2025 Chui Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek Arrive at Manas Airport, transfer to hotel. Explore Bishkek’s landmarks: Ala-Too Square, White Mosque, Oak Park, Osh Bazaar, and the National Museum. Day 2: Bishkek → Kegety Gorge → Chon-Kemin Visit Burana Tower (11th-century minaret), hike to Kegety Waterfall, and explore Chon-Kemin National Park. Day 3: Chon-Kemin → Konorchok Canyon → Cholpon-Ata Hike through Konorchok Canyon’s clay formations, visit Issyk-Kul Petroglyphs, and relax by the lake. Day 4: Cholpon-Ata → Grigoriev Gorge → Karakol Explore Grigorievskoye Gorge, enjoy trout lunch in Chon Uruktu village, and soak in hot springs. Visit Karakol’s Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church. Dinner with a Dungan family. Day 5: Karakol → Djety-Oguz Gorge → Kochkor Hike in Djety-Oguz’s "Meadow of Flowers," visit Skazka Canyon, and witness an Eagle Hunting demonstration. Watch folklore show. Day 6: Kochkor → Son-Kul Lake Learn Kyrgyz crafts (felt carpet making), drive to Son-Kul Lake (3,012m altitude), and enjoy free time or try horseback riding. Day 7: Son-Kul Lake → Bishkek Morning at leisure, return to Bishkek. Day 8: Departure Transfer to Manas Airport. Travel Tips Packing: Bring warm clothing for mountain areas. Cultural Note: Respect local traditions during homestays and village visits.

Detailed Guide to Bishkek Ala Archa & Burana Tower 🌟Itinerary Overview: On the way from Almaty to Bishkek by bus, I met a sister. We hit it off immediately and decided to go to Ala Archa National Park and Burana Tower together. It was so exciting! 😆💕 Itinerary Arrangement: - 9:00 AM: Depart from the city to Ala Archa National Park 🚗 - 1:40 PM: Arrive at the starting point of the park hike 🏞 - Spontaneous Decision: Head to Burana Tower 🗼 Ala Archa National Park Guide: 1. Ticket Information: 700 SOM per car 💸 2. Hiking Route: - We chose the middle hiking route, walking along the river, which is very suitable for beginners 👟 - Path: River hike, the scenery is super beautiful (as shown in the picture) 🌄 - Note: There are a few places where you need to cross large stones in the water, which can be slippery, so be careful ⚠ - Viewing Point: A steel bridge location, continue walking along the rocky beach for dozens of meters, a great place for taking photos 📸 - Total Journey: 6 km round trip, taking 2 hours and 40 minutes ⌛ 3. Facilities: The only toilet is located opposite the Hotel parking lot, 10 SOM per use 🚻 4. Scenery: Picturesque, like entering a fairyland (as shown in the picture) 🌲✨ 5. Transportation: Recommend using Yandexgo for a taxi, set the destination to Ala Archa Hotel 🚕 Cost and Transportation: - Bishkek to National Park: Takes 1 hour, fare 1065 SOM, small car entry to the park 700 SOM per car 🚙 Spontaneous Decision to Head to Burana Tower: 1. Finding Transportation: - While observing in the parking lot, we contacted a car and negotiated 3000 SOM (2800 SOM on Yandexgo) 💰 - Since it's hard to get a car at Burana, we decided to wait for 1 hour and then return to Bishkek, totaling 3000 SOM (2100 SOM on Yandexgo) 🕒 2. Actual Situation: Finally, we got a car through Yandexgo, directly to Burana Tower, no need to pay an extra 700 SOM 🎉 3. Journey: To Burana Tower is 99 km, the driver refueled midway, the whole trip took 2.5 hours, costing 2800 SOM ⛽ 4. Arrival Time: 4:00 PM 🌅 Burana Tower Guide: 1. Communicate with the Driver: Upon arrival, negotiate with the driver to wait for 1 hour and return to the city, the price is 2000 SOM 🗣 2. Tickets: 120 SOM per person, museum ticket an additional 100 SOM (we didn't visit as it's all in Russian and quite small) 🎫 3. Toilet: Located behind the ticket booth, blue small house - dry toilet 🚽 One Day Trip Summary: Each person's cost is 2310 SOM, including tickets and transportation costs 🤑 Exclusive Advice - Transportation Arrangement: Recommend negotiating with the driver in advance for waiting time and return fare when heading to Burana Tower to avoid wasting time looking for a car 🚌 - Time Arrangement: Usually, 1 hour is enough to visit Burana Tower, refer to Yandexgo prices for costs 🕰 This was a fulfilling and beautiful trip, hope you can also enjoy the beauty of this nature! 🌿✨ Special Recommendation: Later, I met a very reliable guy who speaks Chinese, is super nice, and drives very steadily! 🚙💨 He provides one-day car rental services for Chinese people, driving a luxurious Lexus SUV, which is much more comfortable than Yandex's small cars. Short-distance car rental to places around Bishkek for about an hour, costs less than 900 RMB a day, a 7-seater car, which is about 150 RMB per person. The best part is, he also acts as a free translator and accompanies you for the whole day! I won't use Yandex anymore. If you need it, you can DM me. 😊💖

