Aqmola: Lakes, Protected Areas and Cultural Sites

Aqmola can be explored for trip planning through two broad themes: nature and landscape destinations, and cultural sites. Specific destinations include lakes and forests in Burabay, a nature reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an open-air archaeological museum and historic mausoleums. If you are looking for hotels in Aqmola, you can first consider whether nature or cultural heritage will be the focus of your trip.

Nature and landscapes in Aqmola

Burabay National Park includes at least 14 lakes surrounded by mountains and evergreen forest. The «Bolektau» observation platform offers a sweeping view of the main natural attractions of the Burabay resort area: Lake Burabay and Lake Shchuchye, the rock formations of Okzhetpes and Zhumbaktas, and the forested areas of the national park. Burabay thus offers lakes, rocks and forests as distinct features of its landscape.

Another natural highlight is the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve, which has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Selety Canyon is a destination for ecotourism and nature tourism. When organizing the region’s nature destinations, you can distinguish between the reserve, Burabay’s lake and mountain landscape, and the canyon as a nature tourism destination.

Cultural sites and history

The «Botai Burabay» open-air archaeological and ethnographic museum is interactive and dedicated to the ancient Botai culture. Archaeology and ethnography are both central here. The museum therefore offers a cultural focus distinct from the landscape and protected-area destinations.

The Mausoleum of Uali Khan is a historical and cultural monument in the Burabay District of Aqmola Region. It is considered an important sacred site and a symbol of Kazakh statehood. It also reflects the traditions of steppe architecture. These aspects give the mausoleum historical, architectural and spiritual significance.

The Mausoleum of Niyaz Bi is a historic and sacred structure in the Tselinograd District of Aqmola Region, near the village of Taitobe, on a hill between the Ishim and Nura rivers. Comparing the two mausoleums highlights their different associations: Uali Khan is linked with steppe architecture and Kazakh statehood, while Niyaz Bi’s location between a hill and rivers gives it a distinct geographical setting.

Ethnic tours and travel planning

The guide «In the footsteps of nomads: discovering Astana and Akmola» includes ethnic tours where tourists can learn the secrets of preparing national dishes. This complements the archaeological and sacred themes with a culinary perspective: the focus here is on preparing national dishes.

A high-speed train service on the Astana–Burabay route was introduced in 2025. Before travelling, check the timetable and the service status. This lets you take this time-specific information into account when planning your trip.

More destinations in Aqmola

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

Return to the main travel overview: Kazakhstan.