# One day in Turkestan: an itinerary in the best order

> Turkestan is Kazakhstan's spiritual capital, and everything important stands together in the Azret-Sultan reserve. In the morning — the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, begun by Timur, then the underground Hilvet mosque-cell, a 16th-century bathhouse and the Rabiya Sultan Begim mausoleum. After lunch — the citadel walls and Keruen-Saray, built in the spirit of the Silk Road. Walks take 3–12 minutes.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/in-1-day

## Plan

1. [Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/khoja-ahmed-yasawi-mausoleum.md) — YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · 5,000 ₸ foreigners, 2,000 ₸ CIS
   ↓ 3 min on foot
2. [Hilvet Underground Mosque](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/turkestan-hilvet.md) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 20 min · 5,000 ₸ foreigners · 2,000 ₸ CIS
   ↓ 3 min on foot
3. [Turkestan Oriental Bathhouse](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/turkestan-bathhouse.md) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 20 min · 5,000 ₸ foreigners · 2,000 ₸ CIS
   ↓ 3 min on foot
4. [Mausoleum of Rabiya Sultan Begim](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/rabiya-sultan-begim-mausoleum.md) — YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 15 min · Yasawi zone ticket · 2,000–5,000 ₸
   ↓ 3 min on foot
5. [Turkestan Citadel Walls](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/turkestan-citadel.md) — YesGo score 44/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Reserve ticket: 5,000 ₸ for foreigners
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 12 min on foot
6. [Keruen Saray](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/keruen-saray.md) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free entry; rides and shows extra

Total with walks: 5 h 34 min

## What to see in Turkestan in one day

Everything stands around the Yasawi mausoleum: Hilvet, the bathhouse, the Rabiya Sultan Begim mausoleum and the citadel are 2–3 minutes apart. Keruen-Saray is 10–15 minutes to the east.

Remove any stop with the cross or drag it with ≡, and add another one nearby — the times recalculate.

## Tickets

The Yasawi mausoleum is 2,000 ₸ for CIS citizens; Hilvet and the bathhouse are 2,000 ₸ for CIS citizens and 5,000 ₸ for everyone else. The mausoleum is open daily 8:00–18:30. Prices for non-CIS visitors are higher — check at the desk.

## What to wear

The mausoleum and Hilvet are shrines: cover shoulders and knees; women need a headscarf.

## What else to see near Turkestan

The [Arystan Bab mausoleum](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/arystan-bab-mausoleum) and the [Otrar](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/otrar) site are to the south, [Sauran](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/sauran) to the north and [Ukasha-ata](https://yesgo.io/kazakhstan/turkestan/ukasha-ata) in the hills. You need a car.

## Tips

- The Yasawi mausoleum is open 8:00–18:30.
- Dress modestly for the shrines.
- Ticket prices depend on citizenship — carry your passport.
- Kazakhstan uses the tenge (₸). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; bazaars are easier with cash.
- In summer start early: the afternoon is very hot.

## Questions

### Is one day in Turkestan enough?

For the Azret-Sultan reserve, yes. Otrar, Sauran and Arystan Bab need another day by car.

### What to do in Turkestan in one day?

The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum, Hilvet, the bathhouse, the Rabiya Sultan Begim mausoleum, the citadel and Keruen-Saray.

### Can I see Turkestan on my own?

Yes: everything is together in the reserve, on foot.

### When is the Yasawi mausoleum open?

Daily 8:00–18:30.

### How much are the tickets?

2,000 ₸ per site for CIS citizens; Hilvet and the bathhouse are 5,000 ₸ for others.

### Who built the Yasawi mausoleum?

Timur began it in the 14th century; it was never finished.

### How do I get to Turkestan?

From Shymkent by train or car, 2–3 hours; Turkestan also has an airport.

### Is it good with kids?

Yes: walks are 2–3 minutes, and Keruen-Saray is lit up in the evening.

### Is it good in summer?

Yes, if you start early.

### What should I wear?

Shoulders and knees covered; women need a headscarf.

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