Shymkent Kazakhstan 7 Day Itinerary

Shymkent, Kazakhstan 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Introduction

  • Morning: Arrive in Shymkent and check-in at Hotel Shymkent or similar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Shymkent Museum of History and Local Lore to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Evening: Take a stroll along Independence Square, explore the local market, and enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine at Assel Restaurant.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the Shymkent Fortress, a well-preserved medieval fortress built in the 12th century.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Mausoleum of Shaikh Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Islamic pilgrimage site.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner at Kazakh Aul Restaurant.

Day 3: Nature Escapes

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Shymkent Botanical Garden, featuring over 500 plant species.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 4: Local Experiences

  • Morning: Attend a traditional Kazakh horse show at the Kazakhstan Horse Breeding Farm.
  • Afternoon: Visit a local market, such as Green Market, to try fresh produce and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Tokio Restaurant, serving international cuisine.

Day 5: Day Trip to Turkestan

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Turkestan, a historic city and former capital of the Kazakh Khanate.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Maqtaaral Memorial Complex, dedicated to the poet and philosopher, Khoja Ahmad Yasawi.
  • Evening: Return to Shymkent and enjoy dinner at Altyn Orda Restaurant.

Day 6: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Attend a traditional Kazakh folk show at the Shymkent Palace of Culture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kazakh State University, one of the largest universities in Kazakhstan.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Dastan Restaurant, serving local and international cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Shymkent, bringing back memories of this fascinating city.

Things to Know

  • Kazakhstan is a cash-based economy, with limited ATMs and credit card acceptance.
  • Learn basic Kazakh phrases, such as “Hello” (Сәлем) and “Thank you” (Рахмет).
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or attending cultural events.

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available, but agree on the fare beforehand.
  • Public Transportation: buses and marshrutkas (minivans) connect major attractions.
  • Rent a Car: available at the airport or in the city, with international driving license required.

Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, with warm clothing for winter and sun protection for summer.
  • Haggling is expected at local markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices.
  • Try traditional Kazakh dishes, such as beshbarmak (noodle soup) and shashlik (skewers).

Other Interesting Facts

  • Shymkent is known for its apple production, with the city hosting an annual Apple Festival.
  • The city has a rich history of craftsmanship, with many local artisans creating traditional jewelry, carpets, and embroidery.

Enjoy your trip to Shymkent!