Burana Tower is the main architectural monument of Chui Valley and the famous Great Silk Road. The tower was the highest minaret of Central Asia and was also the heart of the capital of the Karakhanid state of the city of Balasagun in the 10th and 12th centuries. Its original height was 40 meters, but after the earthquake, the upper part of the tower was collapsed and since then the height of the tower is 21 meters.
The cultural significance of the tower is truly great, as it is the only monument of ancient architecture preserved in the region. In addition to the tower there are numerous mounds, remains of ancient fortifications, and also the so-called “garden of stones” – a collection of balbals (ancient stone tombstones) and stone tools (millstones, etc.)
The complex is located in a very picturesque place, near the Shamsi and Kegety gorges, to the south of the town of Tokmok. From the tower it is possible to see a magnificent panorama of the eastern part of the Kyrgyz ridge, especially in May and June when poppy fields are flowering.
On the territory of the ancient settlement, there are a museum and a souvenir shop. The museum shows the rich history of the place. The entrance to the complex costs 60 soms. This price includes visiting the museum and the tower.

How to get to the Burana tower?

The Burana Tower is located 100 kilometers east of Bishkek. There is no public transportation to this place. However, it is possible to get to Tokmok by train or minibus (50-100 soms) and then arrange a taxi from Tokmok to the tower.

Burana tower on the map

Usefull inforamtion

Mobile Network

The mobile network is available.

Infrastructure

No guest houses and groceries.

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