Day trip to Burana Tower & Chon-Kemin valley

Duration: 6-7 hours
Location: 135 km from Bishkek
Altitude: 1400-2800 m
Season: whole-year-round

The tour is a great opportunity to dive into history and experience a nomadic lifestyle while enjoying nature on horseback in the beautiful Chon-Kemin valley, a protected region which is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the country. Its landscapes vary from semi-deserts to towering glaciers and the region is home to snow leopards, red deer and golden eagles. Chon-Kemin is a unique natural reserve with beautifully preserved alpine landscape. Steep glaciers are fringed with green coniferous forests and the valley is surrounded on all sides by towering mountain peaks. After the rainy season, the valley blooms with wildflowers which spread as far as the eye can see. 

On the way, stop to visit Burana Historical Tower, one of the few historical buildings in Kyrgyzstan, a UNESCO world heritage site as the remnant of  an old Silk Road town. The tower is part of the minaret of the town of Balasagun that was the capital of the Karahanid Dynasty in the 11th century. In 1974 the tower was restored and now you can climb up through the inside the tower and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Around the tower you find Balbals (stone warriors) from between the 6th and 10th centuries. The small museum contains more artifacts collected in this area. 

Delicious homemade lunch at a local village will be a nice addition to the day. 

09:30 Departure from Bishkek\
10:30 Arrival to Burana Tower, excursion
11:00 Drive to Chon-Kemin valley
12:00 Arrival, lunch at the guesthouse
13:00 Horseback riding and/or hiking tour to Kalmak-Ashuu Gorge
15:00 Tea break
15:30 Departure to Bishkek

This program can be prolonged upon your request