All in One Day Konorchek Canyon Issyk Kul Lake and Burana Tower
Join us for an unforgettable adventure where nature, history, and culture come together. Step back in time at the historic Burana Tower, a key Silk Road monument offering panoramic views and ancient balbals, which tell the stories of the region’s past. Afterward, venture into the stunning Konorchek Canyons, a surreal landscape with towering red rock formations and winding trails, providing one of Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Hike through this majestic terrain and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Finally, explore Issyk-Kul Lake in Balykchy, the gateway city to Issyk-Kul, where crystal-clear waters meet the towering mountains. Stroll along the peaceful lakeshore, take in the stunning views, and experience the town’s unique charm. This tour blends history, local culture, and expert guidance, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable tour.
Options
All in One Day Konorchek Canyon Issyk Kul Lake and Burana Tower
Pickup included
What's included in All in One Day Konorchek Canyon Issyk Kul Lake and Burana Tower
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Bishkek
Your tour begins with a morning pickup in Bishkek, heading east toward the historic Burana Tower. The drive takes you through a mix of city outskirts, open fields, and small villages, offering a glimpse of local life beyond the capital. As we follow the road along the Kazakhstan border, you’ll have the chance to admire the stunning Tien Shan mountains on the horizon, weather permitting. Along the way, we’ll pass through Tokmok, a former Soviet industrial hub, where traces of its past can still be seen in old monuments and architecture. Moving further into the countryside, the landscape becomes more scenic, with rolling hills and vast open spaces leading to the ancient minaret of Burana, a fascinating remnant of the once-thriving Karakhanid civilization.
Burana Tower
At Burana Tower, our guests will have the opportunity to explore the historical 11th-century minaret, once part of the ancient city of Balasagun on the Silk Road. Climbing to the top of the 25-meter tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Chüy Valley and the distant Tian Shan mountains. Surrounding the tower, guests will find ancient balbal stone statues—Turkic gravestones with intricate carvings that are over 1,000 years old. Guests can also admire prehistoric petroglyphs, featuring rock carvings of animals and symbols. A small archaeological museum on-site displays artifacts such as pottery, coins, and tools from the ancient city, providing a deeper insight into Kyrgyzstan’s rich cultural heritage.
Konorchek Canyons
The Konorchek Canyon hike begins near the Red Bridge in Boom Gorge. From here, you’ll follow a dried riverbed into a surreal landscape of towering red sandstone cliffs and narrow gorges. The trail takes about one hour one way and includes a few rocky barriers that add a touch of adventure—exciting but manageable for active travelers. Along the way, you’ll pass through twisting paths and sculpted formations, eventually reaching the famous Eolian Castles, where the wind has carved dramatic spires and shapes into the canyon walls. At the top, a panoramic plateau offers breathtaking views of the canyons and distant mountains. If the wind picks up, you might hear the natural “singing rocks,” a unique sound created by the wind moving through narrow gaps in the cliffs. This short but rewarding hike is one of the most impressive natural sights in Kyrgyzstan.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- All Fees and Taxes
- Enjoy a delicious Kyrgyz lunch in the serene Boom Gorge, surrounded by stunning cliffs and nature. A perfect spot to relax and recharge before continuing our journey.
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Personal Expenses
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We can pick up our guests from any location in Bishkek.
