Shymkent Kazakhstan 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Historic Downtown Shymkent
- 8:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Kazakh breakfast at Beshbarmak Restaurant, a local eatery serving traditional dishes.
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Jame Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture in Kazakhstan.
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tandoori Nights, a restaurant serving delicious Indian cuisine.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Shymkent History Museum, a museum showcasing the history and culture of Shymkent.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy traditional Kazakh dinner at Kazbek Restaurant.
Day 2: Exploring Nature and Culture
- 8:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Kazakh breakfast at Beshbarmak Restaurant.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Shymkent Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden featuring a variety of plants and trees.
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tandoori Nights, a restaurant serving delicious Indian cuisine.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Kazakhstani Museum of Musical Instruments, a unique museum showcasing traditional Kazakh musical instruments.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy traditional Kazakh dinner at Kazbek Restaurant.
Day 3: Exploring Modern Shymkent
- 8:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Kazakh breakfast at Beshbarmak Restaurant.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Shymkent Mall, a modern shopping mall featuring various stores and restaurants.
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tandoori Nights, a restaurant serving delicious Indian cuisine.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Shymkent City Administration Building, a impressive government building.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy traditional Kazakh dinner at Kazbek Restaurant.
Accommodation
There are various hotels and guesthouses in Shymkent, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. Some popular choices include:
Getting Around
Shymkent is a relatively small city, and most attractions are within walking distance. However, you can also use:
- Taxis
- Public buses
- Ride-hailing apps (such as Yandex Taxi or Uber)
- Bicycles
Language
Kazakh and Russian are the official languages of Kazakhstan. English is not widely spoken in Shymkent, but you may still find some locals who speak basic English. It’s a good idea to learn some basic Kazakh phrases, such as:
- “Hello” - (Salam)
- “Thank you” - (Rahmet)
- “How much?” - (Qanaq)
Weather
Shymkent has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is from September to November or March to May, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Shymkent!