Multi-Day Routes Starting in Astana

Multi-day routes starting in Astana

Kazakhstan is enormous, and Astana sits far from most of its famous scenery. Longer trips from the capital therefore need honest planning. Here are three routes that work, with the travel times that matter. Money amounts are in tenge (KZT).

Route A: Astana plus a night or two at Burabay

Burabay, also called Borovoe, is a national park of lakes and rock formations about 257 km from Astana. The trip is not a casual day out, because the road takes about 3 hours each way. The Burabay Express train is the alternative at about 2.5 hours. Its launch fares in 2025 were 2,962, 3,586 and 5,805 KZT, but check the 2026 days and prices on the railway site first. From the station it is 20 to 22 km to Burabay village, and taxis typically charge 1,500 to 2,000 KZT.

  • Walk up Bolektau, an easy climb of about 30 minutes, for views of the lake.
  • Hire a boat to reach rock formations such as Zhumbaktas.
  • Okzhetpes is reached by boat to the base, and the climb needs a guide and gear.
  • Expect a park fee of around 241 KZT per person per day, a figure from one secondary source.
  • Rixos Borovoe, a five-star hotel on Lake Shchuchye, has a spa, an indoor pool and a casino.

Find rooms through Booking.com , and read about the route on WeProject .

Route B: Astana and Almaty

A flight from Astana to Almaty takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Air Astana and FlyArystan fly the route. Fares generally start at a few tens of thousands of tenge, but they vary a lot by date. Almaty has the mountains, lakes and canyons, such as Medeu, Shymbulak and Charyn, which are around 950 to 1,200 km from Astana. Treat Almaty as its own multi-day stay rather than adding a quick excursion.

Route C: the Karlag history loop, 3 days

This route is for travellers interested in the Soviet camp system, and it calls for a serious, respectful mood.

  1. Day 1: Astana and the ALZHIR memorial at Akmol, 40 km west. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to 18:00, with the ticket office closing at 17:00.
  2. Day 2: take a train to Karaganda, about 2.5 to 3 hours, then travel to the Karlag Museum at Dolinka, 35 to 45 km away. Confirm the museum’s hours before travelling.
  3. Day 3: spend the morning in Karaganda and return to Astana.

Stay-put alternative

If you do not want to travel far, the Astana itineraries cover the capital over several days. See the 3-day plan .

Winter warning

From November to March the steppe is bitterly cold, with lows of -30C or colder. Highways can be icy, and rural stretches have few services. Carry warm clothing in the car and tell someone your route. Summer, from late May to September, suits all three routes better.

Entry

UK passport holders get up to 30 days without a visa. A free online QazETA authorisation opens from 1 November 2026 and becomes compulsory from 1 July 2027. See the UK government entry page , and check the rules for your own passport.

Read more: Sightseeing in the capital and outdoor options .