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Ancient Cities of Kazakhstan Private Tour (2 days)

March 1, 2019

All Tour Packages | Classic Tours | South Kazakhstan is an oasis of ancient cities. Nowhere in the country there are as many historical monuments as here. Thousands of piligrims are aimed to this region, as it is so rich with sacred sites. If you are a lover of history, legends and mysteries, this journey is for you!
Route: Taraz - Shymkent - Otrar Settlement - Turkestan (South Kazakhstan)
Season: March-October 

 

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
 
Day 1. Taraz - Shymkent
 
Arrival to Taraz by morning train from Almaty. Meeting at the railway station and transfer to Taraz. Sightseeing at History Museum, Karakhan and Dautbek Mausoleum, Tekturmas Historical Complex. 
Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, the remains of which are hidden under the buildings of the modern city. Taraz, the ancient and the largest commercial and administrative center on the Silk Way in VII-VIII centuries, is dating back more than 2,000 years. There are more than 70 monuments of archaeology, history, architecture and monumental art in Taraz and surrounding area. Thus, a unique monument of medieval architecture of XI-XII centuries - Aisha Bibi Mausoleum - the only monument not only in Kazakhstan, but in the Central Asia, which is entirely decorated by terracotta and included in the UNESCO list of the most valuable historical and architectural monuments of mankind.
Transfer to Shymkent. On the way sightseeing at architectural monuments of XI-XII centuries: Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum and Babaja-Hatum Mausoleum. Arrival to Shymkent. Accommodation in the hotel. Overnight in Shymkent.
 
Day 2. Shymkent - Otrar Settlement - Turkestan - Shymkent
 
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Departure to Otrar Settlement. Sightseeing at Arystan-Bab Mausoleum (teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi), archaeological site of the ancient settlement of Otrar.
Otrar is the city where medieval philosopher and scientist Al-Farabi was born and lived. Otrar settlement was founded in IV century BC. This center of trade and craftsmanship was the main point of the caravan routes between Eastern Europe and China. In the late XIII century Mongolian troops razed the city to the ground. But, despite the catastrophic devastation, Otrar risen from the ashes and in a relatively short time economically developed. The remains of the citadel and other large buildings, as well as the main gate and rabad, covering an area of about 10 square kilometers, have survived to the present days
Transfer to Turkestan. Sightseeing at "Azret-Sultan" historical and architectural complex, Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (Necropolis, a fragment of the fortress wall, citadel with gates, Hammam, Hilvet underground mosque).
Turkestan was founded around 500 AD at the crossroads of caravan routes from Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in northern Kazakhstan. The city was known as the spiritual and political center of the Turkic-speaking people in the XVI-XVIII centuries, and was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. Turkestan has gained wide international reputation due to preaching activity of the famous Sufi sheikh and philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who was buried in a small mausoleum here in 1166. The existing mausoleum was erected after 233 years after his death by the order of an outstanding military leader Emir Tamerlane, and today it is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and one of the main places of worship for Muslims. According to legend, all the attempts to build a wall of the mausoleum failed: in one version it was demolished by the big storm, in another version – it was a green bull who came and destroyed everything. A saint, appeared in Tamerlane’s dream, said that at first you ought to build a mausoleum over the grave of Arystan Bab (teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi), and only then - over the tomb of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, what Tamerlane did. That is why pilgrims primarily visit the mausoleum of Arystan Bab, and then Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Pilgrims say that three trips to Turkestan equal small Hajj to Mecca
Transfer to Shymkent railway station. Departure to Almaty by evening train. 

Private Tour Price: 460 USD Per Person, provided 2 persons traveling together  

Group discounts available

Tour Price INCLUSIONS: 

1. Double accommodation in Shymkent hotel  
2. Transfer to/from railway stations and transportation according to the program in comfortable A/C minivan  
3. Sightseeing according to the program with English speaking guide  
5. Meals: Standard Hotel Breakfast  
6. Drinking water 1L per person

Tour Price EXCLUSIONS:

1. Accommodation in Almaty, if required
2. Railway tickets Almaty-Taraz/Shymkent-Almaty
3. Single accommodation supplement in Shymkent hotel (15 USD)
4. Meals (except hotel breakfast)
5. Visa support and registration on the territory of Kazakhstan, if required
6. Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program

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