Discover Shymkent on a private journey through the city's history, culture and everyday life. Your licensed local guide will accompany you throughout the experience, sharing stories that connect Shymkent's past with the city you see today.
Your journey begins with pickup at your hotel or another agreed location in Shymkent. Meet your local guide and travel comfortably by private air-conditioned vehicle.
Begin at Shymkent Citadel, the historic heart of the city. Explore the area around the ancient settlement and learn about the origins of Shymkent and its development over the centuries.
Next, visit Independence Park, built to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence. Admire the large national flag and map of Kazakhstan before crossing the Golden Bridge to Ordabasy Square, where your guide will introduce you to key moments in Kazakhstan’s history and its rich heritage.
From there, visit Abay Park and the Alley of Glory, where memorials reflect important events and periods of Kazakhstan's history during the Soviet era. The park also features a Soviet-era tank and armored vehicles, which visitors can see up close.
For those interested in history, a visit to the Museum of Victims of Political Repressions can be added upon request. The museum tells the stories of people affected by political repression and offers an opportunity to learn about these tragic events in Kazakhstan's past.
The journey then takes you to Seiitzhan Qari Yeszhanuly Mosque, where you can admire its architecture and learn more about the city's contemporary religious and cultural life.
Continue to the Monument to Baidibek Bi, one of Shymkent's most scenic viewpoints. From here, enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over Shymkent and its surroundings.
In the final part of the journey, you will arrive at Arbat Pedestrian Street, a lively part of modern Shymkent with cafés, shops and a relaxed local atmosphere.
During the lunch, your guide will be happy to recommend carefully selected cafés and restaurants where you can try authentic Kazakh cuisine or international dishes.
As this is a private journey, the route can be adjusted to your interests and available time whenever possible. You may choose to focus more on Shymkent's history and heritage, explore Kazakh culture and traditions, or experience the city's modern side, local life and contemporary atmosphere. Additional stops may include a traditional local market, souvenir boutiques or cultural spaces, as well as traditional Kazakh games such as Asyk Atu and Bes Tas (Five Stones), subject to availability.
After the experience, your guide will take you back to your hotel or another agreed drop-off location in Shymkent.