Shymkent is the capital city of the southern province of Kazakhstan in Central Asia, a bit north of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Shymkent is the third largest city in Kazakhstan, after Almaty and Astana. Shymkent, along with other Central Asian cities like Taraz, was part of the historic Silk Road that ran from Europe to China. Because of its location on the Silk Road route, Shymkent grew into an important trade center.

Shymkent offers beautiful parks like Victory Park and Central Park, as well as an arboretum and history museum. Travelers in the spring can enjoy the famous Nauryz, an ancient Central Asian celebration of the spring equinox held for thirteen days. Special Kazakh foods are prepared at Nauryz like yogurt soup and lamb, and festivities are enjoyed by all. Outside of Shymkent, tours in the mountains offer scenic rivers and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Kazakhstan.