On behalf of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Lake Kobeytuz, known for its unique pink hue of water, will receive the status of a specially protected natural area. For this purpose, the borders of the Buiratau State National Natural Park will be expanded – the Kobeytuz water area will become part of it. This will ensure the protection of the unique ecosystem of the lake.
The reservoir, located 160 km from the capital, is rightfully considered one of the most photogenic natural sites in the country, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. The growing flow of guests requires an appropriate infrastructure. Therefore, along with giving the lake a protected status, the akimat of the Akmola region is starting to improve the coastal territory: an observation deck and parking are being equipped here – this will allow residents and guests of the region to observe and photograph the natural phenomenon without creating threats to the fragile ecosystem.
It should be noted that Kobeytuz is already one of the symbols of the Akmola region. And now it is necessary to create conditions under which people can safely and comfortably explore this unique place and enjoy the picturesque views without causing any harm to the lake. It is possible to preserve Kobeytuz in its original form for posterity only with proper landscaping and strict observance of environmental standards.
The preservation of unique natural sites remains one of the priorities of the state environmental policy. The new Constitution establishes the formation of a high ecological culture as a fundamental principle of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the expansion of the network of specially protected natural territories is one of the tools for its practical implementation. That is why the issues of nature protection and environmental protection are especially relevant today.
The measures taken to protect and improve the lake's territory fully comply with the spirit and goals of the large-scale republican environmental initiative "Taza Kazakhstan". Preserving the fragile ecosystem of Lake Kobeytuz is an important practical contribution to the implementation of the concept of clean and green Kazakhstan.
Earlier, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management in the Akmola region conducted a study of the hydrochemical properties of lake water. The analysis showed exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations for a number of substances – ammonium nitrogen, ammonia, chlorides, arsenic, sulfates and others. Based on the data obtained, swimming in the lake and collecting salt from its shores are strictly prohibited.
For the duration of the landscaping work, access to Lake Kobeytuz will be limited: it is not allowed to approach the coastline or stay in the surrounding area closer to the recommended zone. Round-the-clock checkpoints will be set up at the entrances to the lake, and the police, together with authorized bodies, will patrol the territory.
The regional Akimat urges residents and guests of the region to comply with the established requirements and environmental legislation, as well as to take care of the environment. This is the only way to preserve a unique natural site for future generations.
A new tourist project Burabay RedBus has started operating in the Burabay resort area, a modern sightseeing route that allows resort guests to explore the main attractions of the region in a comfortable format.
Burabay RedBus offers an open-top bus sightseeing tour of Burabay's most iconic sites.
The Burabay RedBus route covers the key tourist points of the resort:
Burabai Boardwalk (gathering place)
• Burabay Damu
• Grove of "Dancing birches" (Bi kayindary)
• Mount Bolektau
• Blue Bay
• Abylai Khan's Clearing
• The "Shell" platform (the turning point of the route)
The duration of the tour is 60-75 minutes.
A special feature of the project is the Hop-On Hop-Off format, which allows passengers to get off at stops for walking and sightseeing, and then continue the route on the next flight. This format is one of the most popular travel solutions in the world and was first introduced in Burabay.
For the convenience of guests, the tour is available in audio guide format in three languages — Kazakh, Russian and English.
Burabay RedBus was created in order to make exploring the resort more convenient, modern and accessible for both Kazakhstani and foreign tourists.
Burabay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, known for its picturesque lakes, pine forests, clean air and unique natural landscapes. The new route will allow tourists to see the main attractions of the resort in one trip and discover Borovoe from a new perspective.
The launch of Burabay RedBus will be another step in the development of the region's tourism infrastructure and increase the attractiveness of Borovoye as a modern tourist center in Kazakhstan.
A new ethno-village, Nomad Soul, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the culture of the Great Steppe nomads, has opened in the Burabay district of the Akmola Region.
The project combines museum spaces, yurts from different historical periods, thematic routes, and traditional craft areas, allowing visitors to explore the history and everyday life of nomadic people through an interactive experience.
According to Khalida Ashimova, a representative of the ethno-village, the main goal of the project is to convey the essence and value of nomadic culture through an immersive journey.
“The excursion is designed so that each guest gradually passes through every stage of the experience — from the museum and traditional yurts to various exhibitions — gaining a deeper understanding of the nomadic way of life and its meaning. We wanted visitors not just to observe, but to truly experience this culture and take away its most important values,” she said.
A special emphasis of the project is placed on preserving traditional customs and crafts, which, according to the organizers, should be passed on to future generations.
The excursion route includes a museum, yurts representing different historical eras, and the Nomad Alley, where themed zones reveal the key stages of steppe life — from family and labor to science, culture, and art.
The program concludes with an open-air performance held on hay bales. On weekends, visitors can enjoy theatrical shows, demonstrations of traditional rituals, performances by local grandmothers’ ensembles, and equestrian displays that recreate the atmosphere of the nomadic era.
