Otrar And Turkestan - historical sites of Central Asia

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Otrar and Turkestan whole day tour takes place in several oldest historical sites of Central Asia. City Otrar is the birth place of medieval philosopher and scientist Al-Farabi, and Turkestan is the burial place of the poet and preacher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. His mausoleum is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, which has become one of the main worship places of Muslims.

Furthermore, in 2003 UNESCO included Mausoleum of Khodja Ahmed Yasawi to the list of the World cultural Heritage.

During this day tour you will find out why the mausoleum was included in the UNESCO list, dive into the atmosphere of medieval city which used to be the capital of Kazakhstan. And did you know that in old European maps of 18-19th century current territory of Kazakhstan was identified with Turkestan?

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is smart casual

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Shymkent – Otrar – Turkestan Arrival in Shymkent by plane or train in the morning Meeting with the guide and transfer to ancient commercial oasis Otrar also known as Farab (1BC-15AD) During the excursion at Otrar tourists will find excavations on the site of an ancient city that helped researchers to learn a lot about the infrastructure of the city. Tourists will be able to see that Otrar had a clear layout of the streets, quarters, which could be accessed through three fortress gates, equipped with throw-over bridges across the moat. Excursion at Shaulder museum where gathered most of Otrar’s excavational findings; on the way to museum visit Arystan Bab mausoleum. After visiting Arystan-Bab mausoleum we will depart to Turkestan city (95 km). Turkestan visit starts with the main sightseeing of the city, the most well-known in Kazakhstan UNESCO world heritage – The complex of Hodja Ahmed Yassawi (14th century). This complex includes mausoleum, citadel, the ancient bath complex, the fortress wall, Juma mosque. The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is an unsurpassed masterpiece of medieval architecture. This is an amazing complex of palaces and temples from 30 different rooms and halls. After excursion in Turkestan city, transfer back to Shymkent city