Burabay National Park National Park

Address: Burabay (Borovoe) National Park, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan

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.

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.

• 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.