Shymkent’s Dendropark

Shymkent’s Dendropark, established in 1979, has since become a beloved and iconic green oasis in the heart of Kazakhstan’s third-largest city. This park, widely known as «the lungs of Shymkent,» is a treasured sanctuary where residents come to relax, enjoy their weekends, and capture the beauty of nature in photos. Spanning a vast area, the park is home to more than 105,000 trees that attract a diverse range of bird species, along with approximately 30,000 other plants. In a bid to preserve and expand its genetic heritage, the park introduced 1,500 Siberian spruces from Katon-Karagay National Park. Notably, the Dendropark was also the first location in Kazakhstan to cultivate the North American tulip tree—a remarkable species with poplar-like leaves and soft yellow blooms. The park has also successfully acclimatized several exotic species, including pecan trees and the distinctive curly willow, among others.

Within the park, rare and protected flora are carefully preserved, such as the Sievers and Niedzwetzky apple trees, white and mountain pistachio trees, Ili barberry, Caucasian cotoneaster, Zeravshan juniper, and more. The park’s “Alley of Honor” holds special significance, featuring trees planted by well-known personalities like Dinmukhamed Kunaev, Nursultan Nazarbayev, Askar Askarov, Mukhtar Auezov, and Suleyman Demirel, among others.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic lake inhabited by swans and geese, who delight in being fed by guests. Ducks and peacocks roam freely along the shoreline, while small boats invite guests to explore the water, crossing charming bridges. A delightful waterfall cascades into a circular pool adorned with a romantic sculpture of two lovers on a crescent moon. New inhabitants, including deer, hedgehogs, squirrels, and spotted deer, have also found a home here, adding to the park’s charm.

The Dendropark’s inviting pathways are lined with cozy gazebos, benches, and sculptures, making it perfect for picnics or memorable photo sessions. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained bike paths and jogging trails, while open lawns offer the perfect setting for yoga. Adding a touch of nostalgia, an old railway, now covered with grass, offers a picturesque setting for atmospheric photos.

This beautifully landscaped park is a true pleasure to visit, with impressive entry gates designed as a colonnade decorated with traditional Kazakh motifs. The park provides ample amenities, including a parking area, public restrooms, fountains, and more.

As a specially protected area of regional importance, the Dendropark enforces strict regulations: open fires, tree cutting, plant picking, fishing, hunting, and littering are strictly prohibited.