In addition, guests can take part in a wide range of interactive activities, including traditional national games, archery, pottery workshops, and the opportunity to try on traditional clothing. The site also features photo zones, yurt rentals, and overnight stays in an authentic ethnic-style setting.
During the summer tourist season, the Akmola Region is expecting a significant influx of visitors. According to forecasts, the region will welcome around 2 million tourists throughout the year. The Burabay resort area will traditionally remain the main tourist attraction, where extensive preparations of infrastructure and tourism facilities have been completed to receive visitors.
Particular attention is being paid to the development of tourist routes. Improvement works are underway on ten existing routes, while two new routes are being created in the areas of Lake Zhukey and the village of Akylbay. The resort’s internal infrastructure continues to develop as well. In Burabay, eight observation decks have been constructed, a new park area has been opened, 45 picnic sites have been equipped, the existing 30-kilometer cycling path has been extended by an additional 10 kilometers, and 55 sanitary facilities have been installed.
Important improvements are also taking place in transport accessibility. A modernized railway station in the city of Shchuchinsk is scheduled to open later this month. To ensure convenient transportation for passengers arriving by train, new bus routes will be launched from the station.
The resort’s hospitality infrastructure is also expanding rapidly. In July, the Mövenpick hotel complex is expected to open, followed by the five-star Radisson Blu Burabay in December. Construction of the five-star Dolce by Wyndham hotel is ongoing, while the Holiday Inn Resort Burabay project is set to begin in July.
Another promising development is the construction of a modern congress center, which is expected to become a new landmark and symbol of Burabay. The project documentation is currently undergoing state expert review.
The safety of visitors will be ensured by 40 police officers and a modern intelligent video surveillance system consisting of 123 smart cameras. Three rescue stations operating on Lakes Shchuchye, Borovoe, and Bolshoe Chebachye have been switched to an enhanced operating mode for the summer season to ensure the safety of vacationers.
The Umai Ana ecopark has opened in Shchuchinsk, a modern space for recreation, sports and family leisure, one of the key public recreation areas for residents and guests of the resort region.
The opening ceremony was attended by Akim of Akmola region Marat Akhmetzhanov, who noted the importance of creating modern and environmentally oriented public spaces to improve the quality of life of the population and develop the tourism potential of the region.
"The ecopark was opened on behalf of the Head of State. The implementation of such projects contributes to the formation of a favorable urban environment, strengthening ecological culture and creating additional opportunities for active recreation of residents. This is an important part of the work on the development of our cities and improving the quality of life of the population," said Marat Akhmetzhanov.
The new ecopark is a landscaped area with walking alleys, recreation areas, sports and playgrounds, including inclusive ones, green spaces and small architecture facilities. The central sculpture that gave the park its name was the figure of a mother with a baby in her arms. When creating a new urban space, special attention was paid to the preservation of the natural landscape, environmental safety and the comfort of visitors of all ages.
Chairman of the Council of Veterans Utelbai Beisenov thanked for the construction of a modern eco-park, stressing that the Umai Ana Park will become a center of attraction not only for young residents, but also for adults.
Within the framework of the event, apartment keys were handed over to waiting listers from the SUSN category, and athletes were awarded for outstanding achievements. A festive program with the participation of creative teams was organized for the guests.
The summer tourist season has begun in the Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort area, marking the beginning of an active period of rest and reception for guests of one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kazakhstan. Akim of Akmola region Marat Akhmetzhanov took part in the event. During the working trip, the head of the region got acquainted with the tourist infrastructure of the resort and visited a number of key facilities that are popular among vacationers.
Marat Akhmetzhanov visited the Bishi Kayindar Park, where he got acquainted with the conditions for family and outdoor activities, and also visited the Ayutas Rock observation deck, which offers scenic views of natural attractions. Special attention was paid to the development of tourist services on Lake Burabay.
The head of the region was also presented with promising investment projects in the field of tourism – several hotel complexes of world brands, the project of the museum of Saka culture and the prospects for expanding trout farming in the village of Akylbai. The construction of a congress center in the village will open up great prospects for the region. Burabay with a hall with 1000 seats and halls for large conferences and exhibitions.
"On behalf of the Head of State, we are consistently developing the tourism potential of the Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort area. Our task is not only to increase the tourist flow, but also to create conditions for a high-quality and comfortable stay throughout the year. Ecotourism, event tourism and family holidays are becoming promising areas for the region. The development of these areas will expand the range of tourist services, increase the investment attractiveness of the resort, so that Burabai becomes a modern all–season tourist center of international level," said the governor of the region.
In 2025, 1.7 million people rested in Akmola region, including 22.4 thousand foreign tourists. An increase in the tourist flow and geographical expansion is expected this year.
The Tourism Department of Akmola region plans to launch a project to create new historical and cultural routes aimed at popularizing the region's sacred sites, preserving historical memory and developing domestic tourism.
