Best Day Trips from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Burana Tower, Konorchek Canyon, and Ala-Archa National Park
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Bishkek
Is Konorchek Canyon worth visiting?
Absolutely. Konorchek Canyon was my favorite natural attraction during my visit to Kyrgyzstan. The reddish-orange rock formations, narrow passages, and elevated viewpoints were fantastic for photography. Some sections require scrambling over rocks, so it’s not suitable for everyone.
Can you visit Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon in one day?
Yes. I visited both locations on a private day trip from Bishkek. We explored Burana Tower first, stopped for lunch, and then continued to Konorchek Canyon. It makes for a long day, especially with Bishkek’s traffic, but the combination of history and dramatic scenery is worth it.
Which is better: Konorchek Canyon or Ala-Archa National Park?
That depends on what you want to see. Konorchek Canyon offers spectacular red-rock scenery and narrow canyon passages, while Ala-Archa features alpine forests, rugged mountains, and hiking trails. For photography, I particularly loved Konorchek Canyon. For a beautiful mountain escape, Ala-Archa is hard to beat.
One of the best things about Bishkek is how quickly you can leave the city behind and find yourself surrounded by spectacular mountains, canyons, and beautiful scenery. Kyrgyzstan has some incredible landscapes, and I wanted to explore as much of the countryside as possible during my stay.
I booked two day trips from Bishkek: one to Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon, and another to Ala-Archa National Park. Both offered completely different experiences, from ancient Silk Road history to hiking through colorful canyons and the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.
And, of course, a few unexpected adventures along the way.
Day Trip 1: Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon
Booking a Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon Tour
I originally booked a small-group tour to Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon. Apparently, nobody else had signed up for that particular day, so I was offered the option of upgrading to a private tour for an additional $60.
Why not?
Having a driver and guide to myself meant I could spend more time taking photographs without worrying about keeping up with a large group. For me, that’s worth the extra money.
I arranged for my guide to pick me up at 9 a.m. so I could enjoy breakfast at my hotel first.
The breakfast buffet was quite good, served on the top floor with some nice views over Bishkek. The coffee, however, was another story.
Hot water and instant coffee.
Really?
Not exactly the way I prefer to start my morning, but at least I had a decent breakfast.
My driver arrived in a 2003 Lexus that was in remarkably good condition, especially the interior. Quite comfortable, actually.
We headed out of Bishkek toward our first stop, Burana Tower.
Burana Tower: Ancient Silk Road History
Burana Tower is one of Kyrgyzstan’s best-known historical landmarks and a surviving reminder of the ancient city of Balasagun, an important settlement along the Silk Road.
The brick minaret dates to the Karakhanid period and stands surrounded by open fields, mountains, and a collection of ancient stone carvings.
It’s a fascinating place to visit, particularly when you consider how much history has passed through this part of Central Asia.
I spent some time wandering around the grounds and photographing the tower from different angles.
Visitors can climb a narrow staircase inside the tower to reach an elevated viewpoint. I had originally considered doing this, but quickly changed my mind.
There was a group of rather large Canadian tourists slowly making their way down the stairs, and an enormous Chinese tour group was getting ready to head up.
The thought of getting trapped inside that narrow tower while everyone attempted to squeeze past one another wasn’t particularly appealing.
No thanks.
I already had the photographs I wanted from ground level, so I skipped the climb.
Sometimes knowing when to avoid a crowd is just as important as finding the right photography location.
Lunch on the Way to Konorchek Canyon
After visiting Burana Tower, we continued toward Konorchek Canyon.
My original itinerary had also included Kok-Moinok Canyon, but my guide suggested skipping it and spending more time at Konorchek instead.
According to him, Konorchek was the more beautiful location.
I was happy to take his advice. One of the benefits of having a private tour is being able to adjust the itinerary without having to consult a busload of people.
We stopped at a buffet restaurant along the way.
The food was interesting. Lots of meat and potatoes, which seemed to be a recurring theme during my travels through Central Asia.
I also tried the local fruit compote drink.
Probably a mistake.
I asked whether it had been prepared with filtered water, but I wasn’t entirely convinced by the answer. It certainly didn’t taste like the filtered water I was accustomed to.
