natural wonder
Aksu Canyon
A 500m-deep gorge slicing through the Aksu-Zhabagly reserve, Central Asia's oldest, with tulip meadows on the rim in April and a steep path to the river.
53 km · about 60 min drive
Shymkent, Kazakhstan · Asia
Shymkent sits on the route: 25 minutes from Sayram, 53km from Aksu Canyon.
Shymkent is a major city located in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. With a population of 1,200,000, it is one of the largest urban centers in Asia.
On a road trip, Shymkent sits in Kazakhstan. It's in the Asia/Almaty time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Shymkent to your route.
Shymkent is a city in southern Kazakhstan, close to the border with Uzbekistan. Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan, and serves as a regional cultural and economic center. Administratively, it is one of three cities of republican significance in Kazakhstan, the others being Almaty and Astana.Read more
Geographically, Shymkent lies approximately 690 kilometres (430 mi) west of Almaty, 1,483 kilometres (921 mi) south of Astana, and 120 kilometres (75 mi) north of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Historically, Shymkent dates back to at least the twelfth century, although some archeological finds date back to over 2000 BCE, and it sat along the caravan route of the Silk Road, connecting Central Asia to China, and now functions as a major railway junction for the region. The city also hosts Shymkent International Airport, which connects to various domestic and international destinations.
Shymkent is home to several major historic and cultural sites, and, as of 2024, was among one of the top tourist destinations in Kazakhstan. Shymkent hosts several universities and cultural institutions. Ethnically, the city has sizable Uzbek and Russian communities alongside its majority Kazakh population, reflecting its proximity to Uzbekistan and Soviet past.
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Shymkent offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Shymkent is located in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, Asia. The coordinates are 42.3099 latitude, 69.6004 longitude.
Shymkent has a population of approximately 1,200,000 people, making it a major city in Kazakhstan.
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1 notable place within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
A 500m-deep gorge slicing through the Aksu-Zhabagly reserve, Central Asia's oldest, with tulip meadows on the rim in April and a steep path to the river.
53 km · about 60 min drive
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