One of the main reasons people travel to this part of Southern Kazakhstan is to visit the ancient Silk Road city of Turkestan, which was proclaimed a spiritual capital of the Turkic world in 2021. The city's history stretches back long before the Timurid period, but its most famous landmark, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, was built under Timur in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. With its turquoise domes and monumental Islamic architecture, parts of the old city reminded me of a smaller, more concentrated version of Uzbekistan.
Within this guide, I will provide you with a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Turkestan and all the information you need to visit Turkestan on a day trip from Shymkent. Without further ado, here is a complete guide to Turkestan. Let's get packing!
Turkestan Best Places to Visit Map
Quick Summary
| ๐ค๏ธ Best time: | Spring and autumn |
| ๐ Get around: | Walk, YandexGo |
| ๐๏ธ Ticket: | 5,000 KZT for most non-CIS foreign visitors |
| ๐ Time to spend: | 3+ hours |
5 Best Places to Visit in Turkestan
1. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
- ๐ Location: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: 8 AM - 6:30 PM (autumn schedule from September 1, 2026)
- ๐ฐ Entry Fees: 5,000 KZT for most non-CIS foreign visitors; 2,000 KZT for CIS foreign visitors; 1,000 KZT for Kazakh adults
One of the highlights of visiting Turkestan is witnessing the incredible beauty of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Muslims as well as the most famous landmarks in the city.
The mausoleum is dedicated to the renowned 12th-century Sufi poet and teacher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. He lived roughly two centuries before the Timurid Empire; the monumental mausoleum you see today was later commissioned by Timur to replace an earlier, smaller 12th-century structure over Yasawi's burial place.
The construction of the mausoleum began in the late 14th century but remained unfinished. Despite its incomplete state, the mausoleum showcases remarkable architectural and artistic features. It exemplifies the Timurid architectural style and is known for its majestic dome and intricate tilework.
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The mausoleum features a massive, turquoise-colored dome that dominates the structure. It is one of the largest domes in Central Asia, with a diameter of approximately 18 meters (59 feet).
The facades of the mausoleum are also covered with exquisite mosaic tilework arranged in geometric patterns, often forming star-shaped motifs and interlaced designs that are predominantly blue and turquoise in color, which showcase the unique characteristics of the architecture often found in this part of the ancient Silk Road.
The interior of the mausoleum is also as massive in scale as it is from the outside with a large main hall with an incredibly high domed ceiling connecting with several rooms holding small exhibitions you can check out.
Although I think the interior could use a little bit more paint, it is definitely worth checking out. As of June 10, 2026, the official ticket covering the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum area, Yasawi Museum, and Rare Exhibits Hall costs 5,000 KZT for visitors from non-CIS foreign countries, 2,000 KZT for CIS foreign visitors, and 1,000 KZT for Kazakh adults. From September 1, 2026, the mausoleum and museums on the mausoleum grounds operate from 8 AM to 6:30 PM; seasonal hours can change, so check the reserve's current schedule if you visit at another time of year.
Be sure to walk around the entire structure so you can admire the incredible details of the mosaic tilework that covers the entire structure. It is quite a sight to behold.
2. The Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum
- ๐ Location: Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum [Map Link]
Located right next to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi you will also find another impressive structure called the Mausoleum of Rabia Sultan Begum, which is a much smaller mausoleum but still very impressive to see.
With its incredible mosaic tilework on its domed roof and the much smaller scale of the structure, you should be able to appreciate just how incredibly symmetrical and detailed these Islamic patterns are. Be sure to drop by here once you are done with the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
3. The Underground Mosque
- ๐ Location: The Underground Mosque [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: Seasonal; the reserve listed 8 AM - 7 PM from March 22, 2026
- ๐ฐ Entry Fees: 500 KZT (~1 USD)
The Underground Mosque is another cool tourist attraction you should check out in Turkestan. Located not too far from the 2 mausoleums I mentioned earlier, the mosque is known for its unique architectural design, as it is built partially underground which is rather rare to see.
