Shymkent Kazakhstan 7 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 7-day itinerary for traveling in Shymkent, Kazakhstan:

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimation

  • Morning: Arrive at Shymkent International Airport (CIT)
  • Transfer to your hotel (recommend: Grand Hotel or similar) via taxi or shuttle service (approximately KZT 10,000 - 15,000 / $25-$40 USD)
  • Check-in to the hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the Shymkent Museum of Local History (free admission) to get an overview of the city’s history and culture
  • Lunch at Kazbek restaurant (try their traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak or kuyrdak)
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Garden of Friendship, a peaceful park with scenic views
  • Dinner at Tandyr restaurant (try their Kazakh-style BBQ)

Day 2: City Exploration

  • Visit the Central Park (free admission), a large public park with walking paths, playgrounds, and sports facilities
  • Explore the nearby Shymkent Market, a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, meat, and local handicrafts
  • Lunch at Dolce Vita restaurant (try their Italian-Kazakh fusion cuisine)
  • Visit the Shymkent Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church with stunning architecture
  • Dinner at Karavan restaurant (try their Kazakh-style shashlik)

Day 3: Day Trip to Turgen Lake

  • Take a guided day trip to Turgen Lake (approximately KZT 20,000 / $50 USD per person), a scenic lake with opportunities for fishing and boating
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the lake
  • Return to Shymkent in the evening and enjoy dinner at Beshbarmak restaurant

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

  • Visit the Kazakh Ethnographic Museum (free admission) to learn about Kazakh culture and traditions
  • Attend a traditional Kazakh dance performance (approximately KZT 5,000 / $10 USD per person)
  • Lunch at Karachaganak restaurant (try their Kazakh-style plov)
  • Visit the Shymkent Regional Museum of Local History, which features exhibits on the region’s history and culture
  • Dinner at Tandyr restaurant

Day 5: Outdoor Activities

  • Rent a bike and explore the nearby countryside (approximately KZT 2,000 / $5 USD per day)
  • Visit the Shymkent Botanical Garden (free admission), which features a variety of plant species
  • Lunch at Dolce Vita restaurant
  • Enjoy water sports or fishing at Turgen Lake (approximately KZT 20,000 / $50 USD per person)

Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs at the Shymkent Market
  • Visit the nearby Shymkent Mall, which features a variety of shops and restaurants
  • Lunch at Kazbek restaurant
  • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel or by the pool

Day 7: Departure

  • Check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport via taxi or shuttle service (approximately KZT 10,000 - 15,000 / $25-$40 USD)
  • Depart from Shymkent International Airport (CIT)

Things to Know:

  • Kazakhstan uses the Kazakh tenge (KZT) currency, but US dollars are widely accepted
  • English is not widely spoken in Shymkent, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Kazakh phrases or bring a translation guide
  • The city has a relatively low crime rate, but it’s still important to take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or other cultural sites

Transportation:

  • Taxi service is widely available in Shymkent, with fares starting at approximately KZT 1,000 / $2.50 USD
  • Shuttle services are also available from the airport to hotels and vice versa (approximately KZT 10,000 - 15,000 / $25-$40 USD)
  • Renting a car is not recommended due to the city’s congested traffic and lack of English signage

Tips:

  • Try traditional Kazakh cuisine, such as beshbarmak or kuyrdak
  • Visit local markets to buy fresh produce and handicrafts
  • Learn some basic Kazakh phrases to show respect for the local culture
  • Don’t drink tap water due to quality concerns
  • Be prepared for crowds and congestion in the city center

I hope you enjoy your trip to Shymkent, Kazakhstan!