Turkestan

The Persians originally used the term Turkistan to refer to the area across what is now Central Asia, which was inhabited by the Turks and includes areas of modern day Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In the 1860s, as the Persian Empire was weakened, the Russians were able to take the city in Kazakhstan that is known today as Turkistan. The city is located in the Kazakh south, near the Syr Darya River. The site's legacy dates back to the 4th century and has a long history, being at times known as Yassay and Hazrat. It is the burial place of the Sufi Sheikh Khoja Akhmet Yassawi and for this reason, it's considered an important seat of Islamic learning and is a sacred destination for Muslim pilgrims. In its history, it has been ruled by the Chinese Han dynasty and Tamerlane, and is the site of many historical and architectural places of interest. With its desert climate, the winters are short and cold and the summers long, hot and dry.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

History Museum

Located within the Yassawi Mausoleum complex, the History Museum is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The artefacts and exhibitions focus on the teachings of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi, Sufism and Islam. Visitors can explore the exhibits, many of which are labelled in English.

Khoja Ahkmet Yassawi Mausoleum

The vast mausoleum complex commemorates the 10th-century Muslim mystic Khoja Akhmet Yassawi, who died in the city and is buried on the site. The vast mazar built over the mausoleum was commissioned by Tamerlane, and its distinctive turquoise dome attracts flocks of pilgrims every year.

Medieval bathhouse

This beautifully-restored and maintained bathhouse dates back centuries and is a popular destination with visitors from all over. Travelers explore the shady rooms with their exposed brick work, arranged in elaborate domes overhead and the curved alcoves with their cast iron basins.

Tombs

Many important personages from Turkic history are laid to rest in Turkistan. They include Tamerlane's granddaughter, Roghbia Sultan Begum - and her tomb is just one of the many beautifully-designed Khanate mausoleums throughout the city, popular among enthusiasts of ancient architecture.

Turkistan railway station

Considered an important landmark, the city’s railway station was built in 1903 as part of the Orenburg-Tashkent rail route. With its spacious square and fountains to the front, the station is a bustling hub of action with passengers mingling with food sellers.

Kazakhstan Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.

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Kazakhstan Itineraries

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Intrepid

Ancient Kazakhstan: A Journey Back in Time from Almaty to Turkestan

Tribal people have roamed through Kazakhstan for centuries, leaving behind rock carvings, underground mosques, catacombs and so much more for you to discover on this exciting 11-day archaeological tour through Almaty, Issyk Lake, Sairam, and more. Get ready to explore ancient cultures and natural wonders.

Interests Heritage, Amazing Landscapes

Destination Kazakhstan

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Price Per Person: From $8,900

Blast Off in Central Asia: 14 Days in Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan

Fourteen days, two countries, eight cities and one rocket launch: there are not many journeys that you’ll make quite like this one. Over the course of two weeks, you’ll be treated to all the important historic sites of Uzbekistan and its ancient Silk Road cities, as well as witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime event – the “Soyuz” rocket being launched into space from the cosmodrome in Baikonur.

Interests Heritage, Architecture

Destinations Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $9,600

Cities of Kazakhstan

From Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana to Almaty, Shymkent to Turkestan, take in the major cities and sites of Kazakhstan in just six days with this expertly-crafted itinerary. By taking flights instead of overland transportation, you will be able to explore a slew of museums, mausoleums, canyons and caves in less than a week, hitting all the major hot spots and igniting your appetite for Central Asian history and culture. The trip ends at the Uzbekistan border at Chernyaevka, the perfect place for you to continue on, or end your journey.

Interest Heritage

Destination Kazakhstan

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Price Per Person: From $6,000

Cities, Lakes & Mountains of Kazakhstan

Welcome to Kazakhstan, the largest Central Asia country, packed with mountains, deserts, and lakes. This action-packed 11-day itinerary showcases the best of Kazakhstan, from its glistening cities of Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, and Almaty to the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve and Big Almaty Lake.

Interests Amazing Landscapes, Unesco

Destination Kazakhstan

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Price Per Person: From $8,500

Cultural Highlights of Kazakhstan

From carved Buddhas to a Muslim shrine, an underground mosque, to the site where Noah’s ark came to rest, this nine-day trip through Kazakhstan will introduce you to this country’s central historical and spiritual elements. Exploring glittering cities and tranquil landscapes, marvel in the rich culture of this Central Asian gem.