Within the framework of the project, three tourist routes have been developed along significant historical and spiritual sites of the capital region. The main goal of the initiative is to introduce residents and guests of the region to the rich cultural heritage of the Kazakh people, their history, traditions and spiritual values.
A special information tour was organized for 20 tour operators of the capital, during which participants were presented with new routes, told about the historical significance of the facilities and the tourist potential of the region. It is assumed that in the future, tour operators will include these destinations in their excursion programs and introduce tourists to the sacred history of the Kazakh steppe.
The routes include the following objects:
Niyaz bi Mausoleum, a historical monument dedicated to the famous biy and public figure of the Kazakh people;
Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum is a sacred place dedicated to the great commander and batyr, who played an important role in protecting the Kazakh land.;
The Bytygai Mausoleum is a unique architectural and historical monument that has been preserved since the medieval period.;
Mazar Kanykey is a sacred object associated with folk legends and the spiritual culture of the steppe.
The implementation of the project will not only expand the tourist routes of the region, but also increase interest in the historical and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan, forming respect for their roots and national history among the younger generation.
On June 6, Astana will once again become the ultimate destination for everyone who lives and breathes music.
At Satisfaction 2026, guests will experience a spectacular шоу, live performances, favorite hits, and brand-new tracks from world-renowned artists and DJs, many of whom will perform in Astana for the very first time.
Headliners: R3HAB, John Martin, Laidback Luke, DEV, Eva Simons, Feder, Chester Young.
And that’s not all. Festival guests can also expect a special surprise — a secret artist whose name will only be revealed during the festival itself.
Visitors will enjoy not only music, but also a full entertainment park featuring:
* Unique art spaces
* An alley of the city’s best restaurants and bars
* Cozy chill zones with seating areas and sun protection
* Relaxation areas with bean bags
* And additional amenities designed for maximum comfort.
📆 June 6, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Astana – “BEIBARYS” Recreation Area
🎟️ Tickets available at: ticketon.kz
One of the key objects of the regional akim Marat Akhmetzhanov's working trip to Burabay district was the ecopark under construction. A large-scale construction of a modern recreational space has been launched on an area of 15 thousand square meters.
"The Head of State has repeatedly stressed the need to develop the economy of districts and cities, including tourist areas such as Burabay district. Today, not only millions of Kazakhstanis come here to relax, but also foreign guests. The construction of an eco-park has begun in Shchuchinsk, which will meet high modern standards and the wishes of residents. Due to its location next to the sports complex and the House of Culture, a large modern recreation area is being formed here for residents and guests of the district," said Marat Akhmetzhanov
The facility is being prepared for completion in June. According to the technical data sheet, the park will delight with a variety of functional areas with tartan and artificial grass. An amphitheater is being built for cultural evenings in the open air. Special attention is paid to the younger generation: two children's playgrounds will be installed in the ecopark, one of which will be fully inclusive, designed for children with special needs. The project also provides for large-scale landscaping: 50 young trees and 625 ornamental shrubs will be planted on the territory.
Another important construction site was the indoor futsal complex in Shchuchinsk. The building with an area of almost 1.6 thousand square meters will be ready by September this year. This will allow local youth to train in a comfortable environment all year round.
The head of the region also visited the regional House of Culture, where he appreciated the performance of the B. Baykadamov State choral chapel, met with the creative team of the village of Katarkol. It can be said that the issues of cultural leisure in the district are being solved systematically: in the village of Katarkol, it is already planned to build a modern club with 200 seats.
The State National Nature Park “Burabay” welcomes more than one million visitors every year. During the peak tourist season, the flow of vehicles increases significantly, which can lead to queues at the second checkpoint located in the village of Burabay. This is not a system failure or an access restriction, but rather the result of the growing popularity of one of the country’s main tourist destinations. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to consider alternative exit routes in order to save time and reduce congestion at Checkpoint No. 2.
“The park administration asks visitors to take this traffic load into account and plan their exit route in advance. There are several alternative directions that allow visitors to leave the территории quickly and without delays,” said Deputy Director Venera Nugmanova.
The first checkpoint leads to the Astana–Kokshetau highway and is suitable for those returning to the capital or traveling north.
The third checkpoint passes through the Shchuchinsky Sanatorium settlement and is convenient for distributing traffic within the resort area.
The fourth checkpoint is located near the Baldauren children’s center and also helps reduce congestion at the main exit.
Using these alternative routes helps reduce travel time and eases pressure on the national park’s infrastructure.
For visitors’ convenience, several payment methods for entrance fees are available. Payments can be made through the Kaspi and Halyk mobile applications, by international bank cards, or in cash. This helps avoid delays at entry and exit points.
Burabay National Park remains a place where it is important not only to relax, but also to preserve the natural balance.
“A rational choice of route is necessary to make travel more comfortable for everyone, and it helps the entire system operate without overloads,” representatives of the national park noted.