Kara Balta to Shymkent

Updated: March 14, 2024 10:11 PM

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Kara+Balta+to+Shymkent+-+Language%2C+Currency%2C+Distance%2C+How+to+Reach%2C+Expenses%2C+Best+time+to+go%2C+What+to+Eat%2C+Where+to+Go%2C+FAQ

Language

The official languages of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are Kyrgyz and Kazakh, respectively. However, Russian is widely spoken in both countries. In Shymkent, you may also hear some Uzbek, as the city is located near the border with Uzbekistan.

Currency

The currency of Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). The currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakh tenge (KZT). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and hotels. Credit cards are also widely accepted in both countries.

Distance

The distance between Kara+Balta and Shymkent is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles). The journey takes around 7 hours by car.

How to Reach

There are several ways to get from Kara+Balta to Shymkent:

• By car: The most convenient way to get from Kara+Balta to Shymkent is by car. The journey takes around 7 hours. You can rent a car in Bishkek or Almaty.
• By bus: There are several buses that run daily from Bishkek to Shymkent. The journey takes around 8-10 hours. You can buy tickets at the bus station in Bishkek.
• By train: There is one train that runs weekly from Bishkek to Shymkent. The journey takes around 12 hours. You can buy tickets at the train station in Bishkek.

Expenses

The cost of traveling from Kara+Balta to Shymkent will vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Here is a rough estimate of the costs:

• By car: The cost of renting a car is around $50 per day. The cost of gas is around $1 per liter. The cost of parking is around $1 per hour.
• By bus: The cost of a bus ticket is around $20. The cost of food and drinks on the bus is around $5.
• By train: The cost of a train ticket is around $30. The cost of food and drinks on the train is around $10.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Shymkent is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. The summers in Shymkent can be very hot, and the winters can be very cold.

What to Eat

Shymkent is known for its delicious food. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

• Beshbarmak: This is a traditional Kyrgyz dish made with horse meat, noodles, and vegetables.
• Plov: This is a rice dish that is popular in Central Asia. It is made with rice, meat, and vegetables.
• Lagman: This is a noodle soup that is made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
• Manty: These are steamed dumplings that are filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese.

Where to Go

Shymkent is a city with a rich history and culture. Here are some of the must-see places:

• The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Asia.
• The Shymkent Regional History Museum: This museum has a collection of over 100,000 artifacts that tell the story of Shymkent's past.
• The Central Park: This is a large park that is a popular place to relax and socialize.
• The Shymkent Zoo: This zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling from Kara+Balta to Shymkent:

• Do I need a visa to travel to Shymkent? Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to travel to Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. However, you should check with your embassy or consulate to be sure.
• What is the currency exchange rate between the Kyrgyz som and the Kazakh tenge? The current exchange rate is around 1 KGS = 6 KZT.
• How long does it take to get from Kara+Balta to Shymkent by car? The journey takes around 7 hours by car.
• What is the best way to get from Kara+Balta to Shymkent? The most convenient way to get from Kara+Balta to Shymkent is by car. However, you can also take a bus or a train.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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