Lake Borovoe

There is a Kazakh legend that when God created the world, he gave the area now known as Kazakhstan only arid steppe. The people were disappointed and implored God to bestow some natural beauty on their land. Answering their prayers, God gave them the beautiful oasis that is the Borovoe region. Sometimes known as Borovoye or Burabay, the area is in the northwest of Kazakhstan, near the Russian border.

Nicknamed the Switzerland of Kazakhstan, Borovoe is blanketed with lush green meadows and verdant forests, home to hundreds of animals and birds and crystal blue lakes which are well stocked with myriad species of fish. Visitors flock for the clean air, picturesque views and to participate in invigorating activities such as hiking and swimming. The region has a continental climate with hot summers and very cold, snowy winters, perfect for skiers. The cliffs and mountains are moulded by the weather into fascinating shapes, each of which has its own legend.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Camping

With its varied terrains, from birch forests to verdant meadows to lakeside beaches, the Borovoye region has something for all manner of wild campers. What better way to truly experience the natural wonder of the area than by pitching a tent under the stars?

Hiking

Fresh air and accessible mountain paths leading to grassy meadows and panoramic viewpoints make Borovoye a popular destination for hikers, trekkers, the more extreme of whom come in the winter. Meanwhile, rock climbers come to scale the ‘elephant’, the ‘cow’, and the ‘sleeping knight’.

Nature Museum

In the small and charming village of Burabuy, on the edge of the park, visitors will find a pleasant little museum celebrating the nature and wildlife of the area. It features a zoo with a pair of Przewalski’s horses, some Maral deer as well as one or two native bears and wolves.

Rock formations

Popular with geology enthusiasts, Borovoye is home to many weird and wonderful rock formations, each with its own story. Perhaps most famous is Okzhetpes, at which suitors for a princess shot their arrows. Only her true love hit the mark and the other suitors killed him so the princess threw herself off the peak to form Zhumbaktas, the sphinx-shaped formation in front of it.

Skiing

Soon to be a ski jumping destination with a stadium being built at present, Borovoye’s extremely cold winters make it an ideal destination for snowy pursuits. Many of the resorts and guesthouses within the area offer ski gear hire for guests to head out and enjoy the slopes.

Water recreation

Borovoye’s many lakes are a massive draw for water enthusiasts. In summer, bathers take refreshing dips in the crystal blue waters after a long day of hiking. Meanwhile, the less active can hire row boats for a lazy day, sailing on the glassy waters, surrounded by alpine peaks.

Kazakhstan Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Lake Borovoe Itineraries

Classic Kazakhstan

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,800
See Itinerary
Kokshebel Lake Resort

Kokshebel Lake Resort

Lake Borovoe, Kazakhstan


This modern hotel takes full advantage of the stunning natural surroundings around the shores of Lake Aynako. Kokshebel Lake Resort has its own private beach on the lake where guests can take full advantage of the wonderful views across the water, or over in the distance across the surrounding pine forests. As for the hotel’s facilities, guests won’t leave disappointed with the long list of fun and interesting things to do with the hotel itself. The resort boasts its own restaurant with local and international food, as well as a private swimming pool, sauna and massage room, bar, games room and laundry services. The range of rooms offer modern conveniences alongside homely touches; each of the stylish guestrooms, VIP cottage and summer houses all come with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TVs, refrigerators and en-suite bathrooms.


Kokshetau Park Hotel

Kokshetau Park Hotel

Lake Borovoe, Kazakhstan


Kokshetau Park Hotel is a delightful four-star accommodation choice located near Kazakhstan’s picturesque Lake Schchje. The range of standard and twin rooms – as well as suites – come with all the modern conveniences you would expect from a fine hotel like this, including free Wi-Fi throughout, TV, air conditioning and a private balcony. Elsewhere on the hotel grounds, guests can enjoy a delightful indoor swimming pool, private cinema and games rooms. The location of Kokshetau Park Hotel is another key selling point; there is a private sandy beach on the shores of the lake offering wonderful mountain views. There is also an on-site restaurant serving up a good range of classic Kazakh dishes and western cuisine.


Multi-Country Specialists

Kazakhstan Goes Well With

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.