Karavan Saray — Attraction in Turkestan

I visited during the harsh winter month of January – which means there are no crowds at all, except for a few tourists like me. The downside is that some shops are closed during the low tourist season, and for all the shops which are open, they are mostly understaffed. It seems eerie if you are all alone in this vast open space of a theme park cum mall. But one positive aspect of visiting this place during winter is that is that it feels like that the entire Karavan Saray is all for yourself. Like a playground - you can take pictures freely at your discretion, roam freely without inhibitions, check every nook and cranny, sit and relax somewhere, and just bide your time roaming around, though the weather was very chilly @ subzero temperatures. The highlight for me is taking pictures of its unique architectural design, combining old and new. Also, the man-made creek and the small lake, wherein paddled gondolas are popular during summer, are entirely or partially frozen. Check out the pictures in my review.

I think my rating here reflects how expansive, modern, and beautiful Karavan Saray is, and I will not rate it at the expense of having visited it during the middle of January, wherein there are few or no attractions at all – just to be fair. I may visit a second time if I have the chance to visit Kazakhstan again, maybe during end of summer or beginning of the autumn season.

Recommended? Yes of course. But it is best to visit during spring and summer season, as what my tour guide informed me. A winter visit is cool, but it can or...

A magnificent marvel in the heart of the city, this entertainment center seamlessly blends shopping, dining, and theater.

The structure, resembling a fort, spans a vast expanse. A towering, futuristic golden dome theater stands tall, offering an immersive theatre experience.

A serene stream flows through the establishment, inviting boat rides. The shopping district features local brands, leaving ample space for expansion. For those seeking ultimate luxury, hotels in the vicinity cater to their desires.

The highlight of our visit was a captivating musical show rooted in nomadic culture, presented with eloquence...

Tourist trap shopping mall that apparently doesn't actually want tourists?? There are all these no cameras allowed signs posted everywhere. If you're here for history, then there actually are historical sites nearby but this is NOT it. This is just a tourist trap. You can pay a bunch of money to ride a gondola. You can buy balloons. You can pay a guy to draw a bad caricature of yourself. You can shop in all your...