Burabay

Burabay lies among the Kokshetau hills in Akmola Region. Out of the surrounding steppe suddenly rise pine forests, granite cliffs and several lakes — hence the nickname "Kazakh Switzerland".

Its best-known sights are Lakes Burabay and Bolshoye Chebachye, the Zhumbaktas ("Sphinx") rock in the middle of the lake and the Okzhetpes ("arrow won't reach") peak, all tied to legends from the time of Ablai Khan.

With sanatoriums, hotels and walking and cycling trails, Burabay National Park is one of the country's favourite resorts in both summer and winter.