Ancient Settlements Tour In Kyrgyzstan
About this tour
Route: Bishkek - Burana Tower - Ak-Beshim - Bishkek
Starting from the 5th to the 12th centuries, many strategic settlements appeared along the Great Silk Road in the Chui Valley, including the capitals of states. This tour will reveal the history of the ancient city of Suyab in the village of Ak-Beshim, which is located near Bishkek city, the easternmost settlement of Sogdian merchants of the 5th century, later the capital of the Western Turkic Khaganate, then serving as the westernmost fortress of the Tang Empire, where Li Bo, the great Chinese poet, was born. And it will also tell a lot of facts and legends related to the Burana Tower – traces of the ancient city of Balasagun with many Balbals (Kurgan stelae) around it, the capital of the Karakhanids, then the local Mongol garrison Gobalyk, who served from the 10th to the 14th centuries.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Today we will dive into the history of the territory of the country where the Great Silk Road took place, where there were capitals of different states. After meeting you at the hotel, we will move east 70 km, to the city of Tokmak, turn towards the mountains and in 15 minutes we are in the first location. Historical and architectural complex of Burana. This is the minaret of the mosque and the garrison of the city of Balasagun dating from the 11th-12th centuries, the capital of the Karakhanids. Tour of the complex: Burana Tower, Shahristan, Stone garden of balbals (Stone tombstones of the Turks), Museum. Now we are going to the next settlement Ak-Beshim, a 10 minute drive away. Ak-Beshim is an early Suyab, which was the capital of the Western Turkic Khaganate. There is no architectural infrastructure here yet, but only the remains of the settlement, which is in the process of excavation. We will take a short tour and return to the parking lot. After the history lesson, we return to the city. End of the tour. Thank you for choosing us!
What's included
Guide services, business class transport, entrance fee
Personal expenses, tips
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan