3 Months in Central Asia: Let’s start the journey in Shymkent
Shymkent is our first destination for our three-months journey through Central Asia. We introducing for you the sunshine city of Kazakhstan.
Hello everyone! You might have noticed our recent silence. Well, that’s because we’ve been on an incredible three-month adventure through Central Asia! After spending just a few weeks here and there in the past, we decided to take a longer vacation to fully explore the pearls of this fascinating region. Our journey was meticulously planned from beginning of April till end of June.
Our adventure began at the end of March with our first destination: Shymkent. Known as the “sunshine city”, Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan and has an international airport, making it an ideal starting point. Without hesitation, we booked our plane tickets with Pegasus Airlines and were soon on our way to Central Asia.
Located in southern Kazakhstan, specifically in the Turkestan region, Shymkent experiences scorching summers with temperatures soaring between 40°C and 50°C. By May and June, the fields around the city turn a shimmering golden. But we wanted to see southern Kazakhstan in another – a different light. We wanted to see the lush green landscapes that early spring brings. And it is less known: The region around Shymkent is the birthplace of the tulips. So we wanted to see the wild colorful tulips blossoming in the green steppe. This is basically the reason why we chose to visit Shymkent at the end of March as our first destination for our three-month trip through Central Asia.
Another advantage to go to Shymkent was the fact that Kazakhstan changed this year for the whole country its time zone from GMT +6 to GMT +5. This is a big plus for traveler coming from Europe because their Jet-lag will be less strong then it was in the past.
In the early morning, after a comfortable flight with Pegasus Airlines, we arrived in Shymkent, greeted by the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere of the Megapolis Hotel Shymkent. Conveniently situated close to the city center, the hotel is just a short walk away from the popular family and tourist destinations Ken-Baba and Central Park. These parks offer lush green spaces perfect for relaxation and leisure activities. Additionally, the surrounding area is bustling with various restaurants with Kazakh and Western cuisine and shopping malls, providing ample opportunities for dining and retail therapy. But museums such as the Retro Car Museum or the citadel are also just a few minutes’ walk away.
The Megapolis Hotel‘s modern architectural style adds to its charm, offering a comfortable and stylish retreat for travelers. Most of the bright rooms in light warm colors offering balconies or large windows to enjoy the view over the city and the nearby Tianshan mountains. The breakfast buffet is particularly noteworthy, featuring a diverse array of dishes that cater to all tastes and introduces the Kazakh cuisine to foreigners. Whether you’re looking to explore Shymkent’s vibrant city life or simply unwind, the hotel’s prime location and excellent amenities make it an ideal choice.
After a restful break and strengthened by the good varied breakfast, we ventured out to explore Shymkent and see what had changed. The city’s roads, parks, and pathways were adorned with a vibrant display of spring flowers. Shymkent is known for its seasonal floral arrangements, and in spring, colorful tulips in all its variations line the streets and parks, creating a picturesque scene and underlining that the birthplace of the tulips is not in the Netherlands – it is just outside of the city Shymkent. In addition to the scenery, the fresh green leaves sprouting on the trees contributed to a fresh, invigorating atmosphere.
As we walked, the familiar sounds of car engines and horns evoked a wave of nostalgia, reminding us of past visits and cherished memories. Yet, amid this sense of familiarity, we also felt the passage of time and the city’s ongoing transformation. Shymkent is steadily developing, evolving with each passing year, blending its rich history with modern progress.
So, each of our visit reveals new additions: another shopping mall, a new hotel or a fresh restaurant. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in popularity for traditional and national styles. This cultural renaissance is reflected in the interior designs of many hotels and restaurants, which now showcase Kazakh and Central Asian aesthetics, offering especially foreign visitors a rich, authentic experience.
And the city is not only expanding with new districts and apartments buildings but also its offerings of new leisure places, such as parks and museums, as well as better infrastructure to get from one place to another faster, more comfortable and easier. People today have now more choices than ever before, what is improving the overall city experience for both locals and tourists. We hope that Shymkent’s ongoing transformation continues to be positive and beneficial, further enriching this vibrant city.
Maybe the city itself may not shine like Almaty or Astana, the real beauty lies in its kind people, its history and its fabulous Kazakh cuisine – and Shymkent is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes like the Tianshan and Karatau mountains, offering unforgettable experiences for nature lovers. In the next few days we will take you with us and we will explore the area around Shymkent in a new way.
Stay tuned for more stories from our three-month journey through Central Asia. If you want to support us, follow us on social networks! The story will be continued.