Hotel Dostyk

Shymkent


The rooms aren’t as spiffy as the lobby; they're on the small side, and with small beds (tall travellers beware!). They're comfortable enough for a night's stay, with touches like tea, coffee, kettle and dressing gowns. Receptionists are amiable and English-speaking and breakfast is a decent buffet affair.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shymkent attractions

1. Wedding Palace

0.37 MILES

The squat, blue-domed Wedding Palace is a useful landmark.

2. Central or Upper Bazaar

0.41 MILES

The central bazaar is now somewhat diminished after the conversion of its outlying sprawl into parks and the removal of many traders to markets on the…

3. Independence Monument

0.59 MILES

This monument consists of a tall, red granite column topped with the figure of Mother Earth.

4. Tauelsizdik sayabagy

0.7 MILES

Tauelsizdik sayabagy, accessed by footbridge from the tall, Mother Earth–topped Independence Monument, was inaugurated in 2011 for the 20th anniversary of…

5. Altyn Shanyrak

0.72 MILES

The tall Altyn Shanyrak monument in the middle of Independence Park – a sort of tall, metallic funnel – represents the central roof opening of a yurt.

7. Alleya Slavy

1.58 MILES

In Abay Park, two tall concrete pillars lean on each other above an eternal flame, and the alley is lined with plaques bearing the names of the more than…

8. Bazar Samal

3.3 MILES

Of several new markets around the city fringes, Bazar Samal, next to Samal bus station, is the biggest and most interesting, with a particularly colourful…