Burana Tower

Burana stands in the Chüy Valley near Tokmok, about 80 km east of Bishkek, on the site of Balasagun, one of the capitals of the Karakhanid state and home town of Yusuf Balasaguni, author of the Kutadgu Bilig.

Built in the 11th century, the minaret was originally about 45 metres high until a 15th-century earthquake destroyed its upper part. Visitors can climb it by an inner stairway.

The site also holds the remains of a citadel, three mausoleums and balbals — ancient Turkic stone figures gathered from the steppe — and a small museum shows finds from Balasagun.