🗼 Burana Tower – Kyrgyzstan 📍 Location Located near Tokmok, about 80 km east of Bishkek, Burana Tower is one of the most important historical landmarks in Kyrgyzstan. ⸻ ✨ Overview The Burana Tower is a minaret from the 11th century, originally part of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun, once the capital of the Karakhanid Khanate. Standing at 25 meters today (reduced from its original 45 meters due to earthquakes), the tower remains a striking reminder of Central Asia’s medieval Islamic architecture and Silk Road heritage. Visitors can climb the steep spiral staircase inside for panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and the Tien Shan Mountains. Around the site, there are balbals (ancient Turkic stone grave markers), remnants of mausoleums, and a small museum displaying archaeological finds, including pottery, coins, and artifacts from the region’s nomadic cultures. ⸻ 🚩 Highlights • Climb the Tower: For sweeping views of mountains and valleys. • Balbals & Petroglyphs: Fascinating outdoor stone sculptures and carvings. • On-Site Museum: Artifacts from the Silk Road era and Karakhanid period. • Historical Significance: Key stop on the ancient trade routes. ⸻ 🚇 Transportation • By Car: Around 1.5 hours from Bishkek. • Often visited as a day trip combined with Issyk-Kul Lake or Tokmok town. ⸻ 🎟️ Visitor Info • Entrance Fee: 100–150 KGS ($1–2 USD). • Best Time: Spring to autumn for clear views. ⸻ 🌟 Verdict Burana Tower is a must-see cultural and historical site in Kyrgyzstan, offering a mix of Silk Road history, scenic landscapes, and unique archaeological treasures.

💞Reasons to Recommend: - Beautiful landscape / Untouched nature - Friendly people - Good Food - Cute Cafe everywhere - Surrounded by beautiful views at Kazakh- Kyrgyz border - Love to see cows and horses along the way - Living in yurt was too cold but enjoyable -The mosque in Bishkek has amazing architecture -Burana tower has a lot of stories to tell -Skazka Canyon is must visit place

Hello everyone! This is Burana Tower😍 History of Burana Tower🤗 The Burana Tower is a historical and architectural monument that dates back to the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th century. It is located 15 kilometers from the town of Tokmok and was once part of the Balasagun town and citadel. This archaeological site was home to a citadel, mausoleums, mosque, church, and bathhouse, and many archeological treasures have been found there. The tower, made of red bricks, currently stands at 25 meters tall, with a bottom diameter of 9 meters and a top diameter of 6 meters. Inside the tower, there are small stairs leading to the top. According to inscriptions found at the site and the chronicles of Mukhammed Khaidar, the Burana Tower was built for Balasagun Legislator Imam Muhammad. The Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara, which was the western capital of the Karakhanids, was built in 1127 and stands at 46.7 meters tall. It is believed that the same architect, Usto Bako, built both the Burana and Kalyan Minarets. How to get to this place? Actually if you want to Burana Tower you can took local transportation but that time we took Ground Package from local people it’s not expensive we just spend below 300 usd for the ground tour 4 days 3 night. The package include accomodation+transportation+meals+entrance fee+tour guide🤗 Why I choose ground tour in Kyrgystan? because we don’t have enough time to explore this Kyrgystan using public transport, one day if I go there again I will explore this country using public transport and travel like a local peoples😁 Please put Burana Tower in your itinerary, it’s amazing building and full of history🥰 #favouriteitinerary #travel #naturalwonders #myitinerary

#mountainhike #centralasia Is this mountain hike involving more than 1000m elevation worth it? Central Asia is a hiker’s dream, and Kol Tor Lake is the best place to experience this. Kol Tor Lake, located in the beautiful mountain range of Kyrgyzstan, is DEFINITELY a sight to behold. With its vibrant blue, green and turquoise waters surrounded by majestic peaks and the green grassland, it offers a stunning backdrop for anyone looking to connect with nature. 😍 Getting there involves a long hike (5 hours+) that’s just as enjoyable as the lake itself, featuring breathtaking views and a variety of wildlife along the trail. It is a great spot for picnics, photography. So to conclude, if you ask me if the hike is worth it? I would say without a heartbeat, YES! Kol Tor Lake is the perfect getaway if you are looking to find some scenic and tranquil hikes! 🌲✨

