This southern Kazakh city houses central Asia's largest bazaar, with local spice traders and food stalls serving traditional mutton dishes. Soviet blocks and minarets line the streets.
Shymkent, Kazakhstan's third-largest city, lies near the Uzbekistan border. Walk through Independence Park's maple-lined paths, watch spotted deer in the Dendrological Park, or explore the centuries-old mud-brick walls of the city's ancient citadel. At the Qyrgy bazaar, you'll find merchants selling handwoven carpets, traditional musical instruments, and local delicacies like kurt (dried cheese balls) and baursak (fried bread).
Getting to Shymkent
Shymkent International Airport connects to Dubai, Moscow, and Istanbul with daily flights. Take a train from the city's railway station on the Turkestan-Siberia line to Almaty (12 hours) or Astana. The M32 highway connects to Tashkent (three hours) and Turkestan (two hours).
Moving Around the City
50 Yutong CNG bus routes run across Shymkent from 6 AM to 11 PM. You can use ride-hailing apps like Uber or InDriver, or follow the local custom of hailing passing cars - a common practice among residents.
Parks and Gardens
The Dendrological Park's 150 hectares include maple and oak groves where peacocks roam freely. Rent a pedal boat on the central lake or watch spotted deer in their enclosure. Ken Baba Park and Independence Park have stone-paved walking paths, water fountains that light up at night, and modern playground equipment. The Central Park's 15 rides include a 30-meter Ferris wheel and a vintage carousel.
Markets and Shopping Areas
Walk through the Qyrgy bazaar's covered walkways between Ordabassy Square and Shamshi's World, where 500+ vendors sell handmade felt slippers, leather bags, and traditional dombra instruments. In the food section, sample local spices, fresh fruits, and hot meals like pilaf and shashlik.
Day Trips from Shymkent
Visit the Aksu-Zhabagly reserve, 70 km south, to see wild horses and red tulip fields that bloom in April and May. In Sayram, 10 km east, walk among medieval minarets and 18th-century madrasas. The UNESCO-listed Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum in Turkistan rises 44 meters high, with intricate tile work and smaller Sufi shrines surrounding it.
Historical Background
Shymkent began as a mud-brick fort protecting Silk Road traders from Sayram. After Russian forces arrived in 1864, the city transformed into an industrial center during the Soviet era, with lead works and chemical plants shaping its modern layout.
