The Silk Road tour of Kazakhstan
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About This Tour in Shymkent
Why Visit Shymkent?
Shymkent, Kazakhstan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Shymkent provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Shymkent
You can reach Shymkent, Kazakhstan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation 1 night in Turkestan city
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Shymkent – Otrar – Turkestan
Arrival to Shymkent by plane or train in the morning 30 minutes
Arrival to Shymkent by plane or train in the morning. Meeting with the guide and transfer to Shymkent for city tour. The third largest city in Kazakhstan in terms of number of inhabitants Shymkent is one of the most ancient cities in Kazakhstan – founded in XII century at the intersection of the trade ways to European Russia, Central Asia, West Siberia and China. City sightseeing starting from Historical museum – one of the best in Central Asia, which tells the ancient and cultural history of South Kazakhstan. During the city tour, we visit the biggest mosque in Southern Kazakhstan with its unusual architectural style and one of the most beautiful buildings of the city of Shymkent. Shymkent is also well-known for its booming Southern market where you can find various local goods and feel the vibe of Eastern bazaar.
Shymkent is also well-known for its booming Southern... 30 minutes
Shymkent is also well-known for its booming Southern market where you can find various local goods and feel the vibe of Eastern bazaar.
In the afternoon, departure to archeological site of... 2 hours
In the afternoon, departure to archeological site of ancient commercial oasis Otrar also known as Farab (1BC-15AD). Otrar was an important trading center of the Great Silk Road and the capital of the Great Tamerlan in 15th century AD; It was a very advanced city with its own irrigation and waterpipe system. Otrar was famous all over Central Asia for its pottery workshops and glass vases. In 2001 during the excavation works new sorts of silver coins were found. They thought to be originated from Bukhara, China and other Silk Road destinations. In 2001-2004 UNESCO, Kazakhstan and Japan conducted a joint project on conservation and preservation of the ancient city of Otrar: its mosque, bathes, pottery workshops. Right now Otrar is known as a city-museum included in the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage. During the excursion at Otrar tourists will find excavations on the site of an ancient city that helped researchers to learn a lot about the infrastructure of the city. Tourists will be able to see that Otrar had a clear layout of the streets, quarters, which could be accessed through three fortress gates, equipped with throw-over bridges across the moat. Excursion at Shaulder museum where gathered most of Otrar’s excavational findings; on the way to museum visit Arystan Bab mausoleum.
Turkestan – Sauran – Shymkent
Meeting with the guide and start of our Turkestan city excursion 2 hours
Meeting with the guide and start of our Turkestan city excursion. Turkestan visit starts with the main sightseeing of the city, the most well-known in Kazakhstan UNESCO world heritage – The complex of Hodja Ahmed Yassawi (14th century). This complex includes mausoleum, citadel, the ancient bath complex, the fortress wall, Juma mosque. The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is an unsurpassed masterpiece of medieval architecture. This is an amazing complex of palaces and temples from 30 different rooms and halls.
In the afternoon, we transfer to ancient city-fortress Sauran 1 hour
In the afternoon, we transfer to ancient city-fortress Sauran. Sauran (12-18.cc) used to be a strategic and trading city and from 12th c.c to 16th c.c. capital of Kazakh-mongol khanate – Ak Horde. In 14th c.c Sauran became a military fortress, its location on the Silk way promoted prosperity; The most interesting part of Sauran – iunderground channels of water. Interesting fact is that Sauran in arab language means “Which is big”. Indeed it lies on a territory of 33 hectares.
Transfer back to Shymkent city 5 hours
Transfer back to Shymkent city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
