Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon: Red Canyons Tour

Tour Program

• 09:00 — Departure from Bishkek
• 11:00 — Arrival at Burana Tower
• 12:00 — Boom Gorge (drive-through and photo stop)
• 12:30 — Lunch at a roadside café
• 14:00 — Hiking route to Konorchek Canyon (7 km)
• 17:00 — Return to Bishkek
• 20:00 — Arrival in Bishkek

Logistics

• - The tour is conducted in a comfortable Toyota Sequoia SUV. Child seats are available.
• - Lunch is not included in the tour price. Average cost – 15$ per person.
• - We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing warm clothes, hats, and sunscreen (as the weather can be unpredictable).
• - The drive to Konorchek Canyon takes about 2 hours, and the hike is approximately 1 hour one way.

Meeting Point

To be agreed. Message us after booking and we’ll confirm the details.

What to Expect

Boom Gorge – Road into the Mountains

On the way to Issyk-Kul, we pass through Boom Gorge — a narrow serpentine road flanked by steep cliffs, following the course of the Chu River. The natural contrast here is striking: granite walls, rushing water, and winding tunnels. Even a short drive through this gorge leaves a vivid impression — especially if it’s your first time. It serves as a gateway to the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan, where nature sets the tone.

Burana Tower

The Burana Tower is one of the most important historical and archaeological landmarks in Kyrgyzstan. Located near the town of Tokmok, just 80 km from Bishkek, it is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun — the capital of the Karakhanid Khanate that thrived in the 10th–12th centuries along the Great Silk Road. The tower stands about 21 meters tall today (originally 45 m) and has survived centuries and earthquakes, still standing as a reminder of a long-lost civilization.

The tower once served as a minaret beside a mosque and, according to some sources, as a beacon for caravans. Nearby is an open-air museum with stone balbals (ancient Turkic gravestones) and a small exhibition of artifacts found during excavations of the city.

The tower is surrounded by picturesque remnants of caravanserais and green meadows where merchants of the Great Silk Road once stopped. From the viewing platform at the base of the tower, a panorama of the ancient city of Balasagun unfolds, where today one can observe a contrast between ancient ruins and modern agriculture.

A visit to Burana is not only a historical journey — it’s a chance to feel the ancient spirit that lingers in the air. You can spend time here in silence, surrounded by centuries-old stones, imagining caravans passing by, carrying goods, ideas, and cultures from East to West.

Konorchek Canyon

Konorchek Canyon is located in the scenic Boom Gorge, about 130 km from Bishkek. It is one of the most unusual and photogenic places in Kyrgyzstan — a natural labyrinth of sand formations resembling castles, towers, and columns. The so-called “fiery” cliffs are especially breathtaking — their red-orange hues seem to ignite in the sunlight, giving the canyon a Martian appearance.

The hiking trail runs along a dry riverbed, with ever-changing views along the way. In the center of the canyon stands a towering natural spire — the symbol of Konorchek. This is a perfect destination for a one-day hike: the route is suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners looking for a light ascent and unforgettable scenery among ancient rock formations.

The canyon walls are made up of layered sandstone and clay, which have been weathered over millions of years, revealing colorful veins of iron and copper compounds. Under the sunlight, these veins shimmer and shift in hue as you move, creating the effect of a living canvas, where every crack tells its own story.

During the walk, we are sure to encounter many representatives of the local fauna: mountain goats that skillfully climb steep ledges, and steppe eagles and golden eagles often soaring in the sky. Along the edges of the trail, bright steppe flowers bloom in spring, adding fresh colors to the rugged landscape and offering a profound sense of connection with nature.

Similar Tours

• Issyk-Kul and Kok-Moynok Canyons
• From Bishkek to Tien Shan