Day Trip to Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyons

Private tour
Price
from $60
Availability
All year around
Duration
7-8 hrs.
Difficulty
Easy
Easy level of difficulty tour. Expect hiking up to 2-3 hours.
Tour type

Overview

If you’re seeking a short day trip from Bishkek without venturing too far, this tour is ideal for you. During this full-day private tour, your guide will delve into the history of the Silk Road-era Burana Tower. You’ll also enjoy a hike along the magnificent trails of Konorchek Canyon.

Highlights

  • Experience a full-day private tour exploring the stunning Konorchek canyon and the ancient Burana Tower.
  • Travel in comfort with a private, air-conditioned vehicle with your English-speaking guide.
  • Direct pickup and drop-off at your Bishkek hotel, making your journey hassle-free.
  • Experience a thrilling hike through the canyons

Itinerary

Tour itinerary

Bishkek
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to embark on an exciting tour. We’ll journey towards Burana Tower, located in the small town of Tokmok. Along the way, you’ll drive along the border with Kazakhstan and, weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views of the Tien Shan mountains.  As we continue, you’ll traverse several charming villages, providing a glimpse into the daily life of locals beyond the capital.

Burana Tower
We’ll stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site Burana Tower. This ancient tower, dating back to the 11th century, holds significant historical value and is definitely worth a visit.

We’ll spend around 30 minutes here, taking in the magnificent views from the top of the tower, exploring the balbals (ancient stones with depictions), and visiting the archaeology museum showcasing antique artifacts. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey towards Issyk Kul.

Konorchek Canyons
The hike starts at Boom Gorge, beginning at the Red Bridge spanning the Chu River. It’s a one-hour hike (one-way) through a fascinating maze of rocks and red sandstone columns.

Along the trail, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for capturing memorable photos and enjoy the playful twists and turns of the path. Follow the course of a dried-up river through the narrow gorge until you reach a small plateau, offering a panoramic view of the red-earth Eolian Castles.

The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking panoramic view, where you can see layers of canyons to the north and green meadows and mountains to the south. Take a break, soaking in the remarkable beauty of the cliffs, before starting the return journey.

Bishkek
We’ll be back in the city around in the evening, and after a day filled with incredible experiences, you’ll likely feel pleasantly tired. Our tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel. Have a restful night!

Prices

Number of people 1 2 3 4 5 6
Price per person (USD) $185 $110 $95 $80 $65 $60

BOOK THIS TOUR

To get prices for other group sizes, please Request the Tour or Get in Touch with Us.

Included / Excluded

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking guide
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Insurance

Map

Gallery

Additional info

Clothes & Equipment

You can bring everything you need. Remember that in the summer, Bishkek can get as hot as 40 degrees Celsius, and it can be as cold as 5 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Be ready for sudden changes in the weather. Recommended to bring warm clothes and raincoat or wind breaker.

Private tour

Tour Request

Other One-Day Tours

Haven't found the right tour?

We'll craft a tour just for you.