Shymkent lies in southern Kazakhstan near the Uzbek border; with more than a million people it is the country's third largest city and since 2018 has had special status as a city of republican significance. It grew up as a caravan stop on the Silk Road, and its position between Tashkent and Turkestan still makes it the trading hub of the south. The city is known for its green parks, hot dry summers and markets full of fruit. Shymkent is the nearest large city to one of the most meaningful places in the Turkic world, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan, about 170 kilometres away, with Otrar and the Arystan Bab Mausoleum a similar distance. To the east, Aksu-Zhabagly, the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia, sits in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan.
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When to visit Shymkent
April to early June and September to October are the most comfortable periods. In April and May the steppe and foothills turn green and wild tulips bloom in Aksu-Zhabagly. July and August are very hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often above 35 degrees, so sightseeing moves to the morning and evening. September and October are harvest season, when the markets fill with melons, watermelons and grapes and the weather is mild. Winter is cold but not as harsh as in northern Kazakhstan; most of the year's rain and snow falls in winter and spring.
Things to do in Shymkent
Kazygurt Ridge
About 30 kilometres south of the city, the Kazygurt ridge is a rocky spur of the Western Tien Shan, and from its top you see the Shymkent plain and snowy peaks in the distance. In Kazakh folk tradition Noah's ark came to rest on this mountain after the flood, which gives the area a special meaning for local people. In spring the slopes turn green and bloom, making it the most accessible mountain area from the city for walks and picnics. It is a day trip by car from Shymkent.
Independence Park
Independence Park opened in 2011 for the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence and is a short walk from Ordabasy Square in the historic centre, which takes its name from the gathering of 1726 when the Kazakh hordes united against the Dzungar invasion. With wide lawns, pools, monuments and shaded paths, the park is one of the city's most used green spaces. On summer evenings it fills with families and young people, and it is the best place for a walk after a hot day.
Shymkent Zoo
Inside the city, Shymkent Zoo is one of the larger zoos in Kazakhstan and spreads over a wide, wooded area. Animals from different climates, including an Africa section, are shown in separate areas, and its shaded paths make it walkable even in summer. For families with children it is the easiest way to fill half a day in the city. In the hot months going early in the morning is easier on both the animals and the visitors.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
In the city of Turkestan, the mausoleum was begun on Timur's orders in 1389 over the grave of the 12th century Turkic Sufi master Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and was left unfinished. With its huge dome, blue tiled surfaces and incomplete main portal it is one of the best preserved examples of Timurid architecture, and it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2003. It is one of the important pilgrimage places of the Turkic world. It is about 170 kilometres from Shymkent and works as a day trip by train or car. Many visitors begin the journey in Sayram, just east of Shymkent, at the mausoleum held to be that of Yasawi's father, Ibrahim Ata.
Arystan Bab Mausoleum and Otrar
Arystan Bab is remembered in tradition as the teacher of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and it is customary to visit his mausoleum before Yasawi's. The present building dates from the early 20th century and stands on the site of older structures. Nearby, the ruins of Otrar were one of the great Silk Road cities of the Middle Ages; the town was destroyed after the Mongol siege of 1219 and the area is known as the birthplace of al-Farabi. Both can be combined with a Turkestan trip in one day.
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Founded in 1926, Aksu-Zhabagly is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia and since 2016 has been part of the transboundary Western Tien Shan UNESCO World Heritage site. Walks and horseback trips lead between the deep Aksu Canyon, mountain meadows and snowy peaks, and in spring wild tulips such as the Greig tulip bloom. Ibex and eagles can be seen. It lies east of Shymkent, a few hours by car; entry is with permitted guided tours, and the best season is April to October.
Flights from Turkey to Shymkent
Pegasus flies nonstop between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and Shymkent International Airport; the route goes from three to four flights a week from 6 November 2026. The flight from Istanbul takes about 4 hours 25 minutes, and the return about 5 hours 20 minutes because of the winds. Connections from other Turkish cities go via Istanbul, and there are also connecting options via Almaty or Tashkent. The airport is close to the city centre and a short taxi ride away. Turkish citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa free for up to 30 days.
Shymkent FAQ
How many days do you need in Shymkent?
One day is enough for the city itself, Ordabasy Square, Independence Park and the markets. Add half a day for Sayram and a full day for the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan together with Arystan Bab and Otrar. Anyone who wants to hike in Aksu-Zhabagly should allow another day or two, so a plan of three to five days covers the region comfortably.
Do you need a visa for Kazakhstan?
Turkish citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa free for tourism for up to 30 days. The passport must be valid for the length of the trip. Because the rules can change, confirm the current requirements with official sources before booking.
How do you get from Shymkent to Turkestan?
Turkestan is about 170 kilometres north west of Shymkent. The trip takes about two to three hours by train or bus, and a little less by taxi or hire car. Because the Arystan Bab Mausoleum and Otrar are close to the road, most visitors see all three in the same day.
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