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Offered languages
- English
- English
- English
This tour is led by a local host from Turkistan who has been welcoming international travelers through his hostel and organizing cultural tours since 2025. Before entering the tourism industry, he spent more than 10 years working in the banking sector, developing strong customer service and organizational skills.
What makes this experience special is the opportunity to explore Otrar, Arystan Bab, and Sauran with someone who lives in the region and enjoys sharing its history, culture, and local traditions. Rather than following a rigid schedule, guests can enjoy a more personal and flexible experience, ask questions, and learn about everyday life in Southern Kazakhstan.
This tour is ideal for travelers looking for an authentic introduction to the heritage of the Silk Road and the Turkistan region.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Guests will meet the guide at Yassi HOSTEL in Turkistan. The guide will contact travelers via WhatsApp before the tour. The guide will be waiting at the entrance of the hostel and will hold a sign with the lead traveler's name if requested.
Itinerary
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1
Explore the ruins of ancient Otrar, one of the most important cities of the Great Silk Road and the birthplace of the famous philosopher Al-Farabi. Walk through the archaeological remains of this once-thriving trading center, learn about its rich history, and discover how it played a key role in connecting East and West. Visitors will see the remains of ancient walls, streets, and buildings while hearing stories about the city's prosperity, its cultural significance, and its destruction during the Mongol invasion. This stop offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Kazakhstan's most important historical sites.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
2
Visit the Arystan Bab Mausoleum, one of the most important spiritual and pilgrimage sites in Kazakhstan. According to local tradition, Arystan Bab was the teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. During this stop, visitors will learn about the history of the mausoleum, its religious significance, and the traditions associated with this sacred place. Guests can admire the architecture, explore the peaceful surroundings, and gain insight into the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Turkistan region.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
Discover the ancient city of Sauran, one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Kazakhstan and an important center along the Great Silk Road. Visitors can walk alongside the impressive fortress walls, explore the vast archaeological site, and learn about the city's unique history, advanced water supply system, and strategic importance in Central Asia. The open landscape surrounding Sauran offers excellent opportunities for photography while providing a glimpse into the region's rich past.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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