All in One Day Konorchek Canyon Issyk Kul Lake and Burana Tower

Overview

Available languages

English

12 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

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

What To Expect

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.

1 hour•Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour•Admission Included

Options

All in One Day Konorchek Canyon Issyk Kul Lake and Burana Tower

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Helpful travel guide
Travel J,
May 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our group of five, with four ladies and one gentleman, experienced a well-organized itinerary that perfectly matched the website description, making it an exceptionally enjoyable day. Special praise goes to our guide Nuraly, who demonstrated warm hospitality, professionalism, and thoughtful service throughout. From punctual hotel pickup, safe driving, to detailed explanations and guided tours at attractions, he provided the best tour service we’ve encountered during our one-day trips in Central Asia. The lunch was arranged in a clean and tidy environment with a generous menu selection, and clean fee-restrooms for us free. Notably, Nuraly proactively helped take photos for us at key attractions. At Burana Tower, he even used a flashlight to illuminate the stairway for safer ascent and descent. In the canyons, he showed remarkable patience and effort in assisting our group—primarily ladies—to navigate steep cliffs, never once complaining despite the physical demands. By the lake, he went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience, creatively fulfilling our requests. Though the tour lasted many hours, Nuraly remained the hardest-working and most dedicated member of the team. He proved himself to be an outstanding, trustworthy guide, and we cannot thank him enough.
Amazing experience
Bethany M,
Mar 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was an amazing experience! I was very impressed with the canyon hike, our tour guide knew all the best spots for photos. I cannot recommend him highly enough!
An unforgettable day
Asta B,
Feb 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The All-in-One Day trip to Konorchek Canyon, Burana Tower, and Issyk-Kul Lake was amazing! The icy path to Konorchek Canyon was thrilling, leading to stunning views. Burana Tower was a beautiful ancient structure with old stairs offering great views. Issyk-Kul Lake, with its mesmerizing blue waters, was a perfect sight to end the day. A traditional lunch along the way was a delightful experience, adding to the charm of the trip.
Amazing Day Trip
Justin L,
Feb 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
My guide Faruk was amazing, he showed me around Burana Tower, Kornochek Canyon, and Issyk-Kul all within a day. He made sure that I was enjoying the tour and was a fun person to talk to. I recommend this tour to other people thinking about the tour!