Shymkent

Shymkent (Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh: Шымкент) is a city in the Kazakh Desert, and is the third largest city in Kazakhstan.

Travel to Shymkent

By plane

Shymkent International Airport (IATA Code: CIT) with Flights to other Kazakh destinations, China, Russia and Türkiye.

By bus

There are overnight buses from Almaty's Sayran bus station that leave at roughly half hour intervals from 18:00-21:00 everyday. The journey takes roughly 11 hr, 3,800 tenge (Aug 2022).

Overnight buses will arrive at the Samal bus station, 5 kilometers out from the downtown. From there, you can take buses from 80-95 tenge for a marshrutka to the center. Taxis to the center are also available for 600-800 tenge.

How to get around in Shymkent

You can take "gypsy cabs" for 600-800 tenge anywhere in the city.

Buses run to and from the center and all of the micro neighborhoods. They cost 140 tenge as of 2022 which for short distances is frustrating. Routes are marked at some bus stations and local residents know where most of them go.

"Marshrutkas" are mini-buses that run largely the same routes as the buses.

If you plan on walking remember that the neighborhoods are broken into "microryons" which look like city blocks on the map but are often four times the size.

What to see in Shymkent

• Abay Park - Memorials, tanks, ferris wheel, statue of Abai. Attached is the aquapark "Delfin" if you want some water park fun in the summer.

• Park Ken-Baba - Some miniatures of famous architecture, as well as a little pond and walking area with rides/swings. On primary street Tauke Xana, and Kazybek-Bi

• The big Tulip Fountain - On the junction of main street Tauke Xana and Mamashuli.

• New Memorial - Very impressive, at Ordabasy Plaza and the site of the founding of Shymkent. There is a massive monument recently built that you can get to by climbing up on a bridge past some nice fountains (equally if not more impressive at night). Also see the Philharmonia, a nice park area, and the new yurt-like museum they built recently, all in that area. Inexpensive shared taxis to Sairam also leave from this square.

• Hippodrome - If anything is going on (which is common: usually public holidays like Nauryz) and the Hippodrome is well worth a visit for horse games such as Kokpar..

Best things to do in Shymkent

• Mega Planet: most popular youth hangout place in town, a mall with indoor skating rink, movie theater, Asian-style chain grocery store and an upstairs food court. On Tauke-Khan avenue.
• Spartak - awesome outdoor swimming pool, soccer field and basketball court. Across from Mega on Tauke-Khan avenue.
• Movies: playing (mostly Western movies dubbed in Russian) on the top floor of Mega Center.
• Babylon: arcade complex also on the top floor of Mega Center, complete with games and laser tag
• Watch football (soccer) at FC Ordabasy, who play in the Premier League and the top tier of Kazakh football. Their home ground is Kazhymukan Munaitpasov (or Hodzhy Mykana) Stadium, capacity 20,000, one kilometers north of Old Town.

Events

The Nauryz celebrations in Shymkent on 22 March are the among the largest in whole Kazakhstan. The events happen at the Ippodrom (Hippodrome) in the northern part of the city.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Shymkent

There are good souvenir shops in Park Ken Baba, on Tauke-Khan avenue. They sell stuffed camels, magnets, keychains, leather goods, plates and figurines.

Markets

• Ayna Bazaar: good for buying food and random stuff (some clothes, Chinese electronics, burned CDs with Kazakh music, etc.). In a microregion a bit outside of town, but public transport regularly goes there.
• Koktem Bazaar: good for fresh produce and fruit.

Halal Restaurants in Shymkent

• Kok-saray - Uzbek restaurant on Ilyaev Street and Momyshuli Steet.

• Caravan - Excellent Uyghur lagman (get the Busso lagman, fried with Meat and peppers), inside of park Ken-Baba.

• Madlen - Asian-style sandwiches, pastries, salads and shakes. Two locations: Ilyaev Street, or the bigger Madlen next to Shymkent Hotel on Tauke-Khan avenue. Very popular Shymkent hangout with local residents.

• Mozzarella - Expensive Italian food with free Wi-Fi, on Ilyaev Street and Dulati Street.

• El Doro - Excellent and reasonably-priced Pizzas. Try the Vegetarian with goat Cheese. Has good juices and reasonably priced soft drinks.

• Dinara cafe - Pick up a good shashlik (grilled Meat kebab) and mug of Shymkentskoe a "typical Shymkent" meal. Right across the street from Mega Center mall on Tauke Xana.

• Doner - Best Turkish "doner kebab" is a lavash flat pita bread filled with Meat, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, mayo and a ketchupy sauce. The best doner y- Halal Kebab in Shymkent is a stand with a few outdoor tables/chairs located south of the center on Turkestanskaya Street and Konayev Avenue.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Shymkent

Shymkent - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Shymkent, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Shymkent. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Shymkent and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Shymkent. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Shymkent. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inShymkent: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Shymkent.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Shymkent: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Shymkent, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Shymkent.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Shymkent, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Shymkent, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Shymkent and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Shymkent, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Shymkent, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Shymkent without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Shymkent is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Shymkent.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Shymkent is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Shymkent, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Shymkent Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Shymkent

eHalal Group Shymkent is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Shymkent. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Shymkent.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Shymkent ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Shymkent. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Shymkent, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Shymkent are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Nurotau - The rooms are better than the hotel looks from the outside. Single rooms 6000 tenge, doubles 7000-9000 tenge, triple 13000 tenge. Wi-Fi is available.

• Hotel Ordabasy - This mid-range hotel is in Ordabasy plaza, in front of the large MiG monument. As of May 2022, a double-room goes for 13,400 tenge with a private bath, satellite TV, and balcony (if facing the street). No late check-out is available.

• Rented apartments are available. Don't pay more than 4,000 tenge for a normal room or 8,000 tenge for "elite" (newly remodeled room) in a rented apartment. No meals included, so-so conditions for the most part, but affordable. There are apartments on the primary street (Tauke Xana/Respublika) close to the bus stop Ogonyok. The apartment rental is done out of a rainbow-colored cafe right on the street.
• Other hotel options include Hotel Shymkent, and Clara Sapar (better option for business/diplomat guests). Rooms are over US$100 night.
• SymArt Guest house. Near victory park. 5,500 tenge per day. Run by a guy called Vladimir.

Telecommunications in Shymkent

+7-7252 is the area code for Shymkent.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Shymkent

• Turkestan — the most famous Muslim site in Kazakhstan, with a beautiful mausoleum and brand new historical museum. Definitely a must-see if you're in the south for a few days.
• Sairam mausoleums — you can take a taxi from Ordabasy Plaza to Sairam for 200-300 tenge. Stop to see the "SHYMKENT" Hollywood sign on your way!
• Sauran ancient city ruins — you can book a private taxi from Shymkent, or take a taxi from Turkestan if you're already there.
• Tashkent - go to the junction of Republic avenue and Gagarin street. There are mashruka and taxi waiting for passengers. A shared taxi to the border is about 1,400 tenge.
• Just south of the junction of Gagarin and Respublika, on the western side opposite the bus stop and there's a shopping gallery and at the back it opens on a parking lot for mashrukas GPS 42.3050,69.5744. Be warned they drive extremely fast. The mashruka goes to the main Avtobeketi (АвтоБекетi) in Saryagash. A few hundred meters to the Southwest on Ulitsa Mayly-Kozha is another Avtobeketi where you can find a taxi for the last 5 kilometers to the Saryagash border checkpoint for 100 to 200  tenge.

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