EXCURSION TOUR “Nauryz Begins in the South”

EXCURSION TOUR “Nauryz Begins in the South”

EXCURSION TOUR “Nauryz Begins in the South”

Tour duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Dates: March 21–24
Languages: English

Arrival in Shymkent. Meet & greet at the airport/ railway station and transfer for breakfast (buffet breakfast at a 4* hotel).

Transfer to the Otrar District (~240 km, approx. 3 hours).

In Otrar, visit the mausoleum of Arystan Bab, the legendary spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Arystan Bab is revered as the spiritual teacher of the Sufi tradition in Otrar, Sayram, and Turkestan (Yasi).

Continue with an excursion through the ruins of the ancient city of Otrar. Once one of the key centers of the Great Silk Road, Otrar today stands as monumental ruins preserving numerous historical facts and mysteries.

Transfer to Turkestan.
Hotel check-in.

In the evening, visit the Karavansaray Tourist Complex, the largest tourist complex in Central Asia. Immersed in its enchanting atmosphere, guests enter a fairy-tale world celebrating the great history, culture, and timeless romance of Kazakhstan. Optional gondola rides are available.

The excursion concludes with the magical boat parade “Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen” at the harbor of the complex.

Overnight: Turkestan hotel

09:00 – Meet the guide in the hotel lobby.

The sightseeing tour of Turkestan begins with a visit to the Azret-Sultan State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, including:

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
A grand architectural masterpiece built in honor of the 12th-century Sufi philosopher, poet, and spiritual leader Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, recognized as the founder of the Turkic branch of Sufism. According to legend, upon reaching the age of 63 – the age at which Prophet Muhammad passed away – Yasawi chose a life of seclusion in an underground cell, dedicating his remaining years to prayer and preaching.

Eastern Bath (Hammam)
Constructed between 1580–1590 for pilgrims visiting the mausoleum, this bathhouse is partially underground to preserve heat. Remarkably, it has survived nearly four centuries and continues to function today.

Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begim
Built over the grave of Rabia Sultan Begim, daughter of the renowned astronomer Ulugh Beg. The mausoleum is a fine example of ancient Eastern architecture and consists of five chambers.

Juma Mosque
A monument of national significance and part of the Azret-Sultan Museum-Reserve, located 125 meters from the Yasawi Mausoleum, near the Hilvet Mosque. According to legend, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi lived here with his family.

Lunch at the “Dastur” Ethno-Aul.

Participation in Nauryz celebrations at the Karavansaray complex.

Visit to the “Altyn Samruk” 8D Cinema Theater, the only one of its kind in Kazakhstan. Guests of this “flying theater” embark on a journey through time and space with the mythical bird Samruk, exploring the origins of Kazakh culture. The immersive 8D experience offers a spectacular flight over Kazakhstan’s landmarks.

Free time.

Overnight: Turkestan hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 – Meet the guide in the hotel lobby.

Transfer to the Baidibek District to visit one of Kazakhstan’s most mysterious natural sites – fthe Ak-Mosque Cave (Dragon Cave). This unique cave impresses not only with its vast size but also with its remarkable natural formations. The opening of the cave resembles the shanyrak (crown) of a traditional Kazakh yurt.

Next, visit the Domalak Ana Mausoleum, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Turkestan region. According to local legends, many families who prayed here for blessings were later granted children.

Transfer to one of the highest viewpoints in northern Shymkent – the Baidibek Bi Monument, offering panoramic views of the city.

Continue the excursion through the architectural ensemble of the Kazyna Ethno-Historical Complex, including:

the monument dedicated to the 550th Anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate,

Nauryz Square,

Zhailyaukol Park, featuring the “Shymkent Altyn Eye” Ferris Wheel, rising nearly as high as a 20-story building and offering 360-degree city views.

Visit the Seytzhan Qari Eszhanuly Grand Mosque, a new spiritual center of the southern region, located in Shymkent’s modern administrative and business district.

Overnight: Shymkent hotel

09:00 – Meet the guide in the hotel lobby.

Transfer to the old part of Shymkent.
Visit the historical core of the city – the Shymqala Citadel (historical and cultural complex).

Continue with a walking tour of:

  • Park of the 20th Anniversary of Independence of Kazakhstan,
  • Golden Bridge,
  • Ordabasy Square.

Walk along Beibitshilik pedestrian street, locally known as Arbat, a favorite promenade for residents and visitors.

Lunch at a Kazakh cuisine restaurant with an ethno-folklore performance.

Transfer to Shymkent International Airport/railway station.

Tour price per person (double occupancy) (for a group of 14 people)

Adult: $380 per person

Child (4.99–12 years inclusive): $230 per person

Infant (0–4.99 years): Free of charge

Single supplement: $100

The program includes:

◉ Standard double accommodation in 4★ hotels with breakfast

     Shymkent: Megapolis Hotel Shymkent

     Turkestan: Karavansaray Family Hotel

◉ Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour

◉ Guided excursions with professional guides (Russian / Kazakh)

◉ 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

◉ Entrance fees to museums and attractions

◉ Bottled water: 0.5 L × 2 per person per day

The program excludes:

◉ Full board (additional lunches and dinners)

◉ Gondola rides (~4,000 KZT per person, seasonal)

◉ Personal expenses, tips for guide and driver, and other extras

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Tour Details

Note:

This is a private guided tour. No other tourists will join you/your group during the tour.
You can choose the sequence of visits to the attractions yourself. You can choose a convenient start time for the tour: from 09.00 to 16.00. The tour can start directly from the airport / train station, where our guide will be waiting for you.

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