Shymkent city is located in the middle of the steppe like an oasis, under the scorching rays of the hot southern sun. It is the largest city in Kazakhstan by land area.

Shymkent opens its arms to lovers of hot oriental flavor. The heart of the south, an amazing ancient city. It is located in the middle of the steppe, under the scorching rays of the hot southern sun. But it’s not for nothing that Shymkent translates as “garden city”: arriving here, you will realize that this is a real oasis.

Urban entertainment
Be sure to visit the Arboretum, a favorite place for leisurely walks not only for tourists, but also for most of the city’s indigenous residents.

Supporting the oasis concept, Shymkent is famous for its huge number of pools and water parks with water attractions. Tired of walking around the hot city and satisfying, but insanely delicious local treats, it’s so nice to swim in the purest refreshing water, take a ride with the breeze on the water slides and enjoy the hydro massage. After such an active holiday, you will definitely want to have another snack – feel free to go to any restaurant, prices in Shymkent are very reasonable, and the food is varied. The traditional dishes that you should try here are real Uzbek pilaf, golden and crumbly, fragrant lagman according to Uighur recipes, samsa, shish kebab and much more.

Do not avoid the oriental bazaars! Watermelons, melons, apples – of all kinds and flavors, nuts, sweets. Give yourself the pleasure of trying everything you can, the merchants will be happy to please you! They’re such hospitable people here.

Historical sights of Shymkent
After such a rich program and entertainment, be sure to visit iconic and historical sites to experience the atmosphere of the ancient city as much as possible.:

◉ Central Mosque

◉ Shymkent Museum of Local Lore

◉ Museum of Victims of Political Repression

◉ Ken Baba Ethnopark

◉ The ancient settlement of Sairam is the birthplace of the great philosopher and theologian Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

From the city you can also go on excursions to the ancient sacred sites of the Turkestan region.:

◉ Mausoleum of Arystan Baba

◉ The ancient city of Otrar

◉ Domalak-Ana Mausoleum

◉ The city of Turkestan

◉ Akmeshit Cave

Shymkent is a city with a rich history and past, but with an equally rich present, there is always somewhere to go and something to see.