In recent years, Shymkent has been actively developing industrial tourism, opening the doors of its factories and production sites to visitors. Both tourists and locals now have the opportunity to see how everyday products are made — from food to high-tech solutions — and to better understand the city’s industrial landscape.
One of the main advantages of these tours is that many of them are free of charge and available by prior registration. Some visits even include tastings or small souvenirs, making the experience not only informative but also enjoyable.
Industrial tours are a great option for families, student groups and anyone interested in discovering Shymkent from a new perspective. In this article, we present five exciting production tours — from a robotic farm to a cake factory where sweet creations come to life.
Bal Tekstil
Carpet Manufacturing Factory
Founded in 2012, Bal Tekstil successfully sells its products across the CIS and Europe and is an official supplier to IKEA. During the tour, visitors can observe a large-scale, almost fully automated production facility capable of producing up to 5,000,000 m² of carpets per year.
Massive machines produce polypropylene yarn, while others weave it into carpets. Each weaving machine operates with around 19,000 yarn spools in different colors — all required to create a single carpet.
The tour is free of charge, available by prior registration, and lasts 1–2 hours.
Address: Lenger Highway, 7 km, 165
Shymkent Brewery
The Shymkent Brewery is one of the largest in Kazakhstan. Beer has been produced here since 1976. Today, “Shymkent beer” is a well-known national brand and is exported to Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
During the tour, visitors can follow the entire production process — from filtration to bottling. Guides explain the brewing technology and what gives each beer its distinctive taste and aroma.
The tour is free of charge and available by prior registration.
Address: Sairam Street, 198/1
Borte Milka
Dairy Production Company
Borte Milka describes itself as the most roboticized farm in Kazakhstan. The tour offers a look at modern dairy production, quality standards and automated processes.
Guests can also enjoy a tasting of freshly made products, including yogurt, ice cream, ayran, sour cream and kurt.
The tour is free of charge and available by prior registration. The facility is located outside the city, about 30 minutes away.
Address: Tamerlan Highway, 205/6
Aqua Rossa
Soft Drinks and Drinking Water Plant
Aqua Rossa produces soft drinks and bottled water using water from a mountain spring. During the tour, visitors can see how sodas and energy drinks are made and bottled.
The visit ends with a product tasting.
The tour is free of charge, available by prior registration, and lasts 1–2 hours.
Address: Almaty Highway, 1289
Sairam Nan
Bakery and Confectionery Company
Cakes, cookies, gingerbread, muffins and donuts — during the tour of the Sairam Nan confectionery factory, visitors can observe the entire production process, from dough preparation to packaging.
Tours are free for schoolchildren and students. For international visitors, the tour fee is 5,000 KZT. The duration is approximately 2 hours.
Address: Ibragim Ata Street, 303/2
