Astana & Burabay

Astana and Burabay

Foster's futuristic capital and the granite lakes of Kazakh Switzerland.

Astana (renamed Nur-Sultan 2019-2022, reverted to Astana in 2022) is the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997, population approximately 1.4 million. The city's left bank showcases 21st-century architecture: the Baiterek tower (97 m, symbolizing 1997), Khan Shatyr (transparent tent structure by Norman Foster, 150 m tall), the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (pyramid, 62 m), and the Hazret Sultan Mosque (capacity 10,000). The EXPO-2017 sphere (80 m diameter) now houses the Museum of Future Energy.

Burabay National Park lies 250 km north of Astana: granite ridges rising from pine forests around 14 lakes, nicknamed Kazakh Switzerland since the 19th century.

How to get there

Direct flights to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport from 40+ cities. Astana to Burabay: 250 km by road (3 hours), regular intercity buses (departure every 30 minutes from Sapar bus station), or Talgo train to Shchuchinsk (2.5 hours). Within Astana: developed bus network, ride-hailing via Yandex Go and inDrive.

What to see and do

Left Bank: Baiterek observation deck (97 m), Khan Shatyr shopping (indoor beach, 35 C year-round), National Museum of Kazakhstan (modern history from Bronze Age), EXPO sphere, Hazret Sultan and Palace of Peace. Right Bank: Old Astana, Kenesary Khan monument, Central Market. Burabay: Borovoe Lake swimming (June-August), Zhumbaktas sphinx rock (height 18 m), Bolektau climbing (147 steps to summit, panoramic views), Blue Bay hiking trail (4 km loop), Burabay resort skiing (December-March).

Day trips: Malinovka village for koumiss farms, Zerendi Lake (35 km from Burabay).

When to go

Summer (June-August): best for Burabay lakes, swimming, hiking. 25-30 C daytime. Astana comfortable for walking. Autumn (September-October): golden birch forests in Burabay, pleasant 10-18 C. Winter (November-March): severe cold in Astana (-15 to -30 C), Burabay skiing, ice fishing, but not for unprepared visitors. Spring (April-May): steppe blooms, 10-20 C, sometimes windy.

Where to stay

Astana: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Hilton (left bank, $150-400). Mid-range: Ramada, Holiday Inn ($60-100). Burabay: Rixos Borovoe (5-star resort, spa, $200-500), Burabay resort hotels ($50-120), pine forest guesthouses ($30-60).

Itineraries by duration

Half-day: Left bank walking tour (Baiterek, Khan Shatyr, Hazret Sultan). 1 day: Astana highlights (both banks, National Museum, EXPO). 2 days: Astana + day trip to Burabay (lake, Zhumbaktas, Bolektau). 3-4 days: Astana (2 days) + Burabay (2 days with hiking and lake activities). 5+ days: Add Korgalzhyn wetlands (UNESCO, flamingos in June-August, 130 km from Astana).

What to bring and preparation

Summer: sunscreen, swimwear for Burabay lakes, light layers for Astana evening wind. Winter: serious cold-weather gear (-30 C possible), thermal layers, proper boots. Year-round: comfortable walking shoes, Yandex Go app for transport in Astana.

FAQ

Is Astana worth visiting? The architecture alone justifies 1-2 days. Combined with Burabay it makes a strong 3-4 day itinerary. How cold does it get? Record lows reach -50 C, typical January averages -15 C. Is Burabay crowded? Peak season July-August sees domestic tourists; weekdays are calmer. Can I combine with Almaty? Yes, 1.5-hour flight or overnight train.