Discover Aqmola

• The interactive open-air museum “Botai Burabay” is dedicated to the ancient Botai culture.
• Burabay National Park includes at least 14 lakes, surrounded by mountains and evergreen forest.
• The Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Lakes, mountains and evergreen forests come together in Burabay National Park. The figure of at least 14 lakes gives an impression of how much bodies of water shape the landscape of this national park. For an overview of the natural attractions of the Burabay resort area, the Bolektau viewpoint offers a sweeping view: Burabay Lake and Shchuchye Lake, the rock formations Okzhetpes and Zhumbaktas, and forested areas of the national park can all be seen.

Korgalzhyn offers a different connection with nature: the state nature reserve has UNESCO World Heritage status. Selety Canyon is presented as a destination for ecotourism and nature tourism. This lets you choose between specific lake and viewpoint highlights, a protected area with international status, and a canyon presented as a nature destination.

The open-air archaeological and ethnographic museum “Botai Burabay” is interactive and dedicated to the ancient Botai culture. It therefore has an archaeological focus. The mausoleums, by contrast, are associated with historical and sacred heritage. The Mausoleum of Uali Khan is a historical and cultural monument in Burabay District. It is considered an important sacred site and a symbol of Kazakh statehood, reflecting the traditions of steppe architecture and the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people.

The historical and sacred structure of Niyaz Bi is in Tselinograd District, near the village of Taitobe. It stands on a hill between the Ishim and Nura rivers. For another cultural perspective, the travel guide “In the footsteps of nomads: discovering Astana and Akmola” describes ethno-tours where tourists can learn the secrets of preparing national dishes. Thus, the range of trip options includes a connection to food culture alongside sites and history.

An express train connection on the Astana–Burabay route was introduced in 2025. This information is a practical starting point for planning your journey. Before setting off, check the timetable and operating status for your travel date. This way, you can take both the stated connection and the current information needed for your date into account in your plans.

Start with the focus that matters most for your trip: natural highlights around lakes and viewpoints, the Korgalzhyn reserve, or archaeological and sacred cultural sites. The connection to national dishes described in the travel guide may also influence your choice of theme. Then compare the locations of the accommodations you are considering and check their availability for your travel dates.

For more specific guidance, you can view the following subregions individually: Burabay District, Tselinograd District, Qotyrköl, Jereimentau, Kökschetau, Zerenda, Shortandy, Vorob'yevka, Qysyl-Agasch and Stepnogor.

What can you see from the Bolektau viewpoint?

The sweeping view includes Burabay Lake, Shchuchye Lake, the rock formations Okzhetpes and Zhumbaktas, and forested areas of the national park.

What makes the Mausoleum of Uali Khan special?

It is a historical and cultural monument as well as an important sacred site and a symbol of Kazakh statehood. Its significance is connected with the traditions of steppe architecture and the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people.

What should you know about the Astana–Burabay express train connection?

The connection was introduced in 2025. Before traveling, check the timetable and operating status for your preferred date.

For the main travel overview: Kazakhstan.