Shymkent (Chimkent)

Shymkent — also spelt Chimkent (the Soviet-era form still on older maps and tickets), Shimkent, or Tschimkent in German — is Kazakhstan's third-largest city and the best base in the south of the country. Over 2,200 years of history sit under it: it began as a caravanserai on the Silk Road between Samarkand and Taraz, and today it pairs millennia-old bazaars with tree-lined boulevards, a rebuilt ancient citadel and easy access to Turkestan.

Unlike the Soviet-influenced northern cities, Shymkent retains a distinctly Central Asian atmosphere. The city's name, meaning "green city," reflects its abundance of parks and gardens, while the Uzbek border, little more than an hour's drive away, gives it a strong Uzbek flavour in food, markets and language. Since 2018 Shymkent has been a city of republican significance, administered separately from the surrounding Turkestan Region (whose capital moved to Turkestan), and it remains the natural base for exploring southern Kazakhstan's historical sites.

Shymkent city at a glance

Shymkent lies in the far south of Kazakhstan at about 506m, in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan, roughly 690km west of Almaty by road and 120km north of Tashkent. With over a million people it is the country's third-largest city after Almaty and Astana, and it feels it: busy, young, warm for most of the year and noticeably more southern and traditional than the north. Most visitors come for a day or two on the way to or from Turkestan, Taraz or Uzbekistan.

Things to Do in Shymkent

Shymkent is a city you walk rather than tick off. A first-time visit needs about two days: one for the historic core and Independence Park, one for the bazaars and a half-day trip out to Sayram. If you only have an afternoon, do Independence Park and the Upper Bazaar, in that order, and eat late.

• Half a day: Independence Park → Arbat pedestrian street → dinner on the Arbat
• One day: add the Upper Bazaar in the morning and the Regional History Museum after lunch
• Two days: add ancient Sayram (10km) or a full-day run to Turkestan and the Yasawi Mausoleum
• With children: Ken Baba Park and the Dendropark, best in the cool of the evening

Ancient Shymkent and the Citadel

The reconstructed citadel mound on the edge of the old town is where the city actually started. Excavations have traced occupation back to the first centuries BCE, when the site guarded the road between Sayram and the Syr Darya valley. The mound was levelled and rebuilt several times — most destructively during the Russian assault of 1864 — and what stands today is a modern restoration over the original earthworks, with the old-town street grid, a small museum and the best free view over central Shymkent. Go in the last hour of daylight, when the brickwork turns orange and the park below fills up.

Top Attractions

Ordabasy Square

The formal heart of the city, named after the 1726 gathering at Ordabasy, not far from Shymkent, where the three Kazakh zhuzes agreed to unite against the Dzungar invasions. The central monument and its fountains are lit after dark, and the square is the natural start or end point for an evening walk along the Arbat.

Markets & Shopping

Getting There

By Air

Shymkent International Airport (CIT) receives direct flights from:

• Domestic: Almaty (1.5 hours, 6 daily), Astana (2 hours, 4 daily), Aktau, Atyrau
• International: Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, Tashkent, Bishkek
• Airport transfer: Bus #2 (200 KZT), taxi (2,000-3,000 KZT to center)

By Train

Shymkent Railway Station connects to:

• Almaty: 12-14 hours overnight (from 4,500 KZT platzkart)
• Astana: 16-18 hours (from 6,000 KZT)
• Turkestan: about 2.5–3.5 hours (roughly 3,000–4,000 KZT)
• Tashkent: 4 hours (requires visa for Uzbekistan)

By Bus/Marshrutka

• Turkestan: about 2 hours from Samal bus station (roughly 1,500–1,700 KZT, leaves when full)
• Taraz: 3 hours (2,000 KZT)
• Almaty: 10-12 hours (3,500 KZT)
• Tashkent: 2 hours (border crossing at Zhibek Zholy)

