Burabay National Park is in the Kazakhstani North.

Get in

The nearest rail station is Kurort Borovoe situated about 30 km to the south in the town of Schuchinsk. There are several trains a day from Astana, with the journey lasting 3 hr. The automatic machines in Astana railway station might only offer local trains to Kokshetau, if you want to hitch a lift on a sleeper train you'll need to speak to a salesperson, who will need your passport to get you on the sleeper. Once you leave the station, follow the road to the right to get to the bus station. There are buses throughout the day, but it is very hard to work out where and when they stop. You might have more luck with the private mini-buses. Be sure to check out the soviet era glass sculptures in the bus station. To the left of the train station is a giant soviet era steam engine. Taxis are available outside the station and opposite the bus station, expect to pay 1000-1500 tenge to travel to Borovoe, it'll take about 25 minutes and some drivers might be willing for you to hire them for the day to see the sights.

Buses are available from Astana to Borovoe. These are small minibuses

Taxi's can drive you from Astana to Borovoe. It'll take about 3 hours

Fees and permits (parks only)

The park at the western edge of Borovoe has an entry fee of:

• 198 tenge per pedestrian
• an additional amount per vehicle

Get around

Taxis are available opposite the war memorial

See

War Memorial

Boroboe Lake. The north west of the lake is the prettiest, with beautiful rock formations and boats to hire. Boats cost 1000T per half hour. There is a path along the northern edge of the lake from Borovoe town, the walk is paved, but badly maintained. In places it is overgrown with floor blocks missing or crumbling. There are several Soviet-era buildings on the route as well as an abandoned music venue.

Northern lake - this is pretty, but far less impressive than Borovoe lake.

Do

Take a boat out on lake Borovoe

Sleep

Rixos