Where is Taraz? (And why would you visit?) Taraz sits on the route between Tashkent and Shymkent, and Bishkek and Almaty. So if you’re going between any of these destinations by road, it’s a logical stop off point. Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, but dear old Genghis Khan levelled the place and it didn’t really start to grow again until the 19th century . Hence, much of the layout and older buildings are soviet style. There is a regional museum, and a few medieval mausoleums to see if you’re keen. We figured we weren’t going to beat the UNESCO world-heritage listed site in Turkistan, so didn’t bother. If you’re keen to read how our day went, then read on… Sleepless in Taraz Remember, when we said how lucky we were to be able to check in to our room in the Hotel Ordabasy at 8.30 am. Well that one cam back to bit us on the morning we were to leave. Taraz was the next obvious stop off on our way south to Kyrgystan. It was only 180 km or so away, so there was no need to get up too early. The receptionist, however had … Continue reading Taraz – Kazakhstan