Shymkent is well-known for its Independence Park, which was recently opened since 2011 in conjunction with the 20^th anniversary of Kazakhstan as a republic. It was once known as Chimkent since the days of being part of the Soviet Union and the recent name had only been given in 1993 in line with the government’s initiative to have Kazakh names on cities. Shymkent has been of cultural significance to the region for years, having the third-highest population in the country after the cities of Almaty and Nur-Sultan, both of them having served as the capital. With a total population of 1,002,291 residents as of 2018, the city is also a major railroad junction alongside the Turkestan-Siberia Railway. Due to this, it is considered as one of the cities in the republic that has a status of republican significance.

Airports in Shymkent

Shymkent International Airport

Shymkent International Airport is the main international airport in Shymkent that majorly serves the city in general. The airport is located about 12.6 kilometres northwest of Shymkent Railway Station as well as 11 kilometres away from the city centre. Initially built in 1932 as an airbase meant for agricultural purposes, it is opened to passenger and cargo traffic a year later and relocated to its present location in 1963, only having its runway and passenger terminal to complete construction about four years after. At an elevation of 422 meters, the airport has a 3,300 meters long runway made of reinforced concrete as well as two runways with dirt surfaces with the lengths of 2,300 meters and 410 meters respectively. Owned and operated by JSC “Shymkent International Airport”, it is the hub of SCAT Airlines. There are several connecting flights to and from Singapore via airlines such as China Southern and S7, among others with ticket prices ranging around 1,894 SGD.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Shymkent?

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When is the Best Time to Fly to Shymkent?

On the average, the best time to visit Shymkent is usually around July and August as well as October, which is around the mid to end of summer to the middle of fall. Around this time, temperatures are much warmer and the weather is more pleasant to go out and about in the city. Around this period, the flight and hotel prices will be on the rise too. Typically, the month of March and the spring season, in general, would observe a lower amount of tourists in Shymkent, more so than any other months in a year. Therefore, flight and hotel prices tend to be lower around this period. If you do not mind, then you can save a lot by going to Shymkent around this season.

Shymkent has a continental Mediterranean climate according to the Koppen climate classification which indicates dry summers and mild, wet winters. Nonetheless, the climate borders closer to a Mediterranean climate with a much hotter summer season. The average temperature is ranging from – 0.7 degree Celsius during winter in January to 26.3 degree Celsius during the summer in July. Meanwhile, the annual precipitation is only about 576 mm in which the heaviest precipitation would typically occur throughout the year with the exception for the summer season. The coldest temperature that could be reached is at -31.1 degree Celsius whereas the hottest temperature that could be reached is at 43.0 degree Celsius.

When you are in Shymkent, you can look forward to observe and even join in the events and festivities, just like the locals usually would. For instance, Shymkent has been the venue of sports and exhibition events such as the ASTC Triathlon Asian Cup and AgriTekShimkent. Meanwhile, the Navrus celebration in Shymkent that is usually happening on the 22^nd of March is said to be the biggest in the country. That aside, the city will also observe the national events such as Constitution Day, Victory Day, Capital City Day, Republic Day and many more on an annual basis.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Shymkent?

Independence Park – The Independence Park is a park that is opened in celebration with the republic’s 20^th The design is intricate, with 21 granite steles lining up in the park marking the past years of Kazakhstan. The highlight is the Altyn Shanyrak, a monument dedicated to the unity of the people that are supported by 137 steel pillars representing 137 different ethnics in the country.

Shymkent Zoo – The Shymkent Zoo is the state zoo of Shymkent that is located 7 kilometres away from the city. Covering around 54 hectares of area, it is among the largest and oldest zoological park around, having opened to the public since 1980. It features about 1,570 animals that hail from 219 different species.

Abai Park – Abai Park is the central park in the city that is dedicated to the local philosopher, Abai Qunanbaiuly, to immortalize his deeds to the country. In the middle of the park, lies his statue overlooking the area which is the main attraction point of the park, with the statue itself made of bronze and the pedestal from red granite.