Burana Tower

The Burana Tower is the main monument to the ancient culture of the Chui Valley and the famous Great Silk Road passing through its territory. The tower, once the highest minaret in Central Asia, was the heart of the capital of the Karakhanid state, the city of Balasagun, located on this territory in the 10th-12th centuries. Its original height was 40 meters, but during the earthquake the upper part of the tower collapsed and since then the height of the tower has been 21 meters. The cultural significance of the tower is really great, as it is the only surviving monument of the ancient architecture in the region, preserved in such a scale. Besides the tower, the whole territory of Burana settlement is of great interest. On its territory there are numerous barrows, remnants of ancient fortifications, as well as the so-called "garden of stones" - a collection of balbal (ancient stone gravestones) and stone tools (millstones, etc.). The complex is situated in a very picturesque place, near the Shams and Kegeti gorges, a little south of Tokmok. From here you can see a magnificent panorama of the eastern part of the Kyrgyz range, and in May and June you can catch poppy fields blossoming. There is a museum on the territory of the settlement, where you can get acquainted with the rich history of the place. There is a souvenir shop and places to rest. Entrance to the complex costs 60 soms. This price includes a visit to the museum and the opportunity to climb the tower itself.