The “Zhailau” Ethno-Village

The “Zhailau” Ethno-Village is nestled in a picturesque spot, located on the grounds of a maral-breeding farm, just 11 kilometers from Lake Borovoe. Scattered across the area are yurts, along with life-like sculptures of people in traditional Kazakh attire, engaging in various activities such as cooking, playing the dombra, dancing, wrestling, and more.

Visitors stepping into this unique setting for the first time are immediately immersed in a festive atmosphere, where they can experience the rich culture of the Kazakh people. The village hosts traditional horseback games, such as baiga—a long-distance race across rugged terrain, where riders showcase their agility and skill.

Guests at “Zhailau” can stay in yurts, participate in craft workshops, join in traditional games, try their hand at archery, experience therapeutic treatments with kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and shubat (camel’s milk), and swing on altybakan (traditional Kazakh swings). You can also savor authentic national dishes and take memorable photos with the life-like statues or the stunning natural scenery as a backdrop.

A visit to “Zhailau” offers a deep dive into Kazakh cuisine, daily life, traditions, and culture, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.

Address: Akmola Region, Burabay District, 7 km from the village of Zeleny Bor.

From Astana, take the A-1 highway, then R-223, passing through towns like Shchuchinsk, Borovoe, and Zeleny Bor. At the junction of three roads, turn right onto R-227, and after approximately 1 km, turn right again towards the maral-breeding farm, where the ethno-village is located. The total distance of 266 kilometers takes about three hours to drive.

From the city of Kokshetau, the trip is quicker—around 1.5 hours (90.8 km) via the A-1, R-224, R-223, and R-227 highways.

Operating hours: Year-round.