Getting Around

• City buses: Extensive network, 90-150 KZT per ride, pay conductor on board
• Marshrutkas: Faster than buses, 100-200 KZT, hail anywhere along route
• Taxi apps: Yandex Go, inDrive (500-1,500 KZT for most city trips)
• Walking: City center is compact and walkable, but summer heat can be intense

Where to Stay

Upscale

• Rixos Khadisha Shymkent: 5-star luxury, rooftop pool, spa (from $120)
• Ramada by Wyndham: International standard, central location (from $80)

Mid-Range

• Megapolis Hotel: Modern, near Independence Park (from $50)
• Tourist Hotel: Renovated Soviet-era, good value (from $40)

Budget

• Altair Hotel: Clean, basic, central (from $25)
• Hostel Shymkent: Dorms and private rooms (from $10)

Where to Eat

Traditional

• Alasha: Upscale Kazakh cuisine in yurt-styled rooms
• Kok Saray: Traditional dishes, live music evenings
• Upper Bazaar food court: Authentic local food, very cheap

For what to order and how meals work, see our guide to Kazakh food.

Regional Specialties

• Shymkent tandir samsa: Clay oven-baked meat pastries
• Nokot: Chickpea snacks unique to the region
• Uzbek influence: Exceptional plov and manti due to proximity to Uzbekistan

International

• Pinta Pub: Czech brewery, European food
• Coffeeshop Company: Austrian coffee chain, reliable WiFi

Day Trips from Shymkent

Practical Tips

• Climate: Continental extremes - very hot summers (up to 45°C) and cold winters (-15°C)
• Best time: April-May and September-October for comfortable weather
• Language: More Kazakh-speaking than northern cities; Russian widely understood
• Money: ATMs common in center; many places still cash-only
• Safety: Generally safe, but use registered taxis at night
• Cultural note: More conservative than Almaty; dress modestly at religious sites
• Border proximity: Great base for visiting Uzbekistan (Tashkent 120km, Samarkand 370km); check the visa rules for your nationality first

Quick Facts

• Other spellings: Chimkent (Russian/Soviet era), Shimkent, Tschimkent (German), Çimkent (Turkish)
• Time zone: UTC+5, like the rest of Kazakhstan since March 2024
• Area code: +7 7252
• Sister cities: Izmir (Turkey), Stevenage (UK)
• Economy: Lead smelting, oil refining, pharmaceuticals, food processing
• Universities: South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent University

Shymkent: Questions Travellers Ask

Is Shymkent the same as Chimkent?

Yes. Shymkent is the Kazakh-based spelling now used officially; Chimkent is the Russian and Soviet-era form still seen on older maps and tickets. You will also meet Shimkent, and Tschimkent in German. They all mean the same city.

Where is Shymkent?

Shymkent is in the far south of Kazakhstan, about 120km north of Tashkent in Uzbekistan and roughly 690km west of Almaty by road. It is Kazakhstan's third-largest city, with over a million people.

What are the best things to do in Shymkent?

Walk Independence Park, the Arbat and Ordabasy Square in the evening, browse the Upper Bazaar in the morning, climb the restored citadel for the view, and take a half-day trip to ancient Sayram. With a second day, go to Turkestan for the Yasawi Mausoleum.

How many days do you need in Shymkent?

Two days covers the city and a half-day trip to Sayram. Add a day for Turkestan, and another if you want Otrar and the Arystan Bab mausoleum or the Aksu-Zhabagly reserve.

How far is Turkestan from Shymkent?

About 160km, or roughly two hours by road. Marshrutkas leave Samal bus station when full, shared cars can be booked on Yandex Go, and trains take around two and a half to three and a half hours, so Turkestan works as a day trip from Shymkent.

Is Shymkent worth visiting?

Yes, as a base for the south. It has lively bazaars, parks and the Ordabasy Square area, and it is the easiest starting point for the Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkestan and for Sayram. Two days covers the city and one day trip. Most visitors come for the food, the markets and the warmer weather.