Oh well. Another culinary adventure. My stomach had been a mess anyways for quite some time. I only had a few days left…
Hiking Konorchek Canyon: Trails, Viewpoints and Photography
Konorchek Canyon was fantastic!
This was easily one of my favorite natural attractions during my time in Kyrgyzstan. Actually, it was my favorite.
The canyon features enormous reddish-orange rock formations, narrow passages, steep cliffs, and some wonderful geological shapes. The colors and textures were incredible, especially as the sunlight moved across the canyon walls.
Exactly the kind of scenery I love photographing.
I ended up spending considerably more time exploring than originally planned.
One thing worth mentioning: This is not an easy, accessible walk for everyone.
There are rocky sections, uneven terrain, and places where you need to scramble over obstacles to continue (I call this mountain goat time). I encountered a Canadian woman I had met earlier at Burana Tower who was traveling with another group. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to make it up to one of the viewpoints.
I felt bad for her because the views from above were spectacular.
Once I reached the main canyon area, I spent a considerable amount of time wandering around the smaller side passages and photographing the rock formations.
I absolutely loved it.
The narrow canyons offered endless compositions, with colorful cliffs, shadows, and unusual textures everywhere I looked.
My only complaint?
Other tourists.
Not their presence, necessarily. I understand that everyone wants to experience these places.
But some people seem incapable of enjoying nature without talking continuously at full volume. Take a freaking breath! Sorry, rant over.
There I was, surrounded by beautiful canyon walls, trying to enjoy the silence and concentrate on my photography, while conversations echoed through the narrow passages.
Sometimes I just want nature without the running commentary.
Fortunately, there were enough side passages and quieter areas that I could wander off and enjoy the scenery on my own.
And the photography opportunities were excellent.
I could have spent even longer exploring Konorchek Canyon.
The Long Drive Back to Bishkek
Eventually, it was time to head back to the city.
The return journey took approximately three hours, and once we approached Bishkek, the traffic became predictably miserable.
Bishkek traffic is something else.
Getting around central Bishkek in the late afternoon can be painfully slow.
Once I finally made it back, I headed to Victory Square to photograph the monument in the evening light.
I wasn’t going to let a little traffic ruin my photography plans.
Dinner in Bishkek: Beer with a Straw?
That evening, I ate dinner at an Italian restaurant near a rooftop viewpoint I planned to visit the following day.
The food was fine, but something else caught my attention.
They served beer with straws.
Straws!
In beer!
And people were actually drinking it that way.
I’ve encountered plenty of interesting cultural differences during my travels, but this one was difficult to comprehend.
My German ancestry simply couldn’t process what I was witnessing.
Some things should be sacred.
Apparently, drinking beer without a straw isn’t one of them in this particular restaurant.
Day Trip 2: Ala-Archa National Park
Getting to Ala-Archa National Park from Bishkek
My second excursion from Bishkek was to Ala-Archa National Park, one of the most popular mountain destinations near the capital.
This time, I was joining a small group.
The driver picked me up at my hotel, and we headed to the western side of Bishkek to collect two Canadian tourists.
Unfortunately, they weren’t ready.
They said they had been told pickup was at 8:30 a.m., while our driver was expecting them at 8.
So we sat around waiting for a while.
Eventually, everyone was accounted for, and we headed toward the mountains.
Along the way, our driver made one of those ambitious left-hand turns that seem fairly common in Central Asia, quickly veering into oncoming traffic.
The Canadians were horrified and muttered under their breaths.
By this point in my travels, I was getting accustomed to the driving.
I immediately thought of the old rock song, You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
Seemed appropriate.
Welcome to Central Asia!
“but but Baby You Just Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!”
Arriving at Ala-Archa National Park
Ala-Archa National Park is located in the mountains south of Bishkek and is one of the easiest places to experience Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular alpine scenery.
The mountains here are beautiful, with rugged peaks, forests, rivers, and hiking trails.
We arrived at the park entrance, where our driver parked the car.
From there, visitors passed through the entrance gate and boarded a shuttle bus for the approximately seven-kilometer ride farther into the park.
Once we reached the main visitor area, we had several options for exploring, including hiking trails and a gondola.
We decided to start with a walk.
And what a beautiful place!
