Animal activities Turkistan

November 9, 2024

Animals and Wildlife Around Turkistan

Turkistan is a historic city in the Turkistan Region of southern Kazakhstan, on flat steppe. Wildlife is not its main draw, and the animal experiences are short and low-key. Here is what you need to know:

Camel and Pony Rides

Best time: Spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), when it is cooler
Where: Around the Yasawi Mausoleum precinct
Tips: The rides are short and commercial. Choose animals that look well fed, rested and shaded, and skip rides in midday heat

Pony Adventure at Karavansaray

Best time: Any season, ideally in the morning or evening
Where: The family entertainment centre at the Karavansaray complex
Tips: This is a paid attraction beside the free-entry complex, and it suits younger children

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve

Best time: Spring or autumn
Where: About 90 to 100 km from Shymkent, with the reserve office in Zhabagly village
Tips: Visits need a permit and a guide arranged through the reserve. From Turkistan it is an overnight trip, not a day trip

Local Animal Traditions

Horses and camels are part of everyday Kazakh culture
Shubat (fermented camel milk) and kumys (fermented mare’s milk) are on many local menus

Essential Preparation

Weather: Summers are very hot, with highs of 35 to 40 C, and winters are cold. Pack accordingly.
Transportation: Taxis use Yandex Go and inDrive, and hotels can arrange a driver for day trips.
Accommodation: Karavansaray Turkistan Hotel and Family Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Turkistan and Platinum Hotel.
Responsible Tourism: Respect animals, keep a safe distance from any you meet, and avoid littering.