Discover Southern Kazakhstan

Southern Kazakhstan offers a variety of travel-planning highlights: monumental architecture, medieval settlements, and landscapes along the western Tian Shan. If you are looking for a hotel, identifying your main interests can make it easier to decide where to start. Are you primarily interested in historic sites and religious traditions, or would you rather focus more on nature and activities? The examples below offer different perspectives on the region.

Mausoleums and architectural history

The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan was built between 1389 and 1405. Its construction period provides a specific historical point of reference for anyone interested in the region’s architecture and history.

The present-day Mausoleum of Arystan Bab was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. According to a related legend, a pilgrimage to study with Yasawi begins with a visit to Arystan Bab. As a tradition passed down through generations, it tells of a religious connection between the two figures; it should be understood as a legend, not as a statement about current visiting conditions.

The Orthodox church in the village of Kaskasu offers a different perspective on architectural history. Dating from the late 19th century, it was built of fired bricks on a rubble-stone foundation. This construction method clearly distinguishes the church from the mausoleums and offers another architectural focus for your travel plans.

Otrar and Sauran: different sides of history

Before the Mongol invasion, Otrar was one of the largest cities in Central Asia and an important hub on the Great Silk Road. Its historical significance can therefore be understood especially in terms of its role as a city and trading center. Sauran tells a different story: the medieval settlement in the Turkistan Region existed from the 6th to the 14th century and was particularly well fortified, with high circular walls and towers. Otrar is associated primarily with its former urban importance and the Silk Road, while Sauran is known for its fortifications.

The Turkistan Region offers numerous ancient cities and ruins where you can explore the history of the Great Silk Road. If you are initially guided by historical interests when looking for a hotel, these different highlights can help you decide, rather than grouping all the sites under a single heading.

Nature and activities in the Tian Shan

Aksu-Zhabagly is Central Asia’s oldest state nature reserve. It was established in 1926 on the slopes of the western Tian Shan. The protected area is part of a transboundary complex that was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage listing as the Western Tian Shan. Alongside historical heritage, this brings a natural landscape with its own history of protection and nomination into focus.

Mountain trekking and hiking are popular activities in the Turkistan Region; the western Tian Shan also offers opportunities for mountaineering. These activities provide a different travel focus from visiting historic settlements. If you are planning specific activities, check current route conditions in advance.

Getting there and finding a hotel

The city of Turkestan is served by Hazret Sultan International Airport. As flight connections can change, check which options match your travel dates before making your travel plans.

First consider which themes matter to you during your stay, then compare the specific hotel offers against your requirements. This way, you can tailor your search to your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Sayram District, Amangeldy, Kenesaryk, Birgulyuk, Kentau, Kokterek, Vtoraya Pyatiletka, Saryagash

For the broader travel overview: Kazakhstan.