Medieval Burana Tower and Bishkek city tour
From 50 USD per person
Tour Overview
Uncover the layers of Kyrgyzstan’s history in just one day.
This tour combines the cultural heart of modern Bishkek with one of the country’s oldest architectural treasures — the Burana Tower.
From the bustling Osh Bazaar to a 10th-century minaret on the Silk Road, you’ll experience both the energy of the present and echoes of the past.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Start with pickup from your hotel in Bishkek.
Osh Bazaar
Explore one of the oldest and most atmospheric markets in the capital.
City Tour
Visit Ala-Too Square, White House, Victory Square, and other landmarks.
Drive to Burana
Depart the city for the Burana Tower (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
Burana Complex
Climb the tower, visit the museum, and learn about Silk Road history.
Return to Bishkek
Relax on your ride back to the city.
Optional
Stop for lunch at a local café along the way (available upon request).
What to expect
Osh bazaar
In the morning our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and the first place to visit will be the legendary open-air Osh bazaar market. It is said that if one wants to experience the local culture and life of a place one should visit the local market and Osh Bazaar is one of the best examples of the local markets in Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan in general. You can find everything here from food products and spices to common household goods, clothes, souvenirs, and even musical instruments, you’ll be surrounded by all the products you could possibly imagine.The crowds, the smells, and the noises can feel a bit overwhelming but it’s an experience you won’t easily forget.
Kyrgyz National Philharmoniс Hall
We will start our city tour with the charming architecture of the Mayor's office, International University, and the Philarmony itself. The white marble of the Philharmonic makes an impression by virtue of its being situated on a hill, like an antique temple, with colorful stained glass and hammered copper.
White House
The White House serves as the seat of Kyrgyz government and your guide will share dramatical story of riots during both the 2005 Tulip Revolution and the 2010 Kyrgyzstan riots that Kyrgyz citizens never forget.
Ala-Too square
The main square of the city - Ala-Too Square. "Ala-too" translates as "motley mountains" and this name perfectly describes the face of the country, famous for its stunning mountain scenery. Ala-Too Square is located in the center of Bishkek and combines several attractions. On its perimeter, there are State Historical Museum, numbering about 90 thousand exhibits; Oak park with a monument of Friendship of Peoples. In the center is a 45-meter flagpole with a national flag measuring 10 * 15 meters. The flag is guarded by a guard of honor. Nearby is the 10-meter-high equestrian statue of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz batyr. Famous Panfilov park and Lenins monument is within reach.
Opera and Ballet theatre
The opera house in Bishkek is one of the landmarks opposite the Fine Arts Museum. During the Soviet era, opera and ballet were regardedas national arts. Opera houses and ballet theatres were erected in the centre of the capital of each Republic in the Soviet Union. In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, you can find a theatre in the centre of the city. The grand Bishkek Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theatre opposite the Fine Arts Museum presents the best performances in the country.

Check out the classical heritage which is clear in the facades and rich décor throughout the theater. Picturesque paintings and facades by Kyrgyz artists adorn the interior, and serve as a testament to the country’s rich history.
Victory square
It is dedicated to the Victory in the World War II. In the center of the square stand three massive granite arches, forming the silhouette of a yurt(Kyrgyz nomad house). In the center of the composition is a sculpture of a woman with a cup in her hands at the feet of which the eternal flame burns, symbolizing a soldier’s mother waiting for her husband and sons to return from the War.
Central Mosque
The Bishkek Central Mosque is considered as one of the largest mosque in Central Asia. The mosque is built in an Ottoman revival style, with four minarets, each with three balconies. Inside, the mosque can simultaneously pray up to 6 thousand people. Taking into account that in the courtyard of the mosque can still pray 20 thousand people.
Tokmok
In the afternoon we’ll head towards Burana Tower to the small town of Tokmok (80km from Bishkek). You will drive along the border with Kazakhstan and, if the weather is clear, you will see the beautiful scenery of the Tien Shan mountains. Tokmak was the second largest industrial city in Kyrgyzstan during the Soviet times, and you can see some of the Soviet monuments while driving through the city. Then you will pass through several small but picturesque villages, and you will be able to see the life of the locals outside the capital.
Burana
Your guide will show you the mausoleums and other buildings discovered by archaeologists during excavations, you will have a chance to climb to the top of the ancient tower, where there is a beautiful view of the Chui valley and the Tien-Shan mountains open. Visit the small museum, which presents various archaeological artifacts, as well as an open-air museum, which contains ancient gravestones, rock drawings, and other interesting historical objects found on the territory of our country.
Bishkek
Afterward, we will drop you off at your hotel in Bishkek, marking the end of the tour. We wish you a beautiful evening ahead!
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private vehicle with driver
  • English-speaking cultural guide
  • Entrance to Burana Tower museum site
  • Bottled water & Lunch
Pricing
Private tour
$130 USD per person​
Group of 2 people
$70 USD per person
Group of 3-4 people
$50 USD per person
Group of 5 or more people​
By Request
Additional Information
  • Duration:
    Full-day tour (approx. 6–7 hours)
  • Distance:
    About 80 km from Bishkek to Burana

  • Activity level
    Easy (optional climb to the top of the tower)

  • Lunch
    Not included, but stops can be arranged during the tour
  • What to bring
    Comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera
Contacts:
Телефон: +996 551 996 600
Почта: orient@travel.kg
orient-travel, 720001, Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek