Turkistan Region

The historical and cultural core of southern Kazakhstan, home to the World Heritage Yasawi Mausoleum and Silk Road ruins such as Otrar.

Turkistan Region lies in southern Kazakhstan, bordering Uzbekistan, and its capital moved to the city of Turkistan in 2018. The region's most important sight is the World Heritage–listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. There are also Silk Road remains such as the ancient cities of Otrar and Sauran, as well as Aksu-Zhabagly, Central Asia's oldest nature reserve. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit, and summers are hot. You can arrive via Turkistan International Airport or via Shymkent.

Destinations

• Turkistan
• Aksu-Zhabagly
• Shymkent

Itineraries

• South Kazakhstan Silk Road Cities & Aksu Canyon – Visit Turkistan, Otrar, Sayram, and Shymkent, then explore the reserve in the western Tian Shan.
• Grand Kazakhstan Tour: Four Major Regions – Connect the Tian Shan, Silk Road cities, Caspian wilderness, and the capital with domestic flights to experience four d…