Borovoe National Park: The Pearl of Kazakhstan

• HelloСәлем
  [Salem]
• GoodbyeҚош келдіңіз
  [Qoş keldiniz]
• YesИя
  [Iya]
• NoЖоқ
  [Jok]
• Please/You're welcomeРақмет
  [Raqmet]
• Thank youРахмет
  [Rahmet]
• Excuse me/SorryКешіріңіз
  [Keshiriniz]
• How are you?Кандайсыз?
  [Kandaisyz?]
• Fine. And you?Жақсым. Сіз кандайсыз?
  [Jaqsım. Siz kandaisyz?]
• Do you speak English?Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе?
  [Siz agılşınşa söylesiz be?]
• I don't understandМен түсінбеймін
  [Men tüsinbeymin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюмен танысуым келді, рахмет
  [Menyumen tanısuyım keldi, rahmet]
• I don't eat meatМен майым жеміспеймін
  [Men mayım jemispeymin]
• Cheers!Тамсық!
  [Tamsıq!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлеуге болса, рахмет
  [Töleuge bolsa, rahmet]

• Help!Көмек!
  [Kömek!]
• Go away!Ауыр!
  [Awır!]
• Call the Police!Полицияды шақырайын!
  [Politsiyadı şaqırayın!]
• Call a doctor!Докторды шақырыңыз!
  [Doktordı şaqırynız!]
• I'm lostМен алдамағанмын
  [Men aldamağanmın]
• I'm illМен аурулымын
  [Men aurulımın]

• I'd like to buy...Мен ... сатып алғым келеді
  [Men ... satıp algım keledi]
• I'm just lookingМен тек көремін
  [Men tek köremin]
• How much is it?Ол неше теңге?
  [Ol neşe tengge?]
• That's too expensiveОл тым дорын
  [Ol tım dorın]
• Can you lower the price?Бағасын төмендете аласыз бе?
  [Bağasın tömendete alasız be?]

• What time is it?Ұмытын уақыт кандай?
  [Umıtın waqıt kanday?]
• It's one o'clockБір уақыт
  [Bir waqıt]
• Half past (10)Ондан бір кейін
  [Ondan bir keyin]
• MorningТаң
  [Tań]
• AfternoonКеш
  [Keş]
• EveningКеш
  [Keş]
• YesterdayКеше
  [Keşe]
• TodayБүгін
  [Bugın]
• TomorrowЕртең
  [Erteñ]
• 1Бір
  [Bır]
• 2Екі
  [Eki]
• 3Үш
  [Üş]
• 4Төрт
  [Tört]
• 5Бес
  [Bes]
• 6Алты
  [Altı]
• 7Жеті
  [Jeti]
• 8Сегіз
  [Segiz]
• 9Тоғыз
  [Toğız]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... қайда?
  [... qayda?]
• What's the address?Мекен-жайы қайда?
  [Meken-jayı qayda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Меніңге (карта бойынша) көрсете аласыз бе?
  [Meniñge (karta boına) körsete alasız be?]
• When's the next (bus)?Келесі (автобус) не вақытта?
  [Kelesi (avtobus) ne waqıtta?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (... үшін)
  [Bilet (... üşin)]

The Borovoe National Park area has been inhabited by nomadic tribes for thousands of years. These tribes, including the Scythians, Sarmatians, and later the Kazakhs, roamed the steppes, utilizing the region's rich natural resources. Evidence of their presence can be found in the form of petroglyphs and burial mounds scattered throughout the park.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the region that now encompasses Borovoe National Park was part of the vast Mongol Empire under the rule of the Golden Horde. The park's strategic location made it a significant area for trade and military movements. Remnants of this period can still be identified in the form of ancient trade routes and fortifications.

In the 15th century, the Kazakh Khanate emerged as a dominant power in the region. The Borovoe area became a favored summer retreat for the Kazakh nobility, who appreciated its natural beauty and cooler climate. The Khanate era left a lasting cultural impact, with traditional Kazakh folklore and legends often referencing the serene landscapes of Borovoe.

The 18th century saw the Russian Empire expanding its influence into Central Asia. Russian explorers and cartographers began to document the Borovoe region extensively. This period brought increased attention to the area's unique geological formations and rich biodiversity, leading to its recognition as a place of scientific and ecological interest.

During the Soviet era, Borovoe National Park gained prominence as a popular destination for recreation and relaxation among the Soviet elite. The government invested in developing infrastructure, including sanatoriums, resorts, and hiking trails. The park's accessibility improved significantly, making it a well-loved getaway for citizens from across the Soviet Union.

Following Kazakhstan's independence in 1991, Borovoe National Park became a focal point for national conservation efforts. The government and various NGOs worked together to preserve the park's unique ecosystems, promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education. These initiatives have helped maintain Borovoe's status as a natural and cultural treasure.

Today, Borovoe National Park is celebrated not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage. The park hosts various cultural festivals and events that showcase traditional Kazakh music, dance, and crafts. It continues to be a place where visitors can connect with both nature and the deep-rooted history of Kazakhstan.

Borovoe National Park is located in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan. The nearest major city is Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana), which has an international airport. From Nur-Sultan, you can take a train to the town of Shchuchinsk, which is the gateway to Borovoe. The train journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car or hire a taxi for a more flexible schedule. There are also buses operating from Nur-Sultan to Shchuchinsk, though they may be less frequent.

Once in Borovoe National Park, the most convenient way to explore is by car. Rentals are available in Nur-Sultan and Shchuchinsk. Taxis are also an option for shorter trips. Public buses connect Shchuchinsk to some of the park's main attractions, but their schedules can be irregular. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bicycle or hiking through the park's numerous trails.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in Shchuchinsk, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and when venturing into the park. ATMs are available in Shchuchinsk, so it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into more remote areas.

Borovoe National Park is generally safe for tourists. However, it's advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings. While the park itself is safe, be cautious when venturing into remote areas, as wildlife encounters are possible. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. There are medical facilities and a police station in Shchuchinsk. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and adventure activities. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Shchuchinsk where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and wear suitable footwear for hiking. Avoid overly revealing clothing to respect local customs. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A smile and a nod are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Borovoe National Park like a local, visit the local markets in Shchuchinsk where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kazakh goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Zhumbaktas Rock, Okzhetpes Mountain, and the beautiful Lake Burabay. For a unique experience, consider staying in a yurt for a night to get a taste of traditional Kazakh nomadic life.