Interests Amazing Landscapes, Architecture

Destination Kazakhstan

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Price Per Person: From $7,000

Highlights of Kazakhstan: Almaty, Shymkent & Turkestan

It’s impossible to see all the sites of Kazakhstan in just over a week, but we’ve got an action-packed itinerary to show you the highlights! From the glistening city of Almaty to Sairam Ugam National Park and a visit to Turkestan, this itinerary packs in everything from underground mosques to mountain skating.

Interest Wildlife

Destination Kazakhstan

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Price Per Person: From $6,500

The Ultimate Kazakhstan Adventure

For two-and-a-half weeks in Kazakhstan, visit modern and ancient cities, local museums and sites of ancient petroglyphs, canyons and gorges, deserts and wildlife preserves. From the capital city of Almaty to the largest city of Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, this tour is truly The Ultimate Kazakhstan Adventure!

Interests Architecture, Heritage

Destination Kazakhstan

Duration: 18 days / 17 nights

Price Per Person: From $10,800

Epic Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan to Almaty via the Aral Sea

From large cities to nature reserves, mausoleums to museums, this comprehensive 18-day trip through Kazakhstan provides an excellent overview of what this diverse Central Asian country has to offer. Whether you like to stroll through a major city or hike through the mountains, this itinerary has it all!

Interest Off The Grid

Destination Kazakhstan

Duration: 17 days / 16 nights

Price Per Person: From $11,300

Karavansaray Kun Hotel

The first true luxury hotel in Turkestan, the Kavaransaray Kun Hotel makes a grand entrance combining with 37 specially-designed plush rooms and suites with a fully decked entertainment space. Rooms start at 40 sqm with views featuring the inner square or surrounding foliage. Some rooms and all suites come with private balconies. Facilities and amenities within the hotel include a spa with nail and hair salon, 24-hour dining, laundry services, and complimentary wifi throughout the property. The all-day restaurant, Eposia, serves both local and continental selections. The Kun Hotel is a part of the Karavansaray complex which includes the family-friendly Khaganate hotel, premium boutiques, a food court, outdoor theatre, a show arena, cinema, covered and open bazaars, and a flowing canal feature. The property is centrally-located and approximately 13.5 miles from the airport.

Overnight Train

Kazakhstan’s expansive country is sparsely dotted with main cities that lie thousands of miles away from one another. One of the best ways to traverse the terrain, glimpse its rural landscapes, and meet its local people is by train, which connects all cities and smaller places. Longer routes feature high-quality trains that have a restaurant and bar wagon attached. They offer standard 2-4 berth cabins, as well as upper level business class and grand cabins with ensuite toilet and shower. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided for overnight journeys.

Hotel Edem

Located near the center of Turkestan, Hotel Edem is one of the more well-known hotels in the whole region. That said, there is no too much in the way of competition, with few other quality places to stay for foreign visitors in the city. The hotel boasts a range of standard twin, double and deluxe rooms, and although this hotel may have seen better days, the rooms still deliver plenty of home comforts to make for a pleasant stay for a night or two. Amenities include air conditioning, heating controls, TV, telephone, mini-bar and private bathrooms. There is also an on-site restaurant at Hotel Edem which serves mainly local food and a few western dishes, as well as breakfast every morning.

The Turkestan Hotel

Hotel Turkestan, quite appropriately, lies at the heart of Turkestan city in South Kazakhstan. Guests have a choice of standard rooms (double or twin) or can upgrade to a deluxe. The no-frills rooms are basic and could do with a bit of an upgrade, although that's not to say they don't offer a comfortable stay for one or two nights. The grand lobby does its best to bump up the star-rating of the Turkestan, and there's also a bar and restaurant serving a buffet-style breakfast every morning. The real reason guests stop here is to explore the surrounding region, which boasts various attractions illustrating area's rich and long history. The city of Turkestan, about 200 miles northwest of the larger Taraz city, has played a significant role in shaping Kazakhstan into the country it is today, and this city is considered to be sacred for many Kazakhs.