A one-day tour to the ancient city of Otrar and the citadel in Shymkent, starting and ending in Tashkent, offers a concise journey from Uzbekistan to southern Kazakhstan that will appeal to history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the era of the Silk Road.
Early in the morning, you will depart from Tashkent for the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border located near the city. From there, the route continues across the open steppe to the village of Shaulder, close to the ruins of a once-prosperous city abandoned after a devastating siege by the army of Genghis Khan. As you walk through the remains of Otrar, it is easy to imagine daily life in this former Silk Road centre. After the visit, you will travel on to Shymkent, the largest city in southern Kazakhstan, whose historic citadel stands at the heart of the modern city and marks its point of origin. Here, you can explore a local exhibition displaying artefacts from different periods, including household items, clothing, and weapons. In the evening, you will return to the border and continue back to Tashkent.
A tour to Otrar and the Shymkent Citadel is a practical choice for a short excursion if you have a free day in Tashkent or wish to learn more about the ancient cities and fortresses of Central Asia.
Tour itinerary:
Tashkent – Otrar – Shymkent – Tashkent (Uzbekistan/Kazakhstan)
At 08:00, depart for the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border crossing point Navoi – Kaplanbek. After completing border formalities at both checkpoints, meet your driver and guide on the Kazakh side and continue by road to Shaulder village (260 km, approx. 3 hours).
Near Shaulder, visit the ruins of Otrar (10th–12th centuries), located about 14 km from the village. Once a major centre of the Silk Road, Otrar is today preserved as an extensive archaeological site, offering a vivid insight into the region’s medieval past. During the visit, explore the remains of a medieval bathhouse, mosque ruins, residential quarters, and ancient fortification walls.
Afterwards, transfer to Shymkent (160 km, approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, visit the city’s historic core – the Citadel (10th–14th centuries), now presented as an open-air museum complex.
By 17:00, return to the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan border crossing Navoi – Kaplanbek (115 km, approx. 2 hours). After completing border formalities, meet your driver on the Uzbek side and transfer back to the hotel in Tashkent.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours
Price includes:
- Guided sightseeing tour;
- Entrance fees to museums and other sites listed in the program;
- Bottled water – 1 litre per person;
- All transfers as per itinerary: – Uzbekistan: 1–3 pax – sedan; 4–8 pax – van; 9–14 pax – 20-seat bus; Kazakhstan part all transfers - 1-2 pax by sedan type car; 3-7 pax by van type car; 8-13 pax by 20 seat bus.
Price doesn't include:
- Meals;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.
Prices, per person
Tour Enquiry
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
