The Turkistan Region is located among the arid steppes in the south of Kazakhstan. The region's main city – Turkistan – boasts a 1500-year history and attracts thousands of Muslim pilgrims every year.
History
In ancient times, Turkistan (which then was called Yassy) stood on the Silk Road and served as a center of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. In the 12th century, there lived Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, an Islamic preacher and philosopher, whom all Turkic people consider a saint. The memory of Yasawi was immortalized by the great Tamerlane who built a magnificent mausoleum over his grave. This mausoleum is now the region's main attraction and the reason so many tourists come to Turkistan in the first place. By the 16th century, Turkistan got its current name and became the capital of the powerful Kazakh Khanate. At the beginning of the 21st century, Turkistan looked more like a typical Central Asian provincial town. However, after 2018 the city began to change.
Why is the Turkistan Region worth visiting?
The city center has been turned into a huge tourist complex with museums, hotels, theaters, shops and, of course, historical sights. Despite the arid climate, the city has a lot of greenery. There is even a water channel, which the locals call the «Kazakh Venice.» Modern-day Turkistan is a beautiful city that perfectly blends masterpieces of ancient architecture and futuristic buildings.
During your visit, don't be limited only to the city of Turkistan. Take your time to travel around the region, which is packed with interesting places to see. Here you can see the ruins of other ancient cities, such as Otrar and Sauran. The mysterious Akmeshit Cave and numerous mausoleums are also popular among pilgrims. Nature lovers should visit the Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve and the Sairam-Ugam National Park. Wellness tourism is also actively developing in the Turkistan region. Most resorts are located in the Saryagash region, which is famous for its thermal and mineral springs.
Local offers:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Charyn Canyon One-Day Group Tour")
If you need a refreshing day away from the city, join us on this tour of Charyn Canyon. Marvel at its stunning beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the nearby rural area and market.
![Групповая экскурсия "Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]](/assets/cache_image/products/0_gallery/tours/astana-excursions/astana1_420x650_c98.jpeg "Групповая экскурсия \"Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I\" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]")
Идеальный вариант для первого знакомства со столицей Казахстана! Город во всех проявлениях менее чем за 3 часа: от административного сердца страны до экономического, молодежного и событийного хаба
On request
Don't miss the chance to ski at Shymbulak Ski Resort, renowned for its mild climate, abundant sunshine, reliable snow, and breathtaking mountain views!
On request
Spend a day skiing at Kazakhstan’s premier ski resort, Shymbulak! This tour is perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers, including freeriders. Enjoy skiing on groomed slopes and arranging a backcountry adventure near the resort.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Butakov Waterfalls Trekking Tour")
On request
Butakov Waterfalls can be found in the Ile Alatau Mountains near Almaty. The breathtaking scenery, pristine air, and refreshing coolness have been drawing tourists to this location for quite some time.
On request
Trekking to the Gorelnik Gorge is a highly favored adventure for tourists and trekking enthusiasts alike. The gorge boasts stunning scenery with abundant trees, mushrooms, and berries. If lucky, one might even encounter the wild inhabitants of the area, including mountain deer.
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Kim-Asar Gorge is very popular among Almaty townspeople. The main reason is that it can be easily reached by bus or by car, and a slight steep ascent allows even unprepared tourists to pass it. In addition, the route is available for walking almost any time of year.
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Standing at 3680 meters, the Big Almaty Peak might give the false impression of being a formidable and challenging climb. However, ascending to the summit doesn't necessitate specialized mountaineering skills.
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Situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, this frigid and desolate lake boasts a depth of 30 meters. The lake is encompassed by stunning mountain peaks, creating an exceptionally beautiful panorama from all directions.