Fleewinter

The three-star Khanaka Hotel is just steps away from Turkestan’s most famous attraction, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yaswi – a poet and leading figure of the Sufism movement (a mystical Islamic belief). This World Heritage-listed mausoleum is considered to be one of Central Asia’s largest and best-preserved Timurid monuments. Between 1389 and 1405, Persian craftsmen were drafted in to build this this medieval masterpiece, with its ornate geometric design and turquoise tiling. You can even see its powder-blue dome through the windows of Khanaka Hotel.

Staying here means you can visit this special landmark at sunrise and sunset. Locally, there’s also a lively food market to explore and the Historical Culture Ethnographic Center, where an English-speaking guide can take you through the captivating history of Turkestan.

Rooms at the hotel are spacious and homely. They all come with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and a continental and buffet breakfast is included each morning with lots of options to choose from. The service at Khanaka Hotel is fantastic, with friendly front desk staff on-hand to help with anything you need 24 hours a day. There’s also a spa at the hotel, with a Turkish hammam and sauna.