Discover Aqmola: landscapes and cultural heritage

Lakes, forests and expansive views

Burabay National Park includes at least 14 lakes, surrounded by mountains and evergreen forest. The landscape itself is therefore an important part of the travel experience: water, wooded areas and mountain formations together shape the park’s character. The Bolektau viewpoint offers an overview of well-known natural features of the Burabay resort area.

From Bolektau, you can see Lake Burabay and Lake Shchuchye, the rock formations of Okzhetpes and Zhumbaktas, and the forested areas of the national park. This panorama brings together several of Burabay’s characteristic landscape features. If lakes, rocks and forest areas are your main focus, this is a distinct natural highlight to consider when choosing places to visit.

The Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offers a different kind of natural attraction. Burabay’s landscape of lakes and mountains and this protected area represent different highlights within Aqmola. When choosing a holiday apartment, it’s therefore worth following a clear order: first decide which places you want to visit, then compare the locations of available accommodation with your specific plans.

Archaeology, mausoleums and food culture

The Botai Burabay interactive open-air museum is dedicated to the ancient Botai culture. It offers a distinct cultural highlight alongside the natural attractions. If you’re interested in history and ethnography, you can include the museum in your travel plans without losing sight of the landscape.

The Mausoleum of Uali Khan is a historic and cultural monument in Burabay District. It is also considered an important sacred site and a symbol of Kazakh statehood. Its significance encompasses the traditions of steppe architecture and the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people. This place brings together historical memory, architecture and spiritual meaning.

The Mausoleum of Niyaz Bi offers another specific location: this historic and sacred structure is in Tselinograd District, near the village of Taitobe, on a hill between the Ishim and Nura rivers. Its location provides a clear point of reference for planning. Along with the Mausoleum of Uali Khan, Niyaz Bi shows that cultural experiences in Aqmola are not limited to a single place or a single form of heritage.

Food culture can also be part of your travel plans. The guide “In the footsteps of nomads: discovering Astana and Akmola” features ethno-tours where tourists can learn the secrets of preparing national dishes. For families or groups with varied interests, this can offer another perspective alongside landscapes and history: you can consider in advance which themes appeal to everyone and which individual destinations suit different preferences.

Factor natural attractions and travel into your plans

Selety Canyon is presented as a destination for eco-tourism and nature tourism, and is located in the valley of the Seleti River. It adds another distinct destination to Aqmola’s natural attractions. If you’d like to combine several highlights, rank the places according to your personal priorities and plan each visit deliberately rather than assuming there is a connection between destinations.

The express train service on the Astana–Burabay route, introduced in 2025, is also relevant when planning your journey. Check the timetable and service status before you travel. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can then compare the locations of available accommodation with the places you actually plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Burabay District, Tselinograd District, Qotyrköl, Jereimentau, Kökschetau, Zerenda, Shortandy, Vorob'yevka, Qysyl-Agasch, Stepnogor.

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