Discovering Burana Tower: Central Asia's Earliest Architetural Wonder
Just a short trip from Bishkek, you’ll find the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret that’s considered to be Central Asia’s earliest architectural wonder. It’s the last remaining piece of the ancient city of Balasagun and served as a model for other minarets in the region, like the famous one in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
After exploring lakes, canyons, mountains, and other natural beauties in Central Asia, I was ready for some history and culture. So, I went on a day trip to this tower from Bishkek, using public transport. This travel guide will tell you how you can visit Burana Tower from Bishkek on your own, without needing a tour.
Table of Contents
Overview of Burana Tower
The tower was built in the 11th century as part of the ancient city of Balasagun, where it served as a minaret for a mosque. Balasagun was a key stop on the Silk Road.
As time went on, the city started to decline. By the 13th century, it had suffered damage from Mongol invasions and an earthquake. Later, in the early 1900s, the Russians dismantled the tower and used the bricks for other construction projects.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that a restoration effort began, bringing the minaret back to life. Though it now stands at 25 meters—shorter than its original 44 meters—the Burana Tower still stands out beautifully against the backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains and golden fields.
Best Time to Go to Burana Tower
The best time to visit Burana Tower in Kyrgyzstan is during the spring and summer months, specifically from April to September. During this time, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and great weather for checking out the archaeological site.
Summer, especially from July to September, brings warmer temps and longer daylight hours, perfect for climbing Burana Tower and enjoying the surroundings. Just keep in mind that Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate, so temperatures can change a lot.
I went in mid-October and the weather was warm — perhaps a little too warm for comfort. The sky unfortunately wasn’t as clear as what I saw in some pictures; the mountains were obscured by clouds. This was the best mountain view I could get:
How to Go to Burana Tower
Burana Tower is situated near the village of Tokmok in the Chuy Province of Kyrgyzstan. It is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) east from Bishkek. There are a few options to get to Burana Tower:
By Car
Renting a car is a convenient option, allowing you to be more flexible with your schedule. Head east from Bishkek on the A365 highway, following signs to Tokmok. Once in Tokmok, follow signs leading to Burana Tower.
By Public Transportation
There is no direct bus from Bishkek to Burana Tower. First you must take Mashrutka No. 353 from Bishkek Eastern Bus Station to Tokmok. Apparently, you can also find them at the Western Bus Station, so pick the one that is most convenient for you.
Mashrutkas are shared minibuses that are a common mode of public transportation in Kyrgyzstan. They will only depart when they’re full and will make frequent stops to pick people up and drop them off.
At the Eastern Bus Station, there are many mahsrutkas heading to Tokmok, so you won’t have a problem finding one. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and costs 80 som.
Once you arrive in Tokmok, prepare to be approached (or even hounded) by taxi drivers offering to take you to Burana Tower. They will typically offer a round trip, plus one-hour waiting time at the tower. This should cost you around 500 – 600 som.
I was initially hoping to find other travelers in Tokmok to share a taxi and split the cost with, but unfortunately I seemed to be the only one heading that way. Perhaps I would have had better luck if I had gone on a weekend or earlier in the morning.
A taxi driver quoted me 1300 som, which I knew was too much, but I’m bad, I mean, really bad at haggling. I would have happily walked the 12 kilometers, but then it was already 1 pm, and I didn’t want to miss the last bus back to Bishkek. So, I turned to my trusted friend Yandex (a ride-hailing app) and called a car.
The only problem was, I had typed in the wrong destination, which I only realized when we arrived, so not wanting to pay extra, I walked the last 2 km to Burana Tower.
At the tower, I was lucky enough to find a local traveler who gave me a ride back to Bishkek.
With a Tour
For those wanting a little bit more convenience, there are various online platforms where you can book private or shared tours. Some may also include city tours of Bishkek or excursions to other attractions such as Issyk Kul Lake and Ala-Archa Nature Park.
Things to Do at Burana Tower
1. Climb the Tower
The main attraction is, of course, the tower itself. Check out the detailed geometric carvings that highlight the skill of Central Asian artisans from long ago. Then, make your way to the top for stunning views of the golden Chuy Valley, with the impressive Tian Shan mountains in the background.
Do note that the stairwell is steep, dark, and narrow. It requires some stamina to reach the top. Going down can be equally challenging. For some people (read: me), it may be easier to go backwards, so that you can hold on to the steps for stability and not have to look into the dark void.
But it’s all worth it when you reach the top. Not only do you get a breathtaking view, but you also feel a deep connection with history, standing on a structure that has withstood centuries of change.
