Solo Activities Turkistan

Solo Activities in Turkistan: A Practical Guide

Turkistan is a historic city in southern Kazakhstan, and its heritage sites suit solo travelers who want to explore at their own pace.

Explore the Heritage Sites

  • Visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site begun in 1389 and left unfinished in 1405. Foreign visitors pay 5,000 KZT, it is open 09:00 to 18:00, and entry involves an ID check and bag screening.
  • Walk to the Hilvet underground mosque, the Eastern Bathhouse museum, the Rabiga Sultan Begim mausoleum and the Friday Mosque, all within the Azret Sultan precinct.
  • Visit the mudbrick site of Sauran, about 43 to 46 km north-west of Turkistan, by taxi. Ask for “Krepost Sauran” and agree the price and waiting time first.

Evenings and Culture

  • Stroll the free Karavansaray complex and watch the nightly Parade of Boats.
  • Visit the bazaar for tandyr samsa and local snacks.
  • Try plov, beshbarmak, shubat (fermented camel milk) and kumys (fermented mare’s milk) at Sandyq, Kerege, Edem, Al-Fatih or Bayterek.

Tips for Solo Travelers

  • Learn some basic Kazakh phrases, such as “сәлем” (hello) and “рәхмет” (thank you).
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly at the mausoleum, where pilgrims pray.
  • Consider buying a SIM card for staying connected.

Safety Precautions

  • Carry your original passport or ID at all times.
  • Avoid photographing military sites, border areas and airports.
  • Summers are very hot, so plan sightseeing for the morning and evening, and tell your hotel where you are going if you head out to Sauran.
  • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.

Turkistan rewards a slow visit. Give the mausoleum and the precinct a full morning.