Baiterek — Attraction in Astana

Baiterek (Kazakh: Бәйтерек, romanized: Báıterek; "tall poplar [tree]") is a monument and observation tower in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan. A tourist attraction popular with foreign visitors and native Kazakhs, it is emblematic of the city, which became capital of the country in 1997. The tower is located within on the Nurzhol Boulevard, and is considered a symbol of post-independence Kazakhstan.

The monument is meant to embody a folktale about a mythical tree of life and a magic bird of happiness: the bird, named Samruk, had laid its egg in the crevice between two branches of a poplar tree.

The 105m (344.5 ft.) tall structure rises from a wide flat base within a raised plaza. It consists of a narrow cylindrical shaft, surrounded by white branch-like girders that flare out near the top, supporting a gold-mirrored 22 m diameter sphere. The base contains a ticket booth and exhibition space, with two lifts rising within the shaft to the observation deck within the 'egg'. Entrances to the monument are sunk below eye level, reached by stairs from the surrounding plaza.

The observation deck is 97 m above ground level, corresponding to 1997, the year that Nur-Sultan became the nation's capital. It consists of two levels, one with 360 degree views of Nur-Sultan and beyond, with a second, higher level, reached by a flight of stairs. The top level features a gilded hand print of the right hand of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan, mounted in an ornate pedestal. A plaque invites visitors to place a hand in the imprint and make a wish. Alongside the handprint, and also oriented in the direction of the presidential palace, is a wooden sculpture of a globe and 16 radiating segments, commemorating the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held several times in...

Very impressive on its own and an unmistakable landmark of Astana. Do bear in mind though that there are a lot of great architectural works around the city, so dare I say that the tower is not the only landmark that symbolizes Astana. Of course, that's just my opinion :)

The tower is very picturesque, and it becomes even more photogenic as the tower is surrounded by well-designed buildings (in terms of architecture) and the huge landscaped pedestrian park (with colorful tulip flowers galore!). These help lift its iconic and picturesque prominence.

The tower’s glass-cladded top sphere, wherein the viewing deck is located, is intricately ringed and surrounded by pointed decorative trusses - supported by a very svelte tower mast reminiscent of a ‘sexy’ candlestick design. Just magnificent. And the tower is not too tall, and I suppose it was designed to be that way since it acts as the central monument of Astana.

It was really unfortunate that Baiterek was closed during my first time visit to Astana (Labor Day week from 01 May 2024), so I cannot comment or review the tower’s interiors. However, that did not dissuade me to wander about or roam around the pedestrian park along Nurzhol Boulevard – and I must say that I am impressed. How? The masterplan itself was smart in my opinion, wherein you can walk from one end of the park towards the other, or from the Presidential Palace towards Khanh Shatyr and vice versa. Along the way, you are surrounded by shops or malls, commercial establishments like restaurants or coffee shops, office buildings, and other government offices. Very smart! This reduces the need to travel by car and walking around or within the vicinity of Nurzhol Boulevard.

Your first time to Astana will be incomplete without visiting this structure, and walking along the...

Baiterek Tower, standing proudly at 105 meters in Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), Kazakhstan, is an architectural masterpiece and a must-visit landmark. This iconic monument, located on Nurzhol Boulevard, embodies the essence of Kazakh culture and post-independence aspirations.

Its striking design, inspired by a Kazakh folktale about the mythical bird Samruk laying a golden egg in a poplar tree, features a slender, lattice-like steel structure resembling a tree, crowned by a shimmering golden glass orb.

The tower’s height of 97 meters symbolizes 1997, the year Astana became the capital, marking a new chapter for Kazakhstan.The tower’s beauty lies in its futuristic yet culturally rooted aesthetic.

The golden orb gleams under the sun, offering a mesmerizing contrast against the city’s modern skyline. At night, it glows, casting a magical ambiance over the surrounding parks and fountains. Inside, the observation deck at 97 meters provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Astana’s avant-garde architecture, from the Khan Shatyr to the Presidential Palace.

A unique highlight is the gilded handprint of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, where visitors can place their hand and make a wish, accompanied by the stirring anthem “Menin Elim.”As a tourist attraction, Baiterek is both accessible and engaging.

Entry costs around 2,000 KZT, and high-speed elevators whisk visitors to the observation deck. The lower level houses cozy cafes, aquariums, and an exhibition gallery showcasing Kazakh art. To fully enjoy the visit, go during the day for clear views or at sunset for a spectacular cityscape.

Public buses (like Line 10) or taxis make reaching the tower easy. Baiterek is more than a monument—it’s a symbol of Kazakhstan’s resilience, unity, and forward-looking spirit, making it an...