) to see the famous Zhumbaktas and Okzhetpes rocks from the water - the distinctive rock formations are best appreciated from a boat.
- Visit on weekdays or outside national holidays if possible; the main scenic spots and parking areas become crowded with local visitors at weekends and in high summer.
Best Time to Visit Burabay National Park #
Late spring through summer is the best time to visit for accessible trails, lakes, and milder weather.
Weather & Climate near Burabay National Park #
Burabay National Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -20°C to 24°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
.jpg?width=600)
