Shymkent, Kazakhstan 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Shymkent International Airport (TMK)
  • Check-in at your Hotel (Recommended: Hotel Parkside, Aksuat Hotel)
  • Lunch at Gumilov Cafe (Kazakh cuisine) - Address: 12, Kunayev St.
  • City Orientation Tour (Ascend the Tower of Friendship for a panoramic view of the city) - Address: 140, Abai Ave.
  • Dinner at Asian Street Food Restaurant - Address: 73, Altynsarin St.

Day 2: Historical Sites & Museums

  • Breakfast at your Hotel
  • Visit the Chimkent Regional Museum (Discover the rich history of Shymkent) - Address: 149, Abai Ave.
  • Lunch at local restaurant - Try the famous Shashlyk (Kazakh kebabs)
  • Explore Aksakata Museum-Reserve (Step back in time and learn about ancient Kazakh culture) - Address: 460, Kungradinsky District
  • Dinner at Cafe Bukhara (Uzbek cuisine) - Address: 105, Altynsarin St.

Day 3: Nature & Recreation

  • Breakfast at your Hotel
  • Visit Chimkent Botanical Garden (Enjoy a peaceful walk amidst beautiful flora) - Address: 284, Abai Ave.
  • Lunch at Asian Street Food Restaurant (Repeat from Day 1)
  • Relax at Shymkent Central Park (Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike) - Address: 53, Altynsarin St.
  • Dinner at Zhaslan Restaurant (Kazakh cuisine) - Address: 198, Kunayev St.

Day 4: Shopping & Local Markets

  • Breakfast at your Hotel
  • Visit Central Market (Experience the local vibe and buy souvenirs) - Address: 32, Abai Ave.
  • Lunch at local restaurant (Try plov, a traditional dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables)
  • Explore Shymkent Mall (For modern shopping experiences) - Address: 74, Abay St.
  • Dinner at Cafe Sultan (Uzbek cuisine) - Address: 136, Altynsarin St.

Day 5: Day Trip to Sairam-Suu Gorge

  • Breakfast at your Hotel
  • Hire a Car or Join a Tour Group for a day trip to Sairam-Suu Gorge (Marvel at the stunning mountain scenery and crystal-clear rivers)
  • Pack a Lunch or grab something quick on the way
  • Dinner back in Shymkent at your preferred restaurant

Day 6: Last Minutes & Departure

  • Breakfast at your Hotel
  • Last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing
  • Check out from your Hotel
  • Depart from Shymkent International Airport (TMK)

Transportation

  • Taxis: Available, but it’s recommended to use apps like GorodTaxi or LefkoTaxi.
  • Public transport: Buses and marshrutka (minibuses) are the main modes of public transportation in Shymkent.

Tips & Other Things to Know

  • Currency: Kazakhstan uses the Tenge (KZT). Major credit cards are accepted at many shops, restaurants, and hotels.
  • Language: Kazakh and Russian are the official languages. English is less common but widely understood among younger generations and in tourist areas.
  • Etiquette: Kazakhs are very hospitable people, so accepting invitations for tea or dinner is considered a compliment to your host.
  • Safety: Shymkent is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas.