Shymkent Day Tour from Tashkent
Kazakhstan
Nowadays, Shymkent is the second most populous city in Kazakhstan, and is also the administrative center of the South Kazakhstan region.
Shymkent Day Trip from Tashkent with Border Crossing
This guided day trip covers Tashkent, Shymkent, and border crossing between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, suitable for travelers interested in history and culture.
Route Overview
The total route covers 240 km: Tashkent – Shymkent – Tashkent.
Tour Description
Start in Tashkent with hotel, airport, or train station pickup and transfer to the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border. After crossing, meet your Kazakh driver and begin the journey. Along the way, observe camels and taste traditional mare's milk at a stop.
Visit the Sacred Mound of Kazygurt, known as 'Noah's Ark.' According to legend, the Great Silk Road once passed here and Noah's Ark landed atop the mountain.
In Shymkent, explore a city with over 800 years of history. It was a key stop on the Silk Road and was visited by Tamerlane in 1365-1366. Shymkent is now the administrative center of South Kazakhstan.
Discover the Citadel, an ancient site dating back to the 9th century with the oldest mosque and minaret preserved. The Citadel offers panoramic views from the city’s highest point, with a history spanning more than 2200 years.
Under the Citadel, visit the Ordabasy Complex, a modern shopping area, and the Zher Ana Complex which symbolizes Kazakhstan’s independence.
See Independence Square, established in 2011 as the city’s largest park, and Metallurgists Park, built before World War II in a quarter constructed by German and Japanese prisoners of war.
Walk along Arbat Shymkent, the local pedestrian street, where the upside-down house attraction is located.
Visit the Museum of Victims of Political Repression for insights into Stalin’s repressions against Kazakh people.
Stop by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas, built in 1988 during Soviet reforms.
Explore Abay Park, featuring the Alley of Glory memorial complex dedicated to World War II events and a monument to Abai Kunanbayev, a foundational Kazakh poet and philosopher.
The tour concludes with a return to Tashkent, including photo stops of green fields (especially in April-May), farms, and livestock on the way back.
What Is Included
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle in both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
What Is Not Included
- Entrance tickets to monuments
- Lunch and dinner
- Other personal expenses not mentioned in the itinerary
Important Information
- Currency exchange rates are the same on both sides of the border.
- Your guide can recommend good restaurants for lunch.
- The vehicle and driver change at the border: one driver for Uzbekistan and another for Kazakhstan.
- The operator is not responsible for weather conditions.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.
Booking tip: Bring your passport for border crossing and plan for early spring visits to see green fields in full bloom.
