SILK ROAD HERITAGE: TURKISTAN & OTRAR Seagull Global

On the Trail of the Silk Road

Journey Overview

South Kazakhstan holds a different kind of landscape from the Tian Shan — one built from fired brick, turquoise tile and the memory of caravans. This journey is centred on Turkistan, spiritual capital of the Turkic world and home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site commissioned by Timur himself and never quite finished.

From there, travel out into the steppe to Otrar, the ruined city where Genghis Khan's invasion of Central Asia began and philosopher Al-Farabi was born, then on to the Arystan Bab mausoleum and the excavated walls of ancient Sauran. A guided, low-effort itinerary for travellers drawn to history rather than altitude.

Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum Otrar Ancient City Ruins Arystan Bab Mausoleum Sauran Fortress City

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkistan

14th

Century Origins of the Yasawi Mausoleum, Commissioned by Timur

Your Route

Journey Route

Almaty → Turkistan (2N) → Otrar & Arystan Bab → Sauran & Turkistan → Departure via Shymkent

Almaty

Turkistan 2N

Otrar & Arystan Bab

Sauran

Departure

Yasawi Mausoleum

Turkistan's UNESCO Centrepiece

Otrar Ruins

Birthplace of Al-Farabi

Arystan Bab

Teacher of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Sauran Fortress

Excavated Silk Road Walls

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrival & the Yasawi Mausoleum

01

Fly or drive from Almaty to Turkistan and transfer to your hotel
Guided tour of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Kazakhstan's largest and best-preserved medieval structure
Visit the Hilvet underground mosque and the restored old-town quarter surrounding the mausoleum
Overnight at a hotel in Turkistan

DAY 02

Otrar & Arystan Bab

02

Full-day excursion out into the steppe to the archaeological site of Otrar
Walk the excavated ruins where Otrar was razed during the Mongol invasion of 1219–1220, and visit the on-site museum
Visit the Arystan Bab mausoleum, resting place of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi's teacher and a pilgrimage site in its own right
Return to Turkistan for a second overnight

DAY 03

Sauran & Departure

03

Morning stop at the ancient fortress city of Sauran, with its excavated double walls and citadel mound
Free time at Turkistan's central bazaar for local crafts and textiles
Transfer to Turkistan or Shymkent Airport
Departure flight, marking the end of the Silk Road heritage journey

Package Includes

All Ground Transport by Private Vehicle & Airport/Station Transfers
2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Turkistan
English-Speaking Heritage Guide Throughout
All Site Entrance Fees (Yasawi Mausoleum, Otrar, Arystan Bab, Sauran)
Daily Breakfast at the Hotel

Package Excludes

International & Domestic Flights
Travel Insurance
Lunches & Dinners
Tips & Personal Expenses
Souvenirs & Bazaar Purchases
Optional Photography Permits at Select Sites

Good to Know

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Journey Cost

USD 520 total group price for 02 Adults (USD 260 per person), covering ground transport, 2 nights' hotel accommodation, guide, breakfasts, and all site entrance fees. Fitness level: easy — mostly walking on flat archaeological grounds. Bank transfers may incur extra charges.

Travel insurance and flights to/from Turkistan or Shymkent should be arranged separately.

Cancellation Policy

30–20 days before departure25%
20–10 days before departure50%
10–5 days before departure75%
Less than 5 days / no-show100%

The Seagull Difference

Why Choose Seagull Global

Specialist Heritage Guides

Guides who know the history behind every ruin, not just the route between them.

All Entrance Fees Covered

Every UNESCO and archaeological site fee is arranged in advance.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock assistance via phone, email and WhatsApp from our Negombo office.

Small Groups Only

Kept intentionally small so every site gets time and attention, not a rushed photo stop.

Visual Journey

Heritage Gallery

Questions

Frequently Asked

How fit do I need to be?

This is a low-effort, walking-based itinerary suited to nearly all fitness levels. Expect to be on your feet exploring open archaeological grounds and mausoleum courtyards rather than hiking trails.

How do we get to Turkistan?

Most travellers fly from Almaty to Turkistan or nearby Shymkent, then continue by private vehicle. Domestic flights are not included in the package price and can be booked separately with our team's help.

Is dress code a consideration at religious sites?

Yes — modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected at the Yasawi and Arystan Bab mausoleums. Your guide will advise on local etiquette before each visit.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 30–20 days before departure incur 25% of the total cost, 20–10 days 50%, 10–5 days 75%, and less than 5 days or a no-show is charged at 100%. Bank transfers may carry additional charges.

How do I confirm my booking?

Fill out the booking form below or message us on WhatsApp. Our team will send a detailed quotation and confirm availability within hours.

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