Turkestan And Aksu Zhabagly Reserve Tour

Route: Taraz - Sairam - Shymkent - Otrar Settlement - Turkestan - Aksu-Zhabagly (South Kazakhstan)

Season: March - October

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Taraz - Sairam - Shymkent

Arrival in Taraz by morning train from Almaty. Meeting at the railway station and transfer to the city. Sightseeing at the History Museum, Karakhan Mausoleum, Dautbek Mausoleum, and Tekturmas Historical Complex.

Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, with its ancient remains hidden beneath the modern city. It was a major commercial and administrative center on the Silk Road in the 7th–8th centuries and dates back more than 2,000 years. There are over 70 monuments of archaeology, history, architecture, and monumental art in Taraz and its surrounding areas.

A unique monument of medieval architecture from the 11th–12th centuries is the Aisha Bibi Mausoleum. It is the only monument in Central Asia entirely decorated with terracotta and is included in the UNESCO list of the most valuable historical and architectural monuments.

Transfer to Sairam settlement (160 km). Sightseeing at Ibrahim-Ata Mausoleum, Karashash-Ana Mausoleum, and a medieval minaret.

Sairam is located near Shymkent, on the site of ancient Ispidzhab — one of the largest centers of the Great Silk Road in the Middle Ages. It was first mentioned in Chinese manuscripts in the year 629. In the 13th century, it was renamed Sairam. The settlement preserves remains of buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

Sairam is also known as the birthplace of the great 12th-century spiritual leader Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The mausoleums of his parents, Ibrahim-Ata and Karashash-Ana, are also located here.

Transfer to the foothills of the Kazygurt Mountains to visit the sacred Kamekalgan stones, the "Adam and Eve" rocks, animal-shaped stone sculptures, "Noah’s Ark," and the magical "Dastarkhan" stone.

Kazygurt is a mountain massif with an altitude of 1,776 meters above sea level, located in the northern spurs of the Talas Alatau. The mountain appears as two hills connected by a saddle. Despite its relatively modest height, it is associated with a legend that it was once the highest mountain in the world.

According to legend, during a great flood when the world was submerged, only the peak of Kazygurt remained above water, and it was here that Noah’s Ark came to rest. Today, a symbolic wooden and metal structure representing Noah’s Ark stands at the summit.

Transfer to Shymkent (35 km). Accommodation at the hotel. Overnight in Shymkent.

Day 2: Shymkent - Otrar Settlement - Turkestan - Shymkent

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Otrar Settlement (220 km). Sightseeing at Arystan Bab Mausoleum (teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi) and the archaeological site of ancient Otrar.

Otrar is the birthplace of the medieval philosopher and scientist Al-Farabi. The settlement was founded in the 4th century BC and became an important center of trade and craftsmanship along caravan routes connecting Eastern Europe and China. In the late 13th century, Mongol troops destroyed the city.

Despite this devastation, Otrar was rebuilt and flourished again. Today, the remains of the citadel, city gates, and the Rabad (suburb), covering about 10 square kilometers, can still be seen.

Transfer to Turkestan (70 km). Sightseeing at the "Azret-Sultan" Historical and Architectural Complex, including the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, necropolis, fortress walls, citadel gates, hammam, and underground mosque.

Turkestan was founded around 500 AD at the crossroads of caravan routes from Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. It became the spiritual and political center of Turkic peoples in the 16th–18th centuries and served as the capital of the Kazakh Khanate.

The city gained international recognition due to the teachings of the Sufi philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who was buried here in 1166. The current mausoleum was built 233 years after his death by order of the famous ruler Emir Tamerlane. It is now one of the most important Islamic pilgrimage sites in the region.

According to legend, all initial attempts to build the mausoleum failed. A saint appeared in Tamerlane’s dream and instructed him to first build a mausoleum over the grave of Arystan Bab, and only then build the one for Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. This is why pilgrims traditionally visit Arystan Bab first.

It is believed that three pilgrimages to Turkestan are equivalent to a minor Hajj to Mecca.

Transfer to Shymkent (170 km). Overnight in Shymkent.

Day 3: Shymkent - Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve (125 km). Visit to Aksu Canyon.

Aksu-Zhabagly is the oldest nature reserve in Kazakhstan, located in the western Tien Shan Mountains at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 4,280 meters above sea level. The reserve features diverse ecosystems, from semi-desert landscapes to alpine meadows and glaciers.

Colorful alpine flowers cover the lower slopes, while snow-capped peaks and glaciers dominate the higher elevations. The reserve is home to rare and endangered species, including argali, ibex, deer, lynx, snow leopards, wolves, foxes, bears, porcupines, and ermines. Birds such as bearded vultures, griffons, and golden eagles can often be seen soaring overhead.

Transfer to Tulkubas railway station (25 km). Departure to Almaty by evening train.

TOUR PRICE: On request

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Double accommodation in a hotel in Shymkent

Transfers to/from railway stations and transportation as per the program in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan

Sightseeing as per the program with an English-speaking guide

Admission fees during the tour

Transportation within the reserve

Meals: Standard hotel breakfasts

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Accommodation in Almaty, if required

Railway tickets (Almaty–Taraz / Tulkubas–Almaty)

Meals (except hotel breakfasts)

Single accommodation supplement in Shymkent

Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required

Personal expenses and other costs not mentioned in the program