Astana and the northern lakes of Burabay
A capital built in a field, then three hours north to pine forest and granite rock.
- Starts and ends
- Astana
- Distance
- 560 km by road
- Length
- 3 days, 2 nights
- Start time
- 09:00
- Season
- All year
- Language
- English, Russian
- Level
- Easy
- Options
- Group or private
Group: join others on a fixed date. Private: your own guide and car on your date.
Astana & Burabay
Astana became the capital in 1997 and looks like a model of the future. Burabay is its opposite: quiet water, old pine and rocks with names and legends.
Itinerary
Day 1: Astana
- Hotel pick-up
- Bayterek tower and the golden handprint at the top
- Khan Shatyr, a tent the size of a stadium
- Nur-Alem sphere, the 2017 Expo pavilion
- Ishim river walk
Day 2: To Burabay
- Drive north, 3.5 hours
- Zhumbaktas rock walk
- Boat on Lake Burabay
Day 3: Okzhetpes
- Okzhetpes rock and viewpoint
- Lunch
- Drop-off in Astana
Times are a guide and can shift with season and road conditions. If weather or a road closure blocks a stop, your guide offers another one. Refunds do not apply to a stop skipped for safety.
Included
- Guide and driver
- Two hotel nights
- Breakfast
- Park fees and boat ticket
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Tips
Group or private
Prices are in US dollars. The deposit and balance rules are below.
Group
$330per person, adults and youths 13 and over.
Children 5 to 12: $264.
Under 5: not on this trip.
Small group, up to 12 guests. Meeting point: Hotel pick-up in Astana.
Book a group seatPrivate
One group of travellers, no one else. Total price for the whole party.
| Guests | Total | Each, about | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $980 | $490 | 4x4 or minivan |
| 3 | $1,000 | $333 | 4x4 or minivan |
| 4 | $1,020 | $255 | 4x4 or minivan |
| 5 | $1,060 | $212 | Minivan |
| 6 to 7 | $1,370 | $196 | Van |
| 8 to 12 | $1,860 | $155 | Minibus |
More than 12? Send us a message for a custom price.
Book privatePick a date
Know this
- Astana is very cold in winter (minus 20 is normal in January).
- Burabay in winter is quiet and beautiful.
Not for everyone
- Suitable for most ages.
Deposit and changes
- Group: 30% deposit. Free change up to 24 hours before.
- Private: $100 per booking. Free change up to 72 hours before.
- We cancel a group 48 hours ahead if fewer than 4 guests book or if weather or roads block it. You choose a new date or a refund.
- Balance goes to your guide on day one.