TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Burana Tower – Balasagun was a city in the Chuy region during the Karakhanid Khanate. Excavations have revealed that the double walls of the settlement enclosed 30 sq km, including a fortress, many workshops, bazaars, a bathhouse, and a plot of arable land. Water brought by a large pipe from a neighboring canyon. As the Karakhanid rule was shaken by Mongol invasions, Balasagun began a slow decline, eventually becoming a ghost town in the 15th century.
Burana Tower is the most visible remnant of the old city. Built in the 11th century, the tower is thought to have been a minaret. It was originally double it’s current height of 24.6 meters. Historian’s believe the top half to have been destroyed in a 15th century earthquake.
Issyk-Kul Lake – the crown jewel of the Tian Shan, Lake Issyk-Kul is 6232 sq m of sparkling blue paradise. The second largest saline lake in the world, its name in Kyrgyz means “hot lake”– though surrounded by spectacular snow capped peaks, the water never freezes. Silk Road traders stopped here to recover from the grueling trek over the passes of the Tian Shan, and it is still the most popular destination in Kyrgyzstan to relax for both tourists and locals.
Song-Kul Lake – in Kyrgyz “the final lake”. Son Kul gleams like a brilliant sapphire on it’s lush green mountain plateau. At 3016 m it is inaccessible during winter months, and even in summer weather conditions can change rapidly. “The Last Lake” is considered one of the most beautiful areas for summer pasturing with an area of 270 km sq. In winter the lake freezes over with ice more than a meter thick.
Nomads have been making the upland trek to this 3016 m asl lake since ancient times with their livestock. Some left mysterious “standing stone” arrangements. Lake Son-Kul is a beautiful place to experience life on a jailoo – summer pasture. Ride horses in the surrounding mountains, or stay in a yurt and experience an old-fashioned Kyrgyz summer.
