Taraz

Taraz (or Taras) is in the Kazakh Desert.

Understand
Nowadays a near-border city between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Taraz was once right in the heart of the Silk Road. Taraz first entered the history books over 2000 years ago when Han and Xiongnu forces warred here. The Soviets changed the name of the city to Zhambyl in the 1930s but soon after Kazakhstan's independence, the name was changed back to Taraz.

Get in
The high speed Talgo train goes from the capital Astana to Taraz and takes around 12 hours. There are several direct flights from Astana and Almaty to Taraz too.

There's a low speed train from Almaty onto Shymkent. The Almaty-Saratov. Many other trains on the same line from the station south of the city. Bus 47 from the center. You can book tickets on tutu in advance. Traveling third class be ready for a crowded but friendly train.

The collective taxi station is north of the city with taxi to Bishkek and Shymkent.

Get around
Local bus drivers were quite helpful and friendly. 70 tenges per ticket.

See

 * Main square for monumental and flashy Kazakh urban architecture.
 * Main square for monumental and flashy Kazakh urban architecture.
 * Main square for monumental and flashy Kazakh urban architecture.
 * Main square for monumental and flashy Kazakh urban architecture.
 * Main square for monumental and flashy Kazakh urban architecture.

Go next

 * Venture southwest to Shymkent.
 * Cross the border with Kyrgyzstan and see the impressive dam at Toktogul.
 * Almaty - Marshrutkas leave from the main Avtovokzal north-east of the city. A back seat in an 18-person marshrutka can cost as little as 2,500 tenge. Not likely less than this, but don't pay more than 3,000 tenge (Apr 2019). They take about 6 hours and arrive at Sayran station in Almaty. Buses stop once just past halfway, but only for a loo break, not food.