Baiterek Tower is one of the things you need to see in Astana. You can take great pictures from up there. Also for the architectural point of view it is an interesting design.
The legend of the Baiterek is interesting and the building is quite unusual. The view from the top shows the countryside all around the city - so amazing to see - the city ends and the flat steppes begins. In the evening the Baiterek lights up and changes colours - great fun to watch walking along the garden walkway that leads up to the Baiterek.
The landmark of the capital city is popular both among the tourists and locals. Best place to take the pictures!
In Astana on a long layover and headed right to the tower. Currently surrounded by a large metal wall. Couldn't find any other way to get in (perhaps I missed something?) but there was no signage to tell me where the entrance was and no notice of it closing. Definitely disappointed, looked cool!
The tower is shaped in the form of mythical poplar tree of life and the bird of happiness, Samruk, has laid the egg on top of it. If you don't know the story, the shape just looks weird. The observation deck is 97 meters above the ground, corresponding to year 1997 when the capital was moved to Astana ("Capital" in Kazakh language). There is a Golden handprint of the President but the highlight defintely is the nice view, because the tower is located at the very heart of the new part of the city. However, the yellow glass makes it impossible to shoot good photos.
By the way little versions of Bayterek you can see throughout the country in almost every town, mostly next to kids playgrounds. An alternative to Bayterek for the view would be the Chinese looking building nearby, where you can eat on the top floor in the Restaurant.
