Lake Shuchye
Lake Shuchye stands out as one of the deepest bodies of water within the Burabay resort area (Borovoe), with a depth reaching 30 meters (98 ft). Its name, derived from the Russian word for pike, reflects the abundance of this fish species in its waters. This association extends beyond the lake itself. In 1850, the village of Shuchinskaya was established on its shores, eventually evolving into the town of Shuchinsk.
Lake Shuchye spans over 7 kilometers (4 mi) in length with a coastline stretching 22 kilometers (14 mi). Its average depth is 18 meters (59 ft).
Teeming with aquatic life including crayfish, tench, pikeperch, vendace, whitefish, peled, carp, and perch, the lake serves as a magnet for fishing enthusiasts from Kazakhstan and neighboring regions of Russia.
Lake Shuchye is encircled by dense coniferous forests and its shore is dotted with numerous health resorts, hotels, and guest houses. Among them, Rixos Borovoe stands as the most luxurious retreat. However, holidaymakers often find Lake Shuchye to offer a more budget-friendly alternative to Lake Borovoe.
During the summer months, visitors flock to enjoy swimming, forest strolls, boating, catamaran rides, and water sports. There are numerous private beaches owned by hotels and resorts, alongside public areas. A wide array of outdoor activities are available to children.
In winter, although the number of vacationers decreases, weekends still witness a surge in demand for hotel accommodations. To diversify guests' experiences during the colder months, hotels offer skiing, ice skating, tobogganing, horseback riding, snowmobile rentals, dog sledding, and more.
How to get there?
If you’re traveling by train, disembark at the Burabay Resort station and hail a taxi to reach your hotel of choice. Typically, taxi drivers are familiar with the locations of all hotels and guest houses in the area.
For those arriving by car from Astana, driving directly to the lake is an option. Upon reaching Shuchinsk, turn right and follow the signage indicating the route to the village of Burabay. Follow the signs for approximately 10 kilometers (6 mi) until you spot Lake Shuchye on the left side. Then, make a left turn to find yourself on a road encircling the lake. Signs displaying the names of hotels and resorts ensures travelers stay on course.
Other tourist attractions near Lake Shuchye:
- The Town of Shuchinsk
- Hotel Rixos Borovoe
- Arboretum
- Olympic Training Center
- Mount Zheke Batyr
- Eagle's Nest Rock