Kazakhstan Day Tour from Tashkent: Shymkent & Turkistan

From Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, it is possible to cross the border into neighbouring Kazakhstan and explore two of the most interesting cities in the south of the country - Shymkent and Turkistan.

 

This private day tour is a great opportunity to add Kazakhstan to your Central Asian journey without spending several days travelling between destinations. In one day, you will experience the lively atmosphere of Shymkent, discover its historic centre, and then continue to Turkistan, one of the most important spiritual and historical cities in Kazakhstan.

 

We will leave Tashkent early in the morning and travel by car towards the Uzbek-Kazakh border. After crossing the border, we will continue to Shymkent, a major city not only in southern Kazakhstan but in the country as a whole. With a population of more than one million people, Shymkent is one of Kazakhstan's largest cities and an important cultural, economic and historical centre.

 

In Shymkent, we will explore the historic heart of the city and visit the Shymkent Citadel, where the history of the city goes back many centuries. We will also take a walk along one of the city's pedestrian streets and experience the atmosphere of modern Shymkent.

 

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Turkistan. The road from Shymkent to Turkistan takes approximately one and a half hours.

Turkistan is one of the most important historical and spiritual centres of Kazakhstan. The city is closely associated with Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the famous 12th-century Sufi poet, philosopher and religious teacher whose influence spread throughout the Turkic world.

 

The highlight of our visit will be the magnificent Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive architectural monuments in Central Asia. Built during the Timurid period, the mausoleum is an outstanding example of medieval architecture and is closely connected with the history of the region.

We will explore the mausoleum and the surrounding historical area and visit a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Turkistan.

 

We will then continue to the modern Karavansaray Turkistan tourist complex, a spectacular destination where the history and traditions of the Silk Road meet modern entertainment and architecture.

Here you will have the opportunity to experience the ALTYN SAMURYQ Flying Theater, an immersive flying-theatre experience that takes you on a spectacular journey through the landscapes and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.

You can also take a boat ride through the complex's waterways, an unusual experience that has earned this part of Turkistan the nickname "Kazakhstan's Venice."

Sailing along the canals surrounded by the oriental architecture of Karavansaray is a memorable way to experience the modern side of Turkistan.

 

After exploring Turkistan and enjoying its attractions, we will begin our journey back to Tashkent.

 

This is a long but fascinating day, combining two countries, two historic cities and centuries of Central Asian history in a single journey. It is an excellent option for travellers staying in Tashkent who would like to see more of the region and experience Kazakhstan without changing hotels or spending several days on the road.

 

 

 

07:00 - Departure from Tashkent

We will drive towards the Uzbek-Kazakh border. We will cross the international border and enter Kazakhstan. After completing the border formalities, we will continue by car towards Shymkent.

10:00 - Arrival in Shymkent, one of Kazakhstan's largest cities. We will explore the historic part of the city and visit the Shymkent Citadel, an archaeological and historical site connected with the city's ancient past.

We will continue with a walk through the city centre and along one of Shymkent's pedestrian streets, experiencing the atmosphere of this lively and rapidly developing Kazakh city.

12:30 - Lunch in Shymkent. You will have the opportunity to try local Kazakh or Central Asian cuisine.

 

After lunch, we will leave Shymkent and drive towards Turkistan. 

15:00 - Arrival in Turkistan, one of the most important historical and spiritual cities in Kazakhstan.

We will visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Timurid architecture in Central Asia.

 

  

We will explore the historical area around the mausoleum and visit a museum where you can learn more about the history, culture and spiritual heritage of Turkistan and the wider Turkic world.

We will continue to the modern Karavansaray Turkistan tourist complex, inspired by the atmosphere and architecture of the ancient Silk Road.

Here you can experience the ALTYN SAMURYQ Flying Theater, an immersive attraction offering a spectacular aerial journey across the landscapes and landmarks of Kazakhstan.

You will also have the opportunity to take a boat ride through the waterways of the complex, often described as "Kazakhstan's Venice."

 

17:00 - After our visit to Turkistan, we will begin the long drive back to Tashkent.

22:00 - Arrival in Tashkent late in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

End of the tour.