Southern Kazakhstan · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Southern Kazakhstan: A Journey Through Time and Nature

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Southern Kazakhstan is a region where history and nature come together in a unique blend. The area boasts ancient cities, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. The region's history dates back to ancient times, with many historical sites to explore. The city of Turkestan is home to the famous Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. In addition to its historical allure, Southern Kazakhstan offers breathtaking natural beauty. The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia and provides a haven for wildlife and plant species. It is an excellent spot for hiking, bird-watching, and immersing oneself in nature's tranquility. The region's diverse landscapes, from vast steppes to mountain ranges, offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Southern Kazakhstan is also a melting pot of cultures, with a variety of ethnic groups living in harmony. This cultural diversity is reflected in the region's cuisine, traditional music, and festivals. Visitors can enjoy delicious local dishes and experience the warm hospitality of the Kazakh people. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or culture, Southern Kazakhstan has something to offer for every traveler.

Shymkent

Abay Park

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Aisha Bibi

Aisha Bibi Mausoleum

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Shymkent

Ethnic Park Ken Baba

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Sairamsu

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Aktogay

Black Canyon

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Shymkent

South Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Almaty

Giant Oak at the Square of Independence

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Pentagram

Kazakistan,Kasachstan

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

Almaty

Index Sign Указательный знак

Explore Southern Kazakhstan: A land where ancient history meets natural beauty, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes.

When is the best time to go to Southern Kazakhstan?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJul–Aug
Longest daylightMay–Aug
Driest periodJan–Feb, Jul–Sep

Explore places in Southern Kazakhstan

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Southern Kazakhstan sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Shymbulak

    Experience adventure at Shymbulak, Kazakhstan's premier ski resort, where winter sports and summer activities meet stunning mountain scenery.

    Shymbulak

    Baiterek

    Explore Baiterek, Astana's iconic monument, where dreams and aspirations of Kazakhstan come to life with breathtaking views and cultural experiences.

    Baiterek

    Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

    Explore the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Turkistan, Kazakhstan's spiritual heart.

    Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

    Hazrat Sultan Mosque

    Experience the grandeur of Hazrat Sultan Mosque, a stunning symbol of Kazakhstan’s Islamic heritage and architectural brilliance in Astana.

    Hazrat Sultan Mosque

    National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Discover Kazakhstan's culture and heritage at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a must-visit attraction in Astana.

    National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Arystanbab Mausoleum

    Explore the Arystanbab Mausoleum, a sacred site in Bayaldyr, Kazakhstan, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich spiritual history.

    Arystanbab Mausoleum

    Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum

    Explore the Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum, where Kazakhstan's art and heritage come alive through diverse collections and inspiring exhibitions.

    Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum

    Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Explore the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where history, culture, and tradition come alive in the heart of Almaty.

    Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Independence Monument

    Discover the Independence Monument in Almaty - a stunning historical landmark symbolizing Kazakhstan's freedom and rich cultural heritage.

    Independence Monument

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Abay Park

    Discover the beauty of Abay Park in Shymkent, a vibrant urban oasis perfect for relaxation, recreation, and cultural exploration.

    Abay Park

    Ethnic Park Ken Baba

    Experience the excitement of Ethnic Park Ken Baba, Shymkent's family-friendly amusement center offering thrilling rides and local cuisine.

    Ethnic Park Ken Baba

    Aisha Bibi Mausoleum

    Discover the enchanting Aisha Bibi Mausoleum, a symbol of love and architectural beauty nestled in the heart of Kazakhstan's rich history.

    Aisha Bibi Mausoleum

    Sairamsu

    Explore the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Sairamsu National Park in South Kazakhstan, a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

    Sairamsu

    South Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore

    Explore the rich culture and history of Kazakhstan at the South Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore in Shymkent, a treasure trove of artifacts and stories.

    South Kazakhstan Regional Museum of History and Local Lore

    Black Canyon

    Explore the stunning Black Canyon in Kazakhstan - a natural wonder with breathtaking views, unique geology, and thrilling outdoor adventures.

    Black Canyon

    Giant Oak at the Square of Independence

    Explore the iconic Giant Oak at the Square of Independence in Almaty, a symbol of nature's beauty and resilience in the heart of the city.

    Giant Oak at the Square of Independence

    Kazakistan,Kasachstan

    Uncover the historical landmarks and vibrant culture of Kazakhstan, a unique destination that beautifully blends tradition and modernity.

    Kazakistan,Kasachstan

    Index Sign Указательный знак

    Discover the iconic Index Sign Указательныи знак in Almaty, a cultural landmark surrounded by breathtaking nature and vibrant local life.

    Index Sign Указательный знак

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    File:Central Downtown Astana 2.jpg - Wikipedia
    Destination guide

    More about Kazakhstan

    Explore Kazakhstan's rich culture, modern cities, and stunning natural landscapes. From the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains, find adventure and beauty in Central Asia.

    Tell me more about Kazakhstan
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    Explore Southern Kazakhstan in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Hazrat-e Turkestan, Kazakhstan.jpg  - Wikipedia
    File:Аксу-Жабаглинский заповедник1.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    Free Images : light, architecture, sky, bridge, skyline, night, city,  skyscraper, monument, cityscape, downtown, dusk, evening, reflection,  tower, plaza, landmark, lighting, outside, lights, buildings, obelisk,  reflections, kazakhstan, shymkent, human ...
    File:Река Угам выше лесхоза - panoramio.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Otyrar.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Turkestan May 2021.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    Planning another trip?

    Continue exploring nearby country regions around Southern Kazakhstan, from connected city edges to neighbouring counties, coastlines, and countryside escapes.

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