10 Amazing Things to do in Turkestan: Everything you can do in one day!
If there’s one city in Kazakhstan that carries the weight of history, it’s Turkestan. Once a major Silk Road hub and spiritual center of Central Asia, Turkestan is now a fascinating blend of sacred sites, modern architecture, and cultural heritage. Known as the “spiritual capital of Kazakhstan,” this city is home to the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Asia.
Turkestan isn’t just about ancient history… The city has been transformed in recent years with new museums, striking monuments, and a high-speed train line connecting it to Shymkent and Almaty. So whatever you’re looking for, this guide will help you find the best things to do in Turkestan.
About Turkestan
Located in the south of Kazakhstan, Turkestan’s roots stretch back over 1,500 years. It became an important Silk Road city and a center for Islamic learning after Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a revered Sufi mystic, settled here in the 12th century. His mausoleum, commissioned by Timur (Tamerlane), put Turkestan firmly on the map as a pilgrimage site – some Kazakhs even believe three visits here equal one to Mecca.
When to visit Turkestan
Turkestan has scorching hot summers, which are made even more extreme by the amount of concrete (which retains the heat) in the city. It also has rather cold winters, often reaching below 0°C. Therefore, try to find a pleasant middle ground during spring or autumn.
- Best time: April–June and September-October, when the weather is warm but not extreme.
- Summer (July–August): Expect 35–40°C – sightseeing can be tough in the midday heat.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Cold, but fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation prices.
Aside from the seasons, if you want fewer crowds at the mausoleum, come early in the morning and avoid weekends.
If you have complete flexibility, try to visit in spring when the Tulip Festival is happening – it’s colourful and full of local energy.
How to get to Turkestan from Shymkent
Getting to Turkestan has become much easier in recent years. Most people travel directly from Shymkent (the closest big city), though it’s also possible from elsewhere.
- By car: A good option if you want to combine Turkestan with nearby villages and Silk Road sites.
- By train: The fastest option is the Talgo high-speed train from Shymkent (2 hours) or Almaty (about 12 hours overnight). Comfortable, modern, and affordable.
- By plane: Turkestan has an international airport with flights from Almaty, Astana, and even Istanbul.
- By bus/marshrutka [TOP PICK]: Cheap, simple, and authentic — available from Shymkent and other southern cities. From Shymkent, get a Yandex to the Samal Bus Station and then ask for transport to Shymkent – the people will direct you. Once the vehicle is full, it’ll leave – this is approximately every 30 minutes (but could be instant if you’re the last one on board). The journey takes around 1.5 hours. Chances are there will be a few stops in Turkestan; so ask to be dropped off as close as possible to the Mausoleum (having a picture handy is helpful as I was the only English speaker on the bus). On the way back, take a Yandex to the Merey Bus Station in Turkestan. The marshrutka twill drop you back in Shymkent. Each leg of the journey will cost approximately 1500 Tenge.
How long to spend in Turkestan
You can see the highlights of Turkestan in a single day trip from Shymkent – and this is what I personally recommend!
However, staying a night or two gives you time to slow down, visit all the museums, and enjoy the quieter atmosphere once the day-trippers go home for the day. If you’re interested in history, museums, and wandering, I recommend 1–2 days.
Things to do in Turkestan
1. Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (UNESCO Heritage Site)
This is the heart of Turkestan and one of Kazakhstan’s most important monuments. Built in the 14th century by Timur, the mausoleum is a stunning example of Timurid architecture — turquoise domes, intricate mosaics, and vast wooden doors. Inside, you’ll find the tomb of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a revered Sufi mystic.
As of May 2025, this was partly up for renovation, meaning you could purchase a ticket to enter, but wouldn’t actually be able to see much inside… The ticket office is a separate hut located on the back corner of the mausoleum.
Tickets are 500 KZT ($1 USD), and the site is open from 9am until 6pm every day.
Make sure to walk a complete loop around the mausoleum. On one side it’s grand and brutalist, whilst the other is blue and decadent! Don’t miss the giant bronze cauldron used for ritual water.
2. Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum
Just a short walk from Yasawi’s mausoleum lies this smaller yet similarly beautiful mausoleum. The blue domed roof is intricately decorated with mosaic-style tiling.
Rabigha Sultan Begum was a Kazakh queen and wife of ruler Abulkhair Khan. It’s a good stop if you want to see how mausoleum styles evolved across time in Turkestan.
Entrance is free to this small Mausoeum.
3. Hilvat Underground Mosque
This underground mosque was once used by Yasawi himself for meditation and prayer. It’s a series of low, brick-lined chambers beneath the mausoleum complex, giving a completely different perspective on Turkestan’s religious history. The chambers are dimly lit and atmospheric — it feels like stepping back 500 years.
Mosques built underground are particularly rare. As you enter, you will go down a set of stairs. A number of stalls are laid out so you can check out the mosque-converted museum.
Entrance fee is 500 KZT ($1 USD), however this also givse you access to the nearby Ancient Baths. Once again, opening hours are 9am until 6pm.
4. Turkestan City Fortress / Ancient City Ruins
Whilst not officially open yet (May 2025), you can slip through to have a look around.
Around the main mausoleum complex (Azret-Sultan Reserve) you’ll also find remains of the medieval settlement: fortress walls, gates, and archaeological digs. They give you a sense of just how big Turkestan was when it was a Silk Road hub.
5. Masjid Khoja Ahmed Yassavi
This huge mosque is one of my favourites in Kazakhstan, potentially the world! Which says a lot having visited shortly after Istanbul…
It balances the Timurid architecture with more modern approaches to mosques. This leaves a grand, blue-tiled mosque which stands out from the rest of the buildings in Turkestan.
To get here, walk past Pamyatnik Khanam, the memorial complex dedicated to the Kazakh Khanate. Inside you’ll see the names of all the khans of the Kazakh Khanate written, from Kerei Khan, who founded and ruled the Kazakh Khanate, to Kenesary, the last Kazakh Khan. One column is dedicated to each of them.
6. Karavan Saray (Caravanserai Complex)
A newer addition, but a fun one. Built as a kind of open-air cultural park, it showcases traditional Kazakh architecture and performances. It’s touristy compared to the mausoleum, but if you’ve got time, you can catch music, horseback shows, or folk dance here.
One of the newest attractions in Turkestan — a massive cultural and entertainment center designed to resemble a Silk Road caravanserai. Inside you’ll find:
- A 4D cinema with historical shows.
- Traditional crafts workshops.
- A canal with boat rides.
It’s not the most authentic, but still worth checking out for its mix of tradition and modern entertainment.
7. Eat at the Arena
Located at the far end of the Karavan Saray complex, this surreal circular complex is a newly constructed shopping centre. It’s a perfect spot for lunch if you’re trying to escape the heat of the day!
With shops and restaurants littered around the outside, the focal point is a large boat with a load of fountains in the middle.
8. Explore the Four City Gates
Turkestan was once a fortified Silk Road city, protected by thick mud-brick walls and four main gates – one facing each direction. These gates weren’t just entrances; they were control points for trade, security, and cultural exchange as merchants, pilgrims, and travellers came and went.
Today, the gates have been reconstructed as part of the modern Turkestan Historical and Cultural Complex. Walking through them gives you a feel for how the old city might have been centuries ago. Each gate is designed in a slightly different style, echoing the architectural traditions of Central Asia.
Try to visit all four gates if you have time – it doesn’t take long, and it adds context to Turkestan’s role as a crossroads of civilizations. They also make for some great photo spots, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits the mud walls!
9. Walk the gardens outside the city walls
Beyond the city walls are an expanse of beautifully pruned gardens and flowing fountains. This is a lovely way to relax in the afternoon heat, perhaps reading a book somewhere in the shade!
It was surreal, as there were more people looking after the gardens than were actually walking through them when I visited! Either way, it’s a pleasant stroll.