2. Observe the Balbal Stones
Surrounding the tower is an archeological site that now serve as an open-air museum. Scattered around the site, you’ll find balbals, which are ancient Turkic grave markers. These weathered figures, carved with amazing detail to look like human forms, stand as silent guardians honoring those who have passed.
Each balbal has its own story to tell. As you wander through the archaeological site, these statues invite you to think about the lives and traditions that once flourished there.
3. Visit the Museum
There is a small museum housed inside a yurt near the tower, where you can find more information about the history of the region, as well as some archeological findings that were discovered in the surrounding areas.
4. Explore the Mausoleums
Apart from the Balbal markers, there are also a few mausoleums that you can explore within the vicinity. These tombs pay homage to the lives and legacies of important individuals who once inhabited the ancient city of Balasagun.
Burana Tower Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Burana Tower is 60 som while the entrance fee for the museum is 50 som.
When I bought the tickets, I wasn’t asked whether I wanted to have both or only one of them, so I suppose every visitor is expected to get both. Anyway, the combined cost for the two tickets is less than USD2, so it shouldn’t be a significant concern.
Additional Info & Tips
- The Burana Tower is open from 9 am – 7 pm every day. If taking public transport, plan your trip so that you can be back in Tokmok before 5 pm.
- Have some local currency (Kyrgyz som) for transportation, entrance fees, and local purchases.
- The tower and most of its surroundings are out in the open without much shade. Even in October, it was quite hot. Be sure to put on sunscreen, and bring a hat and sunglasses.
- There is no place selling food or drinks near the tower. Bring your own water and snacks.
- There is a toilet outside, but it’s basically just a hole on the floor. Bring your own toilet paper.
- If you plan to hitchhike or find other travelers to share a ride with to and from Burana Tower, try to go during busier periods like the weekend or in the morning / afternoon when it’s not too hot outside.
Other Places To Visit Near Burana Tower
-
Tokmok: If you’re going to stay longer in the area, you might as well explore Tokmok, the gateway to Burana Tower. It used to be the administrative seat of Chuy Region. Some of the attractions you can find in Tokmok are Tokmok Historical Museum, Tokmok Animal Bazaar, and Semetei Hill.
-
Kegeti Waterfall: Located roughly 30 kilometers from Burana Tower, this waterfall stands at a height of 15 meters and flows all year round. In winter, it may get partially frozen. The waterfall is located in Kegeti Gorge that is famous for its natural reserve and alpine forests.
-
Kol-Tor Lake: A few kilometers from Kegeti is the spectacular Kol-Tor Lake with its impossibly blue water. The hue is caused by melting glacial waters mixed with loose sediments and crystalline rocks that give the lake its turquoise shimmer. The lake is situated at an altitude of 2,725 meters above sea level.
-
Issyk-Kul Lake: Issyk-Kul is an endorheic saline lake in the western Tian Shan Mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan, just south of a dividing range separating Kyrgyzstan from Kazakhstan. It’s about 2-3 hours’ drive east from Burana Tower and is often combined together in tour packages. One of the largest alpine lakes in the world, it offers opportunities for water activities and relaxation.
-
Cholpon Ata: A resort town on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, known for its beautiful beaches and ancient petroglyphs.
Where to Stay Near Burana Tower
Burana Tower can easily be visited on a day trip from Bishkek, but if you prefer a more leisurely pace and spend a night in the vicinity, here are some accommodation options:
Welcome Guest House – Featuring a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, a garden, and free private parking, this guesthouse in Tokmok offers soundproofed rooms with free WiFi and quiet street views. From USD 11 for a Twin Room.
Gostevoi Dom Temirlan – Located in Kegeti, this property offers a garden, terrace, and free private parking. All units come with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a kettle. From USD 42 for a Triple Room with breakfast.
Gostevoi Dom Kol-Tor – This sustainable guesthouse features a garden, terrace, luggage storage space, and a picnic area. For visitors going on day trips to nearby landmark, the guesthouse also offers a selection of packed lunches. From USD 35 for a Double Room, with breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Taking a day trip from bustling Bishkek to visit the ancient Burana Tower was definitely a memorable part of my trip. The journey to get there was an experience in itself, and arriving at the tower felt like stepping back in time.
Whether you’re taking a day trip from Bishkek or opting for a more leisurely overnight stay, a visit to Burana Tower is a must if you’d like to delve deeper into the rich history of the region. The minaret stands tall, not just in stone but in the stories it tells.
Have you been to the Burana Tower from Bishkek? What was your experience like? Share in the comment section below.
