Baiterek is the tower at the centre of Nurzhol Boulevard in Astana. Its design comes from a Kazakh legend about a mythical bird that laid a golden egg in the Tree of Life. A lift carries visitors up inside the golden sphere to an observation deck at 97 metres, where the city lies below, with the Akorda presidential residence on one side and the boulevard on the other. The square and fountains around the tower are free to walk, and late afternoon suits the sunset view.
The Samruk legend
The tower takes its form from a Kazakh legend about Samruk, a mythical bird that laid a golden egg in a poplar tree beyond human reach. The egg is said to hold the secrets of human desires and happiness.
The white latticed structure beneath the golden sphere represents the tree, and the sphere at its top is the egg. For many people in Kazakhstan the monument is read through this story, not only as a modern tower.
Built for the new capital
Astana became the capital in 1997, and the tower marks the move of the capital from Almaty. Construction started in 1997. The monument was erected in 2002 at the initiative of President Nazarbayev.
The observation deck sits at 97 metres, the number that stands for the year the capital moved. The whole tower is about 105 metres tall.
The golden sphere and the handprint
Inside the golden sphere there is a gilded print of the First President's hand. Visitors place their own hand against it and make a wish, a custom that many people follow on the way up.
The central globe carries autographs from representatives of 17 world religions. Treat the handprint and the globe with the same care you would give any national symbol, and do not touch the exhibits.
Inside the tower
The ground floor holds a small ethnographic museum. It is a short visit that gives context before the lift.
The lift takes visitors up to two levels of city views, a lower viewing deck and the top deck at 97 metres. A restaurant sits on site, and cafes are close by for a break before or after the climb.
The square and Nurzhol Boulevard
Nurzhol Boulevard is a pedestrian street that runs from Baiterek toward the Akorda presidential residence. The tower stands on the left bank of the Ishim River, and a walk down to the waterfront embankment gives reflections of the skyscrapers on the water.
The fountains are often timed to music, and in the evening they are lit with coloured lights. The flower displays change with each season. The plaza and boulevard are free to walk.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Baiterek?
The square and boulevard are free to walk. An entry ticket is needed to ride the lift to the viewing deck, and one listed price is 2000 KZT, so check the current price before you go.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended. Queues for the lift can be long at busy times.
Is Baiterek suitable for children and visitors with reduced mobility?
The site has a playground and is good for kids. The entrance, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Are photos from the top deck good?
The windows have marks and the glass causes reflections, which makes photos harder. The views of the city are not blocked.
