Explore the historic sites of Central Asia on a full-day tour of Otrar and Turkestan. Discover the birthplace of philosopher Al-Farabi and the burial place of poet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Experience the medieval architecture and learn why the mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shymkent – Otrar – Turkestan
Arrival in Shymkent by plane or train in the morning
Meet with the guide and transfer to the ancient commercial oasis of Otrar, also known as Farab (1BC-15AD).
During the excursion in Otrar, tourists will discover excavations at the site of an ancient city that have provided researchers with significant insights into the city’s infrastructure. Visitors will observe that Otrar had a well-defined layout of streets and quarters, accessible through three fortress gates equipped with drawbridges over the moat.
Tour the Shaulder museum, which houses most of Otrar’s excavational findings; en route to the museum, visit the Arystan Bab mausoleum.
After visiting the Arystan-Bab mausoleum, depart for Turkestan city (95 km).
The visit to Turkestan begins with the city’s main attraction, the most renowned UNESCO World Heritage site in Kazakhstan – the complex of Hodja Ahmed Yassawi (14th century). This complex includes a mausoleum, citadel, ancient bath complex, fortress wall, and Juma mosque. The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is an unparalleled masterpiece of medieval architecture, featuring an extraordinary complex of palaces and temples with 30 different rooms and halls.
After the excursion in Turkestan city, transfer back to Shymkent city.
Points of Interest
- TURAN ASIA
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
The full-day excursion to Otrar and Turkestan immerses you in some of the most ancient and historic sites in Central Asia. Otrar is recognized as the hometown of the illustrious medieval philosopher and scholar Al-Farabi, while Turkestan holds the gravesite of the revered poet and spiritual leader Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. His tomb is a crowning example of medieval architectural triumph and has become a pilgrimage hub for the Muslim community.
Moreover, in 2003, the Mausoleum of Khodja Ahmed Yasawi was honored with a place on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list.
Throughout this exploration, you will understand the reasons behind the mausoleum’s inclusion in the UNESCO catalog, experience the aura of a medieval metropolis that once served as the capital of Kazakhstan, and discover that in the 18th and 19th-century European cartography, the area presently known as Kazakhstan was referred to as Turkestan.
- Dress code is smart casual
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
