KZBlog

Obviously it’s getting a bit cold for outside activities, but in a blatant attempt to promote my Tourism page, I’m republishing my comment on Ecovillage. Feel free to add information here or on the Tourism page about Ecovillage or other things to do in and around Astana. I’m also planning to repost the best comments as actual posts so your comment could become a featured post with the link-love of your choice!

Ecovillage: A nice little tourist village about 30 minutes outside Astana. The main attraction is probably horseriding, which as of the last time I was there, cost 1000 tenge an hour. You can ride alone or have a guide lead the horse depending on your comfort range. They also rent ATV’s (off-road quads). The property also has a sauna, a nice cafe, a shooting range nearby, a playground for kids and a sort of zoo with camels (yes, camels in Akmola!), goats and sheep. It’s run by the guy who used to arrange and train Kazakh trick rider shows (dzhigitovka and kyz kuu and so on). He’s a real professional, who is happy to show you around the place, show you how they care for the animals, and he loves setting up photo opps with the different animals.

If you want to spend the weekend there or arrange a party, they have several cabins that can be rented. Each cabin has several rooms, TV, and a private sauna. Food service is available. It was really one of the best places I have been to in Kazakhstan so far as a tourist.

To get there, go east on Bogen-bai Batyr. Keep going, past Shanghai Market, until you see a shooting range on your right and a sign for Ecovillage. Drive down, and ask for Ivan, the manager of the stables and also the guy who choreographs and trains the Kazakh horse sports demonstrations on holidays. Ivan’s cell is +7 701 20 41 813. You can also call (7172) 73 80 35 or (7172) 73 80 36 to get in touch with the sauna/hotel there.