Hiking in the Mountains and Meeting Some Strange Squirrels
The mountain scenery was absolutely gorgeous.
Fresh air, towering peaks, pine forests, and beautiful views in nearly every direction. Unlike yesterday, it was quiet.
I was having a great time wandering along the trails and taking photographs.
There was also a place where visitors could feed some rather unusual-looking squirrels.
These weren’t quite like the squirrels I’m used to seeing back home in North Carolina.
They had these strange little tufts of hair above their ears that stuck straight up into the air, almost like eyebrows.
They reminded me of the bizarre-looking doctor from David Lynch’s Dune.
An odd comparison, perhaps, but once I noticed the resemblance, I couldn’t unsee it.
And then I remembered something.
While traveling in Tajikistan, a taxi driver who took me to the airport in Dushanbe had given me a handful of walnuts.
I had completely forgotten about them.
They were still buried somewhere in my camera bag!
Perfect.
I cracked open a few walnuts and used them to feed the squirrels.
The squirrels certainly appreciated them. So did the bird that swooped out of the sky and snatched some of them from my hand. It terrified me- I was not expecting it and must have jumped a mile into the air.
Ala-Archa Gondola Ride and Mountain Views
After our walk, we returned to the gondola station and rode up the mountain.
The views were beautiful, although the upper area was considerably more touristy than the quieter trails below.
Lots of people wandering around, taking photographs, and enjoying the view from the platform.
I still had a few walnuts left, so I gave them to a Chinese family who were interested in feeding the squirrels. I demonstrated how I was breaking the walnuts with my feet.
The rest of our conversation took place through Google Translate.
One of the things I enjoy about traveling is how these little interactions happen unexpectedly. You don’t necessarily speak the same language, but somehow everyone figures out how to communicate.
How Much Time Do You Need at Ala-Archa?
I was enjoying myself so much that I completely lost track of time.
Apparently, so did the rest of the group.
When we finally returned, our driver seemed a little annoyed.
I never really understood what the day’s schedule was supposed to be, so I wasn’t particularly concerned.
I had assumed lunch would be somewhere inside the park, so I brought along some leftover pizza and ate it at the aerial viewpoint.
Later, I discovered that lunch was actually scheduled back in Bishkek around 2 p.m.
By then, I wasn’t especially interested in eating another meal. I had other plans.
Back to Bishkek and a Visit to Osh Bazaar
Instead of joining the others for lunch, I asked the driver to drop me off in town.
He complained about the traffic.
Understandable, given what Bishkek traffic is like.
But I reminded him that I was paying for the tour, and surely dropping me somewhere convenient in the city wasn’t too much to ask.
After all, I was paying him the big bucks.
Wasn’t I?
Anyway, he dropped me off, and I walked toward Osh Bazaar.
I was hoping to find a few refrigerator magnets as souvenirs.
Simple enough, right?
Osh Bazaar is enormous, with multiple buildings and market areas spread over several blocks. It’s a maze of stalls selling everything imaginable.
Food, clothing, household goods, produce, and all sorts of other merchandise.
I wandered around for a while trying to find souvenir magnets.
Nothing.
Eventually, I got frustrated and gave up.
There are only so many market stalls I’m willing to walk through in search of a refrigerator magnet. I don’t love markets- I lasted about twenty minutes before I decided enough was enough and wanted to head back to my hotel.
Final Thoughts: Are These Bishkek Day Trips Worth It?
Absolutely.
Both excursions were excellent, but they offered very different experiences.
Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon combined an interesting historical site with some spectacular canyon scenery. Burana Tower was worth seeing, but Konorchek Canyon was the real highlight for me. The colorful rock formations, narrow passages, and elevated viewpoints were fantastic for photography.
Ala-Archa National Park was a completely different experience. Beautiful alpine scenery, mountain trails, interesting wildlife, and some wonderful opportunities to photograph the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains.
If you’re interested in hiking and nature photography, I would highly recommend both excursions.
Just remember that some of the trails, particularly at Konorchek Canyon, require a reasonable level of mobility and fitness.
Would I book the private tour upgrade again?
Definitely.
For an extra $60, having the flexibility to spend more time photographing the places I enjoyed was worth it. I generally prefer traveling independently, but having a driver who knows the area can make visiting these locations considerably easier.
