
Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Shymkent, Kazakhstan
1. Atakent Park
A vast green space with well-maintained paths perfect for biking and walking, offering a tranquil escape from the city.
- Size: Spans over 26 hectares, providing ample space for various activities
- Location: Centrally located in the city, easily accessible by public transport
- Facilities: Includes rental facilities for bikes and skates
2. Shymkent Central Park
A classic urban park with bike paths and walking lanes, boasting beautiful flower beds and fountains.
- Historical Significance: Built in the early Soviet era, it showcases architectural elements of that period
- Entertainment Options: Features several cafes and restaurants inside the park
- Events: Hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year
3. Shymkent River Park
A serene riverside park offering bike paths and walking trails along the river, providing a peaceful environment for outdoor activities.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the Ili River and its surrounding greenery
- Natural Habitat: Home to various bird species and serves as a migratory bird route
- Recreation: Includes boat rentals, fishing spots, and picnic areas
4. Ak Orda Bike Path
An extensive bike path running alongside the Ak Orda highway, connecting various parts of Shymkent.
- Length: Stretches for over 15 kilometers, making it an ideal route for long bike rides
- Safety: Has separate lanes for bikes and vehicles, ensuring a safe cycling experience
- Connectivity: Links major attractions in Shymkent, such as parks and shopping areas
5. Kenesaryk Bike Trail
A scenic off-road biking trail located in the foothills of Kenesaryk mountain range, offering stunning views and challenging terrains.
- Scenery: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
- Difficulty Levels: Features trails for various skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders
- Natural Beauty: Passes through forests, meadows, and crystal-clear mountain streams
6. Shymkent Botanical Garden
A beautiful botanical garden with walking paths surrounded by a diverse range of plants and flowers.
- Diversity: Features over 10,000 species of plants from around the world
- Education: Offers guided tours and educational programs about plant conservation
- Relaxation: Provides a peaceful and serene environment for relaxation and meditation
7. Kok-Tobe Park
A popular park located atop the Kok-Tobe hill, featuring bike paths and walking lanes with stunning city views.
- Viewpoints: Offers panoramic views of Shymkent from its elevated location
- Food and Shopping: Includes souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants
- Activities: Features a cable car, amusement park, and petting zoo
8. Shymkent Zoo
A spacious zoological park housing a variety of animals, with walking paths for visitors to explore.
- Animal Variety: Features over 150 species of animals from around the world
- Education: Offers educational programs and guided tours about animal conservation
- Facilities: Includes cafes, restrooms, and picnic areas
9. Shymkent Sports Park
A modern sports complex with bike paths, walking lanes, and facilities for various outdoor activities.
- Sports Facilities: Includes tennis courts, football fields, and a skate park
- Fitness Stations: Features outdoor fitness equipment for public use
- Events: Hosts various sports events and tournaments throughout the year
10. Ak Orda Boulevard
A wide pedestrian boulevard lined with trees and benches, perfect for leisurely walks and bike rides.
- Location: Runs through the heart of Shymkent, connecting major attractions
- Amenities: Includes public restrooms, water fountains, and Wi-Fi hotspots
- Events: Hosts various cultural events and festivals during the year
11. Shymkent Green Boulevard
A tree-lined boulevard with bike paths and walking lanes, offering a peaceful escape in the city.
- Environment: Features over 100 species of trees and plants
- Amenities: Includes public restrooms, water fountains, and Wi-Fi hotspots
- Connectivity: Links major attractions in Shymkent, such as parks and shopping areas
12. Kazygurt Lake
A scenic lake surrounded by walking paths and bike trails, offering a peaceful retreat just outside the city.
- Scenery: Offers picturesque views of the lake and its surrounding greenery
- Activities: Features boat rentals, fishing spots, and picnic areas
- Natural Beauty: Home to various bird species and serves as a migratory bird route
13. Shymkent Velodrome
A state-of-the-art velodrome for cycling enthusiasts, featuring a 250-meter track and training facilities.
- Facilities: Includes rental bikes, training equipment, and locker rooms
- Events: Hosts various cycling events and competitions throughout the year
- Expert Coaching: Offers professional coaching for cyclists of all skill levels
14. Shymkent Skate Park
A modern skate park with ramps, rails, and other obstacles for inline skating and BMX biking.
- Facilities: Includes rental equipment, locker rooms, and seating areas
- Level of Difficulty: Features obstacles for beginners to professional skaters and bikers
- Community: Serves as a gathering spot for the local skating and biking community
15. Shymkent Running Track
A well-maintained running track with facilities for jogging and walking, offering a convenient spot for regular exercise.
- Length: Covers over 400 meters, ideal for various training sessions
- Location: Centrally located and easily accessible by public transport
- Amenities: Includes drinking fountains, restrooms, and seating areas