Places / Asia / Kazakhstan
Shymkent
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At a glance
- Country
- Kazakhstan
- Region
- Shymkent
- Population
- 1.2 million
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to October
- Main airport
- Shymkent International (CIT)
- Coordinates
- 42.34°N, 69.59°E
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Overview
Shymkent is Kazakhstan's third city and the hub of the warm, fertile south, close to the border with Uzbekistan. It feels more Central Asian than Astana, with busy bazaars, Uzbek influences in the food and a relaxed pace.
The city itself has few big sights, but it is the natural base for the Silk Road towns of Turkestan, Sayram and Otrar, and for the mountains of the western Tian Shan.
Things to see
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Photo: Eurovaran, CC BY-SA 4.0 Independence Park
A large modern park with monuments, fountains and gardens, popular with families in the evening.
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Photo: Miscellaneous Items in High Demand, PPOC, Library of Congres, Public domain Central Bazaar
The city's main market, piled with fruit, spices and bread, is the best place to feel its southern character.
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Photo: Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ordabasy Square
The central square, with a monument to the 18th-century gathering of the Kazakh hordes against invasion.
Things to do
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Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Turkestan
The great turquoise-domed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO site, is a couple of hours away.
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Photo: Xhancock at English Wikipedia, Public domain Visit Sayram
One of the oldest towns in Kazakhstan, just east of the city, with old mausoleums and a strong Uzbek community.
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Photo: Tomiris, CC BY-SA 3.0 Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Central Asia's oldest nature reserve, with canyons, tulips in spring and mountain hiking.
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Photo: Jost Wagner, CC BY-SA 1.0 Eat plov and shashlik
Southern Kazakhstan does excellent rice plov and grilled kebabs, best eaten in a busy chaikhana.
Where to stay
City centre
Most hotels are around the central parks and squares, handy for restaurants and taxis.
Hotels in City centreNear the railway station
Practical and simpler, good for early trains to Turkestan.
Hotels in Near the railway station
Getting around
Ride-hailing taxis are inexpensive and the easiest way around; buses and minibuses cover the main routes.
The airport is around 20 minutes from the centre. Trains and buses connect Shymkent with Turkestan, Almaty and Tashkent.
When to go
Spring brings green hills and tulips, and autumn is warm and harvest-rich. Summers are very hot and dry, and winters are mild by Kazakh standards.
Plan your trip to Shymkent
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.