The entrance to the mosque is through a stairway or a sloping path that leads down into the underground space. Once you are inside, you will find yourself in a large prayer hall with high ceilings and columns.
It is adorned with beautiful decorative elements, including intricate tilework, calligraphy, and geometric designs. The subdued lighting inside is quite serene and rather interesting to walk around in.
Inside, you will also find several artifacts on display as well as a small exhibition dedicated to the preservation of the excavated artifacts found here as well as a painting depicting what life was like down here. Very interesting to walk around in.
To enter the mosque, you will have to pay another 500 KZT for the entrance which will also give you access to the Ancient Baths adjacent to the underground mosque. The mosque is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day.
4. Masjid Khoja Ahmad Yassavi
- ๐ Location: Masjid Khoja Ahmad Yassavi [Map Link]
Another great place to visit while you are in Turkestan is Masjid Khoja Ahmad Yassavi, a beautiful mosque that blends the Timurid architectural style, characterized by the intricate tilework, and decorative elements, with modern design features like its massive proportion, creating a really unique piece of architecture that stands out from the rest of the structures here.
The mosque is dominated by a large, turquoise-colored dome, similar to the nearby Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. It is supported by 2 majestic minarets and a unique stacking building block feature around its corners which is something you don't see every day. It's definitely worth a visit while you are in Turkestan.
5. Karavan Saray
- ๐ Location: Karavan Saray [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: Hours vary by shop, restaurant, and attraction; check the current schedule
Contrary to the other ancient structures in Turkestan, Karavan Saray is a massive newly built shopping complex that combines the traditional Timurid architectural style with the futuristic architectural style you often see in cities like Dubai.
And the result is rather interesting to see with a vast open space area surrounded by all sorts of cool-looking architecture like the unique Samruk Flying Theater that is reminiscent of a golden egg in a bird's nest, as well as large sandstone-colored buildings and an arcade full of cafes and restaurants you can indulge yourself in.
They also have air-conditioned areas which is perfect for those who are looking to escape the blazing heat of Turkestan since there is not a whole lot of shade around the mausoleum. Trust me, it will only take you a few minutes of walking around Turkestan to realize just how hot it actually is here.
If you are done with the mausoleums and are looking for a place to take it slow and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and lunch, be sure to drop by and check out Karavan Saray. It is a large mixed-use complex with shops, restaurants, hotels, and attractions, so individual venues and shows can follow different schedules; check the current program rather than relying on the old blanket 10 AM-to-10 PM hours.
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Where to Stay in Shymkent?
For the sights covered in this guide, Turkestan still works very well as a day trip from Shymkent. The city has developed considerably around the mausoleum and Karavan Saray, so staying overnight can make sense if you want a slower visit or want to see the evening entertainment, but for this itinerary I would still base myself in Shymkent. Here are some recommended accommodations there:
When to Visit Turkestan?
The best time to visit Turkestan is from April to May and September to October, when daytime temperatures are generally more comfortable for exploring the mostly exposed historic area on foot.
Between June and August is also not a bad time to visit but due to the desert-like climate around Turkestan, it can get quite hot at times and there isn't a whole lot of shade around the city to shield you from it.
I was there in June and it was pretty hot outside but not unbearable, so if you happen to be in Kazakhstan during this period, you will be fine, but if you can choose, you will be a bit more comfortable if you go with the shoulder seasons I recommended instead.
How to Get from Shymkent to Turkestan?
Getting from Shymkent to Turkestan independently as a day trip is straightforward. Take a taxi or local transport to Samal Bus Station on Ryskulov Street. Samal currently lists frequent scheduled services to Turkestan, so you no longer need to rely only on finding an informal shared taxi or waiting for a marshrutka to fill.
For an air-con marshrutka, it will cost you around 1500 KZT and you will usually have to wait around 30 minutes for the car to fill up before it leaves. From then, it will take about 1.5 hours to get to Turkestan one way. Make sure you tell the driver to drop you off at the mausoleum before you get on the marshrutka. Just say "mausoleum" (ะผะฐะฒะทะพะปะตะน) and show them the picture and they should understand what you mean.
