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A brick tower stands on an open green plain before a distant snowy mountain range.
6 July 2019 · Burana Tower

Burana Tower

The brick minaret of Balasagun among stone statues and mountains

  • 11th c.Balasagun’s minaret
  • 24.6 mSurviving tower
  • Outdoorsdaytime: July +30°, January +3°
  • Near TokmokAbout 7 km from town
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What to see

6 stops in walking order

The list on the left follows the chapters as you scroll. Tap a photo to enlarge it.

  1. A brick tower with patterned bands rises above a green area beneath a blue sky.25.09.2023

    outside1 / 6

    Brick bands

    outside

    Horizontal bands of patterned brickwork run around the tower’s shaft.

    Next Wall remains →
  2. Low rectangular brick foundations of ancient buildings lie among the grass of the old town site.25.09.2023

    outside2 / 6

    Wall remains

    outside

    Low rectangular brick walls surround a grass-covered area.

    Next Millstones →
  3. Round millstones with central holes are arranged on a grassy area.25.09.2023

    outside3 / 6

    Millstones

    outside

    Round stone discs lie together in the grass. An opening is visible in the centre of each.

    Next Tower door →
  4. A narrow metal door sits in an arched opening in the tower’s old brickwork.08.03.2016

    outside4 / 6

    Tower door

    outside

    A metal grille door closes the entrance in a brick opening. Ask at the entrance whether you can go inside.

    Next Indoor stairs →
  5. A steep narrow staircase climbs inside the tower between dark brick walls.08.03.2016

    inside5 / 6

    Indoor stairs

    inside

    A narrow staircase climbs between close brick walls. Ask at the entrance whether climbing is allowed.

    Next Stone figures →
  6. Stone figures stand on a lawn in front of a brick tower and low trees.25.09.2023

    outside6 / 6

    Stone figures

    outside

    Stone figures stand in rows on an open grassy area. The tower and mountains are visible in the distance.

    Next History in 4 dates ↓

History

History in 4 dates

  1. 11th c.Balasagun’s minaret

    The minaret of the Karakhanid town was built.

  2. 15th c.Upper section lost

    An earthquake destroyed the upper part of the minaret.

  3. 1970sRestoration

    The tower was reinforced during restoration work.

  4. 2014Silk Road heritage

    The ancient town of Balasagun joined the UNESCO list as part of the Chang’an–Tian Shan corridor.

Seasons

Outdoors: four seasons

How the place looks in different seasons. Monthly temperatures in Bishkek: averages for 2016–2025, not a forecast.

  1. Spring

    March–May

    In spring, daytime highs rise from about 11 °C in March to 21 °C in May; night-time lows rise from −2 to 7 °C.

    • MarchBishkek +11° / −1°
    • AprilBishkek +18° / +5°
    • MayBishkek +23° / +9°

  2. Summer

    June–August

    In summer, daytime highs stay around 25–28 °C, with night-time lows around 11–14 °C.

    • JuneBishkek +27° / +14°
    • JulyBishkek +30° / +17°
    • AugustBishkek +28° / +16°

  3. Autumn

    September–November

    In autumn, daytime highs fall from about 22 °C in September to 8 °C in November; night-time lows fall from 9 to −5 °C.

    • SeptemberBishkek +24° / +12°
    • OctoberBishkek +16° / +4°
    • NovemberBishkek +9° / −3°
  4. Based on a photo by Bernard Gagnon, CC0, modified

    Winter

    December–February

    In winter, daytime highs are around 3–5 °C, with night-time lows around −8 °C.

    • DecemberBishkek +4° / −7°
    • JanuaryBishkek +3° / −8°
    • FebruaryBishkek +5° / −7°

Where it is

Location
Chuy Region
From the base
≈55 km from Bishkek as the crow flies
Coordinates
42.75° N, 75.25° E

Included in these guides

Open in Maps

Plan your visit

Walking directions and opening hours

Getting there on foot

  1. From Bishkek

    Marshrutka to Tokmok, then taxi

    Take marshrutka (fixed-route minibus) no. 300 (65 som) or no. 353 (80 som) from the Eastern Bus Station to Tokmok. From the bus station, a taxi to the tower with waiting and return costs around 600 som; agree the fare before boarding. check for your date

  2. Address

    Burana complex, near Tokmok

Allow enough time

Time needed
30–45 min

Check in advance

  • Opening hours
  • Admission fee

Check on site

  • Whether indoor photography is allowed at the entrance

What to bring

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Keep planning

Guides and ready-made itineraries

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Included in guides

Routes and programmes

All photos

Burana Tower in photos

Real photos, each with the date it was taken. Tap or click to enlarge.

  1. 08.03.2016
  2. 08.03.2016
  3. 06.07.2019
  4. 25.09.2023
  5. 25.09.2023
  6. 25.09.2023
  7. 25.09.2023