10. Turkestan’s New Landmarks
In the past decade, Turkestan has been rapidly modernising. Some of the architecture here is super unique and very impressive!
If you have more time at the end of your day, here are some of the new landmarks to check out:
- Altyn Samruk Theater – modern performance space.
- Uly Dala Eli Monument – striking modern monument symbolizing Kazakhstan’s steppe heritage.
- City Park and fountains – perfect for evening strolls when locals gather.
- Turkestan History and Culture Center / Azret Sultan Reserve Museum – A modern museum that gives context to Turkestan’s Silk Road history, from ancient artefacts to interactive exhibits. Great for understanding why this city mattered so much.
- Yasawi Museum – currently only the first floor is open.
More things to do near Turkestan
Here are a couple of extra options if you have some more time in Turkestan and want to explore further than the tourist centre!
11. Bazaar of Turkestan
No Silk Road city is complete without a bazaar. Wander through the market streets, sample dried fruits, buy local crafts, and soak up the atmosphere.
The Bazaar in Turkestan isn’t close to the rest of the main sights, as it’s more in the main city rather than the cultural museum.
12. Mausoleum of Arystan Bab
Located about 150 km from Turkestan, this is another important pilgrimage site. Many Kazakhs stop here before visiting Yasawi’s mausoleum. If you have extra time, it’s worth the trip.
Turkestan Map
How to get around Turkestan
Exploring Turkestan is easy given its small size! The picture below gives you a better idea, as you can see the main Mausoleum from the Karavan Saray!
That being said, you really need to be dropped near the centre (rather than the bus station which is 4km away). Once you are there, you can explkore everything on foot.
If you don’t want to walk, there are places where you can get e-scooters or be driven around in golf buggies. Yandex is also readily available and super cheap here! Once I had finisihed explporing Turkestan, I called a Yandex to take me to the bus terminal.
You can get a camel to take you around and take a few photos, but I don’t endorse that.
Where to stay in Turkestan or Shymkent
Accommodation in Turkestan has improved dramatically in recent years:
- Luxury: Hampton by Hilton Turkistan – international comfort, right in the city center.
- Mid-range: Edem Hotel – modern, clean, good value.
- Budget: Guesthouses near the mausoleum or train station — simple but friendly.
I personally chose to stay in Shymkent given how easy it is to explore Turkestan in one day. Since there’s nothing on Hostelworld, I opted to stay in Sweet Home Art Boutique, which was a unique hostel stay.
Where to go After Turkestan
Turkestan is a great jumping-off point for exploring southern Kazakhstan:
- Shymkent – Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, lively and full of energy.
- Otrar ruins – the remains of a Silk Road city near Turkestan.
- Sayram-Ugam National Park – for hiking and nature near Shymkent.
- Almaty – if you’re heading back north, take the overnight train or flight.
- Tashkent – head south across the land border into Uzbekistan.
- Mangystau – continue west towards the surreal landscape of Mangystau. It’s not close, but nowhere really is to Mangystau…
Honest thoughts
I’m not sure what I expected from Turkestan, but I know that it surprised me. It’s so much more than one large mausoleum! In fact, the city has transformed into a lively mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.
It’s true that some parts feel overly polished for tourism, but the sense of history here is real and powerful. Standing before the Yasawi mausoleum, you feel the weight of centuries of pilgrims before you.
I enjoyed my time exploring Turkestan. It was peaceful walking around solo, going wherever the heart desired, and learning about each place. This clean and somewhat empty city seemed like a surreal mix of gardens, ruins and modern buildings, which left me constantly wondering what I was going to see next!
Having crossed the border into Uzbekistan soon afterwards to see the Silk Road architecture there, I now have to admit that Turkestan blew me away more because I had nothing to compare to. I’m not one to compare places, but the Uzbek architecture is more impressive, so I’m glad I hadn’t already visited Uzbekistan at that point.
Separately, I have to comment on the camel riding for tourism here… They don’t appear to be looked after well, therefore please do not financially support this!
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