Once you are done in Turkestan, to get back from Turkestan to Shymkent, you can catch a taxi via YandexGo again to get to Merey Bus Station where you can then ask people there to direct you to cars going to Shymkent (ะจัะผะบะตะฝั). It should cost you no more than 1200 KZT and takes about 1.5 hours to get back to Shymkent. Easy peasy! Total travel time is 3 hours both ways and costs less than 3000 KZT for the whole journey.
How to Get to Shymkent?
Since Shymkent is a big travel hub in this part of Kazakhstan, there are several ways you can get there from other big cities like Astana and Almaty.
From Astana and Almaty, there are several overnight trains you can take that will get you to Shymkent in 10 - 16 hours depending on the speed of the train.
When I traveled this route, the train was 15,475 KZT for a first-class berth with a toilet built-in, although price may likely have risen by then. You can also get the second or third-class berths for cheaper prices. You can find the train schedule and book the ticket online from Tickets.kz.
You can also fly to Shymkent from Astana or Almaty, with domestic airlines serving both routes. Flight times are roughly 1โ2 hours, but fares change significantly by date and how early you book, so I would compare the current options rather than relying on the old fixed prices in this guide. You can find cheap flights to Shymkent here.
How to Get Around Turkestan?
Once you arrive in Turkestan, make sure you tell your driver to drop you off at the mausoleum so that you can start exploring the area immediately. Otherwise, the marshrutka will drop you off at Merey Bus Station which is 4 km away and you will have to take a taxi to the mausoleum.
If you are dropped at the mausoleum, you can get around the entire area on foot without problems. If you wish to go anywhere in Turkestan, you can easily hail a taxi using the YandexGo app. It is very affordable, and convenient, and you can pay with credit cards through the app.
How Long to Spend in Turkestan?
To see all the tourist attractions in Turkestan, it should take you from 3 to 5 hours depending on how long you want to stay at each place and how fast you walk in the blazing sun.
You do not need to stay overnight to follow this itinerary: the mausoleum complex, nearby monuments, and Karavan Saray are concentrated enough to cover on a day trip. That said, Turkestan now has more restaurants, hotels, museums, and evening entertainment than when I first framed this guide, so an overnight stay can be worthwhile if you want a slower visit.
Instead of staying overnight in Turkestan, I recommend you stay in Shymkent and visit Turkestan on a day trip. Since Shymkent is a larger travel hub than Turkestan, you will find it much easier to get there from other big cities like Astana and Almaty.
Turkestan Entrance Tickets and Opening Hours?
Ticket prices changed significantly in 2026. From June 10, the Azret Sultan museum-reserve set admission to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum area, Yasawi Museum, and Rare Exhibits Hall at 5,000 KZT for visitors from non-CIS foreign countries, 2,000 KZT for CIS foreign visitors, and 1,000 KZT for Kazakh adults.
Opening hours are seasonal. From September 1, 2026, the reserve announced 8 AM to 6:30 PM for the mausoleum and museums on the mausoleum grounds. Earlier in the spring season, the Underground Mosque and Eastern Bath were listed from 8 AM to 7 PM. Check the current Azret Sultan schedule before your visit, especially if you are traveling outside the main season.
For visitors from outside the CIS, I would currently budget at least 5,000 KZT for the main museum-reserve admission, plus anything you choose to pay for separately at Karavan Saray or elsewhere in the city.
How Much Does it Cost to visit Turkestan as a Day Trip from Shymkent?
For a 2026 day trip, I would budget at least 9,000โ10,000 KZT before food and optional attractions if you are a non-CIS foreign visitor: around 3,000 KZT for the scheduled ShymkentโTurkestan round trip, 5,000 KZT for the main Azret Sultan museum-reserve ticket, plus local taxi/transit costs. Add extra for meals and any paid entertainment at Karavan Saray.
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