Beautiful alpine lake at 2700m altitude just 80km from Bishkek. A 2-3 hour hike one way to get to the lake, honestly one of the bluest lakes we’ve ever seen. Hike is probably not the easiest, as it’s uphill and quite steep, but it’s well worth it at the end. 🚗How to get there ? Via Matshruka - There is no direct public transport. You will have to organise your own taxi from the Tomok or hitchhike. 🚌 *Or join a tour* RECOMMEND - we joined a local tour (Intourist) that departed from Bishkek early in the morning, and drove us straight there. The guide hiked with us and also brought an inflatable boat for us to enjoy on the lake! This only cost us 1190 soms per person. Definitely worth the hassle free stress of getting on the right Matshruka /working out the correct price and not getting scammed / and transport to your accomodation. ⛺️ Yurt Camps There are some yurt camps you can stay at at the bottom of the trail head. ⛰️ The Hike Distance: 10km with 790 elevation gain Difficulty: Moderate Starting from the Kor Tor Trailhead, you will follow a river up the mountain. There are a few steep sections along the way, but generally it’s a steady steep climb. Next part of the route takes you across some open fields, always making you feel that you’re nearly there! The climb is not as steep here, but still steady elevation gain. Once you pass the last steep uphill, you’ll see the most beautiful turquoise blue lake! Hop in an inflatable boat, or enjoy the sunshine, or if you’re brave enough, go for a dip in the lake. #travelguide #naturelovers #traveldiaries #kyrgyzstan #KolTorLake

A recommended visit if you’re in Kyrgyzstan, it’s a really nice place surrounded by mountains and riding a pony to explore the area makes up a cool experience. Experience local Kyrgyz food, culture and hospitality

Getting There - Taxi ride from Bishkek Attractions - BURANA TOWER Hotels - Burana Hotel Food & Restaurants - Not many food options available The Burana Tower, located in Kyrgyzstan's Chuy Valley, is a REMARKABLE and MESMERIZZING historical site of tremendous significance in the region. It is a testimony to the once-thriving city of Balasagun, which was a major hub along the historic trading route known as the Great Silk Road! The tower, built in the eleventh century, exemplifies the Karakhanid architectural style. Standing around 25 meters tall, it features complex brickwork and colorful motifs that highlight the artistic workmanship of the time. The tower's spiral staircase, however damaged by time, nonetheless allows tourists to ascend to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding surroundings. The Burana Tower is a renowned tourist destination because of its historical and cultural significance. In addition to the tower, the Burana archaeological complex includes other vestiges of the old city, including as mausoleums, burial markers, and a small museum that showcases objects discovered on the site. Exploring the complex allows for a better knowledge of the region's history and the various cultures that formerly thrived there! ❤️❤️

A famous historical site in Kyrgyzstan: Suyab City - the birthplace of the greatest romantic poet and the poet immortal Li Bai worshipped by all (the birthplace is somewhat controversial, but experts currently identify it as here). Suyab City was once a frontier town in the northwest of the Tang Dynasty, and its ruins are now located in Ak-Beshim, 8 kilometers southwest of Togmak City in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. In the words of the tour guide, it looks like a pile of soil from a distance, and a pile of soil up close. Although only a small part of the ruins remains, it is still thrilling here, and many great verses emerge one by one in my mind. More worth seeing than Suyab City is Burana Tower, not far away, located 20 kilometers south of Togmak. It is said that Genghis Khan kept it because of its high height. The snow-capped mountains around the tower are endless, and on the boundless grassland under the snow-capped mountains, children are riding horses and herding cattle and sheep from time to time, and the shepherd dogs are accompanying them, forming a beautiful picture. If you come to Suyab City for nostalgia, you can enjoy the scenery here, and the children of the herders are very enthusiastic. It is worth mentioning that the road along the way is a bit worse.

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. This city is located at the northern foot of the Ala-Too Mountains and in the middle of the Chu River Valley, with a jurisdiction area of 127 square kilometers and a population of 1.05 million, making it the largest city in Kyrgyzstan. No matter where you are in the city, you can see the towering snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains in the distance just by looking up. If the weather is good, you can even see dozens of them standing in front of you. Architectural features: The colorful and exquisite folk houses are the characteristic residential buildings of the local area, and some houses clearly show the shadow of the former Soviet Union. Houses of various styles are like diverse cultural blends, presenting the unique features of Bishkek. Specialty food: Bishkek has many local specialty foods, such as hand-pulled noodles, horse intestines, pilaf, grilled buns, braised meat, and beef soup. The most special one is a drink called "maxsem", which can be called the "dark cuisine" of drinks. This drink is made by fermenting a mixture of barley, oats, corn and other grains with water.

The drizzle came to the hometown of Shi Xian Li Bai, the world heritage of Chu River, now in Ak-Beshim (Russian -) in Kyrgyzstan, about two hours drive from the capital Bishkek. The place is hard to find, the local driver said it was unheard of, relying on the map mark of the previous research, and finally met several local old people and said that Suiyap knew it was right. Although I saw nothing but a pile of loess, it seems that Taibai is still the same year, visiting thousands of miles, incarnate the ancients, through the time, respected the three cups of wine, and can drink with Li Bai, the same will enter the wine, life is so fast.