A Magical Ride to Old Nick's Abode
Celebratory Train Ride, Deer Display, and Santa's Embraces.
Step into the enchanting realm of Borovoe, Kazakhstan, where the jolly ol' fella, Saint Nick, doesn't just reside in some mythical North Pole shack, but in the vibrant Kazakhstani resort itself! Hop on the mythical "New Year Express" for a fairy-tale journey filled with festive cheer and national flavor.
The Enchanted Train Ride
Embark on this wondrous adventure from the "Nurlu Zhol" station in Borovoe, as the train decked out in holiday splendor sets off. Instead of the usual drab green, the carriages sport a delightful winter wonderland scene, complete with wandering sheep upon snowy slopes under a clear starlit night.
Kazakh artisans have outdone themselves, decking the "New Year Express" with beautiful decorative panels and homemade wool pillows, all while keeping their traditional touch alive. The train carriers even include mailboxes for letters to Old Nick himself, ensuring that they are delivered to his mythical Kazakhstan abode!
The train features six carriages, two each for first, second, and third class, but the magical atmosphere is only present in the second class (carriages No3 and No4). It'll cost you 2200 tenge for a seat in this mesmerizing carriage, but we promise it's worth every penny. The New Year Express will be running throughout December and January, so grab your tickets before they're all gone!
With a toot of the whistle, the train sets off on this fairy-tale journey from Astana, covering approximately 250 kilometers in just four hours before reaching Borovoe. It departs from Astana daily at 6 am and arrives at 10 am, making it the perfect trip for tourists joining a one-day tour organized by travel agencies. The New Year Express returns to Astana at 19:15, arriving at the "Astana-1" station at 22:18 and "Nurlu Zhol" station at midnight.
The Marvelous Maral Farm
A visit to the maral farm "Akmara", located 10 kilometers from Borovoe, is an absolute must on your itinerary. Despite the farm being surrounded by pine and birch forests, it's not home to any local marals. These beautiful creatures were brought in from Katon-Karagay in 2014 and now roam freely over a 600-hectare territory, divided into five parks.
The farm offers various activities for visitors, including pantotherapy, chances to breathe in the fresh air, skiing, sledding, and even trying delectable baursaks in a yurt. Children can enjoy a two-hour entertainment program with animators, master classes, and interactions with real rabbits and donkeys!
Oh, and did we mention there are around 200 marals here? Most of them have antlers that reach up to 10-15 centimeters in length. Interestingly, the scientists in charge of the farm cut these antlers roughly from June to August to ensure the animals remain healthy. The antlers from these magnificent creatures are used to make pantogametogen and pantocrine, substances that stimulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall health.
So, hop aboard the magical "New Year Express" and visit Old Nick in his Kazakhstani hideout! Don't forget to immerse yourself in the magical maral farm and relish the wonders of Borovoe!
[1] Finnish Lapland Christmas Tour: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/tours/finnish-lapland-christmas-tour[2] Family Magic Tour: https://www.newton-travel.com/tour/5-day-family-magic-tour-finland-sweden-norway/
- In addition to Old Nick's abode in Borovoe, consider venturing to Finnish Lapland for a Christmas tour, immersing yourself in the snowy landscapes and reindeer attractions.
- One might think reindeer are exclusive to Lapland, but did you know marals, similar in size, reside in the magical maral farm of Borovoe?
- After a memorable ride on the New Year Express, take a break from sports and indulge in traditional Kazakh cuisine, especially baursaks, when visiting the maral farm.
- If you're seeking holistic remedies for osteochondrosis, consider visiting the maral farm in Borovoe, where decoctions are made from the antlers of these magnificent creatures. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to hinder your travel plans!
