Discovery
The red canyon of Boom valley and the Burana Tower
For whom seeks an active and cultural adventure: Discover Kurgan Terek Canyon and Balasagun on a day trip from Bishkek
- Duration
- 1 day
- Countries
- Kyrgyzstan
- Activities
- Hiking , Historical Sites
Sustainability
Road travel metric
250 km/day · 250 km total
The story
The journey
Embark on a hike through the picturesque Kurgan Terek Canyon, where the Kurgan Terek River has sculpted stunning red rock formations. Navigate narrow paths along the river, occasionally wading through its waters, to experience the canyon's natural beauty up close.
After the hike, explore the remnants of the ancient city of Balasagun, established by the Karakhanids in the 9th century. Highlights include the iconic Burana Tower, grave markers, earthworks, and remnants of a castle and three mausoleums. Visitors can climb the tower using an external staircase and winding stairway to reach its top, once towering at 45 meters (148 feet) but reduced to 25 meters (82 feet) after earthquakes in the 15th century. A 1970s restoration project stabilized the tower and preserved its historical significance, with the entire site now serving as a museum displaying artifacts and providing historical insights into Balasagun's cultural heritage.
Route map
The route
Day by day
The journey, day by day
1 chapters
- Day 01
A Day of Adventure: Kurgan Terek Canyon and Balasagun from Bishkek
Embark on an exciting day trip from Bishkek that combines natural wonders and historical treasures. Begin your adventure with a visit to the stunning Kurgan Terek Canyon. Start from the "Red Bridge" and hike through narrow passages and along the Kurgan Terek River, marveling at the sculpted red rock towers. After soaking in the breathtaking beauty of the canyon, continue your journey to the ancient city of Balasagun.
Explore the historic ruins and learn about the rich cultural heritage of this once-thriving city. Don't miss the iconic Burana Tower, an ancient minaret that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, return to Bishkek with unforgettable memories of Kyrgyzstan's natural and historical gems.
Meals Lunch
Photography
Along the way
Further reading
More from this journey
Practical information
Prepare for the journey
Reviews of Nomad's Land
Travelers, in their own words
Published reviews of our team and service.
“One word: THANK YOU! Two fabulous weeks experiencing nomadic life up close. Bakyt, without you, the journey would not have been the same. Thank you for your kindness and energy! Thanks to Youri, our amazing driver! In short, highly recommend this agency 100%.”
“"Visit to Kyrgyzstan = Nomad’s Land" Our stay in the country boils down to this. An unforgettable experience! The whole team is very competent and responsive. The country is amazing. We did 17 days and visited incredible and untouched corners. I recommend the nights with nomadic shepherds. Magical moments!”
“An attention and a treatment of 10. Highly recommended. Kyrgyzstan, an unforgettable experience. I will return if you do !!!”
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