A path from the back of the Polyana Abylay Khana clearing, 6km south of Burabay, leads up 947m Mt Kokshetau, the highest peak in Burabay National Nature Park (about 1½ hours to the top). A few steps along the trail lead you to Abylai Khan's Throne - several rocks perched on a broad flat, one. Local lore suggests that if you walk around it seven times anticlockwise and then hug a pine tree, your wish will come true.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.48 MILES
The most celebrated Burabay legend links Zhumbaktas, the Sphinx-like rock sticking out of the lake, with Okzhetpes, the striking 380m-tall rock pile…
1.91 MILES
Mt Bolektau is a short, easy ascent that takes around half an hour and still gives you good views of both Lake Burabay and Lake Bolshoe Chebachie to its…
1.54 MILES
An appealing, forest-fringed bay 4km south of the town. Rowing boats are available for rent so that you can get yourself out to the rock formations in the…
Burabay National Nature Park Visitor Centre & Nature Museum
3.62 MILES
This museum contains a diverse display of taxidermied wildlife from Kazakhstan’s national parks (including a demented-looking fox), two ATMs, and a…
0.66 MILES
This clearing, 6km south of Burabay, is where the warrior hero reputedly once assembled his forces during his Zhungar campaigns. A tall, eagle-topped…
Nearby Kazakhstan attractions
0.66 MILES
This clearing, 6km south of Burabay, is where the warrior hero reputedly once assembled his forces during his Zhungar campaigns. A tall, eagle-topped…
1.48 MILES
The most celebrated Burabay legend links Zhumbaktas, the Sphinx-like rock sticking out of the lake, with Okzhetpes, the striking 380m-tall rock pile…
1.54 MILES
An appealing, forest-fringed bay 4km south of the town. Rowing boats are available for rent so that you can get yourself out to the rock formations in the…
1.91 MILES
Mt Bolektau is a short, easy ascent that takes around half an hour and still gives you good views of both Lake Burabay and Lake Bolshoe Chebachie to its…
5. Burabay National Nature Park Visitor Centre & Nature Museum
3.62 MILES
This museum contains a diverse display of taxidermied wildlife from Kazakhstan’s national parks (including a demented-looking fox), two ATMs, and a…