After immersing yourself in the things to do in Nur-Sultan, from marveling at the futuristic skyline marked by the Bayterek Tower to exploring the cultural depths of the National Museum of Kazakhstan, the journey doesn’t have to end within the city limits. Day trips from Nur-Sultan present a unique opportunity to discover the vast steppes and historic sites of Kazakhstan, offering a glimpse into the nation’s rich heritage and natural beauty beyond the capital’s modern façade.
Venturing from Nur-Sultan, you unlock a world of things to do in Kazakhstan, where the ancient city of Turkistan invites with its historical significance and the raw beauty of the Akmola region offers tranquil escapes into nature. These excursions enhance your experience, connecting you with the landscapes and lore that have shaped Kazakhstan’s identity.
Selecting where to stay in Nur-Sultan is crucial for those looking to seamlessly blend urban exploration with the expansive adventures awaiting in the Kazakh steppes. The ideal lodging not only provides comfort after a day of discovery but also positions you strategically for easy access to both the city’s attractions and the serene wilderness that surrounds it, ensuring a memorable exploration of Kazakhstan’s heart.
Discover Best Day Trips from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
1. Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan
Burabay National Park, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Kazakhstan,” is known for its stunning lakes, pine forests, and unique rock formations. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and offers activities like hiking, boating, and bird watching.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Stunning lakes, pine forests, unique rock formations
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $3
- Boat Trip: $10
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Zhumbaktas Rock, Lake Burabay, Okzhetpes Rock
Travel Tip: Visit Zhumbaktas, a rock formation with a fascinating legend, and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Burabay for spectacular views.
2. Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Karaganda, an important industrial city in Kazakhstan, provides insight into the country’s Soviet history. Visitors can explore museums, theatres, and monuments, as well as the nearby eerie yet compelling “KarLag” Soviet labor camp museum.
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Museums, theatres, monuments, “KarLag” Soviet labor camp museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- KarLag Museum: $5
- Ecological Museum: $3
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Central Park, Miners’ Glory Monument, Karaganda Zoo
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Ecological Museum for a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s environmental history and current challenges.
3. Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, Kazakhstan
Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a haven for birdwatchers, especially known for its population of pink flamingos. The reserve combines steppe and wetland ecosystems and is home to a wide variety of bird species.
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Birdwatching, especially for pink flamingos, steppe and wetland ecosystems
Best Time to Visit: Spring to early summer
Entrance Fees:
- Reserve Entrance: $5
- Birdwatching Tour: $10
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tengiz Lake, Naurzum Lakes, Endless Steppe
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching and visit during spring or early summer for the best flamingo sightings.
4. Astana EXPO-2017 Complex, Kazakhstan
The Astana EXPO-2017 Complex, now repurposed as a cultural and educational hub, originally hosted the world expo with the theme of “Future Energy.” The complex includes the stunning Nur Alem Sphere, showcasing cutting-edge energy technologies.
Distance: Within Nur-Sultan
Travel Time: Easily accessible by public transport or taxi
Transportation: Public Transport, Taxi
Main Attractions: Nur Alem Sphere, cultural and educational exhibits
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Nur Alem Sphere: $5
- Museum Entrance: $3
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Nur Alem Sphere, City Views from the Sphere, EXPO Grounds
Travel Tip: Visit the top of the Nur Alem Sphere for a panoramic view of the city.
5. Pavlodar, Kazakhstan
Pavlodar, a city along the banks of the Irtysh River, offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque riverside promenade, Orthodox churches, and the Regional History Museum.
Distance: Approximately 440 km
Travel Time: Around 4 hours by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Irtysh River promenade, Orthodox churches, Regional History Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Regional History Museum: $4
- Orthodox Church: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Irtysh River, Mashkhur Jusup Mosque, Victory Park
Travel Tip: Take a leisurely walk along the Irtysh River and try local Siberian cuisine in one of the riverside cafes.
6. Akmol, Kazakhstan
Akmol, formerly known as Malinovka, is home to the “ALZHIR” Museum-Memorial Complex of Political Repressions and Totalitarianism Victims. This poignant site was part of the Gulag network and offers a somber reminder of Kazakhstan’s history under Soviet rule.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: “ALZHIR” Museum-Memorial Complex of Political Repressions
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Museum Entrance: $3
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Museum Grounds, Memorials
Travel Tip: Prepare for an emotional experience and take time to reflect on the stories and exhibits presented in the museum.
7. Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses the pristine steppe and lake landscapes of Northern Kazakhstan. It’s a perfect spot for eco-tourism, with opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and experiencing the vastness of the Kazakh steppe.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Travel Time: About 3-4 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Wildlife observation, photography, steppe landscapes
Best Time to Visit: Warmer months
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $5
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Saryarka Steppe, Lakes, Birdwatching Spots
Travel Tip: Plan your visit during the warmer months for the best wildlife viewing opportunities and carry a good camera lens for capturing the steppe’s beauty.
8. Temirtau, Kazakhstan
Temirtau is known for the Karaganda Metallurgical Combine, one of the largest industrial complexes in Kazakhstan. Apart from industrial tourism, the city also offers parks and a museum detailing the history of the steel industry.
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Karaganda Metallurgical Combine, Museum of Metallurgy
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Museum of Metallurgy: $3
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Local Parks, Metallurgical Sites
Travel Tip: Visit the Museum of Metallurgy to learn about the city’s industrial heritage and take a stroll in one of the local parks for a relaxed afternoon.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
What are the best day trips from Nur-Sultan?
Notable day trips from Nur-Sultan include the historical city of Karaganda, the Burabay National Park with its picturesque lakes and forests, the ALZHIR Museum-Memorial Complex, and the Akmol Camp of Wives of Traitors of the Motherland.
Is Burabay National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! Burabay National Park offers stunning natural landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests. It’s perfect for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Can I visit the Kazakh Steppe on a day trip?
Yes, the vast Kazakh Steppe surrounds Nur-Sultan and is easily accessible for a day trip. It offers a unique experience of the endless plains and traditional nomadic culture.
Are there guided tours available to Karaganda?
Yes, there are guided tours to Karaganda which focus on the city’s historical significance, including visits to the KarLag Museum dedicated to the victims of political repression.
What historical sites can I see near Nur-Sultan?
Near Nur-Sultan, the ALZHIR Museum-Memorial Complex and the Akmol Camp of Wives of Traitors of the Motherland are significant historical sites that offer insight into Soviet-era political repression.
Is there wildlife to see on a day trip from Nur-Sultan?
While the area around Nur-Sultan is primarily steppe and urban, Burabay National Park offers opportunities to see local wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and foxes in their natural habitat.
Can I explore traditional Kazakh culture on a day trip?
Yes, several tours and experiences around Nur-Sultan provide insights into traditional Kazakh culture, including yurt stays, horseback riding, and sampling traditional Kazakh cuisine.
Are there any architectural landmarks worth visiting outside Nur-Sultan?
The area around Nur-Sultan features interesting architectural landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Kabanbai Batyr and the ancient settlements near Karaganda, showcasing the rich history of the region.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/nur-sultan-l1416/
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