Embark on a captivating 2-day journey from Tashkent to Turkestan, where history, spirituality, and culture converge. This tour takes you beyond Uzbekistan’s borders into Kazakhstan, introducing you to Turkestan’s remarkable legacy as a spiritual and intellectual hub of the Silk Road.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the steppe to Otrar, an ancient Silk Road city that once thrived as a center of trade and knowledge. Explore its grand ruins, including a medieval bathhouse, mosque, and residential quarters, before visiting the Arystan Baba Mausoleum, an important spiritual site.
The journey continues to Turkestan, where you’ll visit the grand Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a masterpiece commissioned by Timur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been drawing pilgrims for centuries and stands as a testament to Turkestan’s enduring significance. Dive deeper into local culture with a visit to the Karavansaray tourist complex, where immersive 8D experiences, a mythical theater journey, and gondola rides bring Kazakhstan’s heritage to life. End the day with a mesmerizing boat parade inspired by the legend of Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen.
On the second day, delve further into Turkestan’s treasures. Discover historic gates, ancient mosques, mausoleums, and archeological sites, each narrating a chapter of Central Asia’s rich history. From the architectural brilliance of the Hazrat Sultan complex to the ancient settlement of Kultobe, every corner of Turkestan offers a unique story.
With seamless travel arrangements and insightful guides, this tour is your gateway to the vibrant heritage of Turkestan. Book your spot and let the history and magic of Kazakhstan unfold before you.
Your adventure begins early at 7:00 AM with a drive from Tashkent to the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border crossing, «Zhibek Zholy / Gysht Kuprik (Chernyaevka).» Covering a distance of 30 km in approximately 40 minutes, you will arrive at the border checkpoint. After completing customs and passport formalities on both sides, proceed to meet your guide and driver on the Kazakh side. They will be waiting to welcome you, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.
From the border, embark on a scenic drive to Shaulder village, about 240 km away, which takes roughly three hours. Upon arrival, explore the fascinating ruins of Otrar, a prominent city along the Great Silk Road that flourished between the 10th and 12th centuries. Despite its destruction centuries ago, the grandiose remains of Otrar still hold countless stories and mysteries. Highlights of your visit include seeing archaeological sites such as a medieval bathhouse, a mosque, residential quarters, and the fortified walls that once protected this bustling trade hub.
Following this, continue to the Arystan Baba Mausoleum, dedicated to the spiritual teacher and mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, an important figure in Sufi Islam.
The day continues with a drive to Turkestan, approximately 100 km away, taking about 1.5 hours. Upon reaching Turkestan, check in to your hotel and prepare for an unforgettable visit to the Karavansaray tourist complex. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this modern marvel, which celebrates Kazakhstan’s rich history and cultural heritage. Highlights include a captivating 8D cinema experience, «Altyn Samruk» (Golden Phoenix), where you embark on a breathtaking journey with the mythical Samruk bird, soaring through Kazakhstan’s iconic landmarks. You may also enjoy a gondola ride or witness the mesmerizing boat parade, «Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen,» a tribute to a legendary love story. End your day with dinner and a restful night at your hotel in Turkestan.
Duration of sightseeing: 8–9 hours
After a hearty breakfast, continue your tour with a comprehensive exploration of the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum Complex. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture and remains a significant spiritual destination in Central Asia. Begin by touring the impressive gallery of stone statues and visiting the archaeological museum, which offers insights into the region’s rich past.
The complex includes several historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Hazrat Sultan historical reserve, the Darvaza gates (dating from the 18th–19th centuries), and the mausoleums of Esim Khan (16th century) and Rabiga Sultan Begim (15th century). Other highlights include the Akhmed Yassawi khanaka-mausoleum (12th–14th centuries), the Juma Mosque (built in 1878), and the underground mosque, Khilovat (12th–15th centuries).
Explore the well-preserved oriental baths (16th–18th centuries), the Chillyakhana (14th century), and the Big Khilvet, a 12th-century structure known for its unique design. Additionally, you will visit the archaeological remains of Kultobe, an ancient settlement dating back to the 14th century, and Khilvet Aulie-Kumchik-ata, a 12th-century sacred site.
After an enlightening morning, enjoy lunch and bid farewell to Turkestan. Begin your journey back to the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border crossing (285 km, approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, complete border formalities, and meet your driver on the Uzbek side, who will transfer you to your hotel in Tashkent.
End of the 2-day tour program.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $800 | $500 | $400 | $360 | $330 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $870 | $530 | $490 | $430 | $400 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room)
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board
I recently took the 2-day Turkestan tour organized by Shahina Travel, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we crossed the border into Kazakhstan, everything was well-planned and seamless. Exploring the ancient ruins of Otrar felt like stepping back in time, and the historical insights provided by our guide were fascinating. The highlight was undoubtedly the magnificent Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum. Its intricate architecture and spiritual significance left a deep impression on me.
Karavansaray was another delight—a perfect blend of culture and entertainment. The 8D cinema experience and gondola ride were unique touches that added magic to the trip. I appreciated the balance between historical exploration and modern attractions.
Shahina Travel’s attention to detail, comfortable transportation, and knowledgeable guides made the journey stress-free and enriching. I highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking to discover Central Asia’s hidden treasures. Thank you, Shahina Travel, for a memorable adventure!