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Things to do in Shymkent

7 experiences — hand-picked & rephrased

Top 7 things to do in Shymkent

  1. Shymkent City Tour, Shymkent01

    1. Shymkent City Tour

    6 hoursFrom₹17,850/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Shymkent is the third largest city of Kazakhstan. Its history is around eight centuries old, but during this time it has become a large cultural, trading and industrial centre in the south of the country. Shymkent City Tour opens up the most interesting that this beautiful city can boast with, and learn much of its history.

  2. Trekking in Sayram-Ugam national park & Aksu canyon (2 days), Shymkent02

    2. Trekking in Sayram-Ugam national park & Aksu canyon (2 days)

    2 daysFrom₹46,715/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Sayram-Ugam National park is located 70 km from Shymkent. The park is a part of the Western Tian-Shan mountain system. Also, it is included in the list of the UNESCO of World heritage sites. Sayram-Ugam is full of wild gorges and canyons, mountain lakes and rivers, peaks and glaciers. If you are lucky, you can meet a snow leopard, a bear, mountain goats and gazelles, a lot of very rare and endangered birds and amphibians. Most noteworthy – breathtaking landscapes, the availability of different trekking and horseriding options and relatively easy access makes this area a popular destination not only among locals but also foreign guests. In this national park, there are many different routes, but the most colorful is the area around the foothills of peak Sayram-Su. Mountain forests regulate water flow, enrich the air with oxygen and phytoncides. They protect against rain and spring floods, slow the melting of snows.

  3. Private Romantic tour in Shymkent, Shymkent03

    3. Private Romantic tour in Shymkent

    2 hoursFrom₹23,417/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. How does a lovely stroll in a Central Park of Shymkent sound like? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. What romantic tales are hiding behind the statues of Ken Baba park? Join us and find out! This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

  4. Trekking Adventure in Western Tian Shan Mountains, Shymkent04

    4. Trekking Adventure in Western Tian Shan Mountains

    8 hoursFrom₹23,070/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Most tours stick to the crowded paths, but this trek takes you deep into the quieter parts of the Western Tian Shan. You'll be exploring the Sairam-Ugam Nature Park with a local guide who knows these mountains inside out. Expect to walk among rare, centuries-old juniper trees and drink from ice-cold mountain streams without another tourist in sight. It's a real, raw piece of Central Asian nature

  5. The best of Shymkent Private walking tour, Shymkent05

    5. The best of Shymkent Private walking tour

    2 hoursFrom₹23,417/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. What is the story of Alley of Glory and War Memorial and what it has to do with the second World War? Or what secrets does the Ata river carry? You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Shymkent. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

  6. Trekking in Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (2 days), Shymkent06

    6. Trekking in Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve (2 days)

    5.0· 1 reviews2 daysFrom₹53,503/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve – is the oldest and most famous nature reserve in Central Asia. Year of the establishment is 1926. Its aim was to preserve endangered wild animals and abundant flora and fauna of the reserve. The nature reserve is located in the spurs of the Western Tien Shan at an altitude of 1000 to 4280 meters above sea level. In 2016 the nature reserve was included in the UNESCO list of the World Biosphere Reserves. The highest peak is Sairam Peak, its height is 4238 meters. The name Aksu-Zhabagly contains names of two main rivers Aksu and Zhabagly. These rivers flow through the reserve. Aksu is the longest river, covering 120 kilometers. In the spring the Aksu River is blue. However, in the summer months, it turns to a color of milk. Hence, its name comes – Ak – meaning “white” and Su meaning “water”. Aksu canyon, carved by the mighty Aksu river, is one the deepest canyons in Central Asia. The depth of canyon fluctuates from 300m to 500 meters, the length is 30 km.

  7. Karatau Mountains Adventure Caves and Waterfalls, Shymkent07

    7. Karatau Mountains Adventure Caves and Waterfalls

    5.0· 1 reviewsFrom₹24,543/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Explore the majestic Karatau mountains on an unforgettable journey blending history, nature, and adventure. Depart from Shymkent and discover the medieval village of Terekty with its sacred spring before marveling at ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks. Hike through breathtaking landscapes to reach a hidden waterfall and enjoy a picnic in a serene canyon. Step into the enchanting Holy White Mosque cave and uncover Kazakhstan’s rich history at ancient monasteries. End the day camping under the stars by the Borday River, creating lasting memories in the heart of nature. • One day adventure through the Karatau mountains, departing from Shymkent • Visit ancient petroglyphs, sacred springs, and centuries-old Sufi monasteries • Hike to a hidden waterfall and picnic in a stunning canyon

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The activities ranked above are sorted by traveller rating and review count — start with the top 3 if you're short on time. Shymkent is strongest on heritage walks, food tours and outdoor day trips; the listicle covers all three categories. Most experiences are 3–6 hours and can be combined with a morning visit to a landmark.

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