And for photographers, being able to adjust the itinerary is a real advantage.
The biggest downside to both excursions was the traffic getting in and out of Bishkek. The city itself is wonderfully walkable, but driving through it can test anyone’s patience.
Still, the scenery outside the city more than makes up for it.
As with all my travels, I took plenty of photographs that will eventually become reference material for my watercolor paintings.
The dramatic cliffs of Konorchek Canyon, the ancient architecture of Burana Tower, and the mountain landscapes of Ala-Archa National Park all offer completely different subjects to explore.
I never know exactly which photograph will inspire a future painting. Sometimes it happens almost immediately. Other times, the images sit in my archives for years before something catches my attention. That’s part of the fun.
Kyrgyzstan certainly gave me plenty of inspiration.
References:
Hotels
Orient Hotel Bishkek- Excellent Location, Breakfast, and Panoramic City Views
During my visit to Bishkek, I stayed at the four-star Orient Hotel and really enjoyed it! Located in the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s capital, the hotel is within easy walking distance of Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, restaurants, and many of the city’s major attractions. The rooms are a little on the small side, but they’re comfortable and perfectly adequate for exploring the city.
Two features really stood out during my stay. First, I loved the purified drinking water dispensers located on each floor, making it easy to refill water bottles without constantly purchasing bottled water. Second, the enormous breakfast buffet on the tenth floor was fantastic! The restaurant’s panoramic windows provide wonderful views north across Bishkek, making breakfast an experience in itself. For travelers who value location, convenience, and a good breakfast over oversized rooms, Orient Hotel is an excellent choice.
Best for: Independent travelers, photographers, and visitors seeking comfortable, centrally located accommodations with impressive city views.
Five Hotel- Stylish Modern Accommodations in the City Center
Five Hotel offers an attractive alternative for travelers seeking modern accommodations in central Bishkek. This contemporary hotel features stylish, comfortably furnished guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. Breakfast is included, and underground parking is available subject to space.
Its convenient location provides access to Bishkek’s parks, shopping areas, restaurants, and cultural attractions. For visitors interested in exploring the city’s surprisingly walkable streets and abundant green spaces, Five Hotel provides a comfortable base without the expense of a large international luxury hotel.
Best for: Couples, families, independent travelers, and visitors seeking modern accommodations in a central location.
Hyatt Regency Bishkek- Five-Star Luxury Near the City’s Cultural Attractions
For travelers looking to splurge, the five-star Hyatt Regency Bishkek offers upscale accommodations in the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s capital. Located near the State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Oak Park, and Bishkek’s cultural district, the hotel provides convenient access to many of the city’s most popular attractions.
Guests can enjoy spacious rooms and suites, several dining options, a fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Some accommodations offer views toward the spectacular Tien Shan Mountains, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the city. After a day exploring Bishkek or returning from an excursion into Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and valleys, the Hyatt Regency offers a luxurious place to relax.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, business visitors, and tourists seeking upscale amenities near Bishkek’s main attractions.
Coffee
Finding coffee—especially good coffee—in Central Asia was considerably more difficult than I anticipated. Most coffee shops didn’t open until 8 a.m., which wasn’t particularly helpful for an early riser like me. About half the hotels I stayed in served instant coffee (which barely qualifies as coffee in my book). I never found bottled iced coffee in supermarkets, either—just endless selections of energy drinks.
There were a handful of 24-hour coffee shops, but I only managed to find one near my hotels. Naturally, it was inexplicably closed one morning when I needed it most.
If you’re someone who needs a decent cup of coffee to start the day, plan accordingly. You have been warned!
Tours
Find things to do in Bishkek day trips (museums and public transport), and more:
I book almost all my tours through Expedia- both Ala-Archa and Burana tours can be found here (private and group)
Travel Guides
Here is the recently published Lonely Planet Guide. This is what I used to plan the trip (in conjunction with the all-beloved internet):
Another travel guide available for Central Asia:
Flights:
Buses are slow in Central Asia, and what looks like a short trip on a map can take much longer thanks to those inconveniently tall things called mountains between most destinations. For that reason, I flew whenever it made sense:
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Ryan Fox Painting