Understand

Kazakhstan may lack the Central Asian historical towns found in Uzbekistan, but the city of Turkestan stands as a well-preserved gem. With a rich history dating back 1600 years, this city became a center of learning in the 11th century under the great Sufi Sheikh Khoja Ahmad Yasavi. Scholars from across the steppe were drawn to this vibrant hub of knowledge. In the 14th century, Timur commissioned the construction of a magnificent mausoleum in honor of Sheikh Khoja Ahmad Yasavi. Today, this grand mausoleum serves as Kazakhstan's most prominent historical attraction, a significant Muslim pilgrimage site, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the wonders of Turkestan and immerse yourself in its storied past!

Get in

Train The train station is at the end of Tauke Khan. There are regular trains to/from Kyzylorda, Aralsk, Aktobe, Almaty (9 to 23 hours depending on the train. There is a train from Almaty 2 at 21.53 arriving to Turkestan at 17.00 - May2016), Shymkent (3.5 hours, 800T) and Astana. International routes to Bishkek and Tashkent. Take minibus 2, 10 or 13 from the station to the Yasui Mausoleum and centre of town (50KZT, as of March 2017). Minivan From Shymkent, take a bus to Bekzhan Bazaar (). With the blue/orange Bazaar building to your right, go past a yurt. Go through a car park and a building with parking underneath. You can also use the smell of samsa to help guide you. The minivans are parked across from the Toyota and Hyundai dealership.There should be men yelling out their destinations as they stand next to their vans. Drivers go when the van is full. There will also be signs on the van with its destination on the windshield. The trip will take about 2 hours and will drop you off at Merey () bus station in Turkestan. It's also possible to be dropped off near the Yasawi mausoleum. The cost to Turkestan is 600KZT to/from Shymkent in a 20-passenger minivan (as of July 2017). You can take a minivan from behind the Samsal bus station on the north side of the city. It takes about 1 1/2 hours and costs 1000 KZT as of Oct. 2018.] If you're an adventurous traveler, why not hop on a train to explore the beautiful city of Turkestan? The train station is located at the end of Tauke Khan and offers regular connections to/from various destinations such as Kyzylorda, Aralsk, Aktobe, Almaty, Shymkent, Astana, Bishkek, and Tashkent. With train rides ranging from 9 to 23 hours, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Once you arrive in Turkestan, you can easily get around by taking one of the minibusses (2, 10, or 13) from the station to the Yasui Mausoleum and the vibrant town center. This convenient mode of transportation only costs around 50KZT, providing you with an affordable and efficient way to explore Turkestan. If you're coming from Shymkent, another option is to take a bus to Bekzhan Bazaar. To find the bus, simply follow the blue/orange Bazaar building with a yurt on your right. As you navigate through the car park and the building with parking underneath, you might catch a whiff of the delicious samsa, a traditional pastry. Look out for men calling out their destinations next to their vans, parked across from the Toyota and Hyundai dealership. The minivan will depart once it's full, and the journey to Merey bus station or near the Yasawi mausoleum in Turkestan takes about 2 hours. The cost for this adventure is approximately 600KZT for a 20-passenger minivan, as of July 2017. For those looking for a quicker option, you can also catch a minivan from behind the Samsal bus station on the north side of the city. This thrilling ride takes around 1 and a half hours, offering a speedy and convenient way to reach your destination. The cost for this exciting trip is about 1000 KZT, as of October 2018. So, get ready for an adrenaline-packed journey through the stunning landscapes of Turkestan!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Kazakhstan's most popular dish is called Plov or Pilaf. It is a hearty rice dish that is cooked with meat, usually lamb or beef, and vegetables such as carrots, onions, and garlic. The dish is flavorful, with a mix of savory spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Plov is often served at special occasions and gatherings in Kazakhstan.

Another popular Kazakh dish is Beshbarmak, which translates to "five fingers." It consists of boiled horsemeat (or sometimes mutton) served with thin noodles and a side of finely chopped onions and herbs. This dish is believed to have originated from the nomadic tribes that once roamed the steppe, and its form - a chunk of meat meant to be eaten with hands - makes it easy to consume on the go.

Rounding out the top three is Lagman, a soup made from handmade noodles and meat, typically served with a side of sour cream. Lagman can feature various types of meat, such as beef, lamb, or chicken, and is often garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. This soul-warming dish is particularly popular in the winter months when comfort food is craved.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing