Horseback riding in Chon Kemin Valley with Burana Tower

Ride mountain trails and visit an ancient Silk Road tower in one day

Horseback riding tour from Bishkek through Chon Kemin Valley with a live English or Russian guide, including entry to Burana Tower, traditional Kyrgyz lunch, and hotel pickup. The ride covers meadows and river trails suitable for all riding levels. The day runs 8 to 10 hours and includes transport to and from the valley, a visit to the 11th-century minaret and its museum, and dining at a local family guest house.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse ride and cultural visit

• Drive from Bishkek to Burana Tower
• Visit and climb Burana Tower
• Explore Burana Museum and balbals
• Enjoy authentic Kyrgyz family lunch
• Horse ride in Chon Kemin Valley
• Return drive to Bishkek

The experience

How do you get from Bishkek to remote mountain trails without arranging a vehicle yourself? This tour handles the drive (roughly 80 kilometers east through the Chuy Valley, taking 1 to 1.5 hours), and deposits you at Chon Kemin Valley with a horse, a guide, and a day ahead of you. The ride itself follows winding trails through meadows and alongside clear rivers, with the terrain pitched to suit both beginners and experienced riders. Your guide speaks English or Russian and knows the local landscape, wildlife and culture. The horses are trained and come with a stableman who helps with setup.

Before you ride, the tour stops at Burana Tower near Tokmok, an 11th-century minaret that once anchored the Silk Road city of Balasagun. You can climb to the top for views across the Chuy Valley toward the Tien Shan mountains, or walk the grounds to see balbals, ancient stone grave markers, and visit the museum, which holds coins, pottery and other artifacts from the region's trading past. Lunch happens at a local guest house, where a Kyrgyz family serves kattama, a warm flaky bread with soft fillings, alongside traditional dishes and vegetables. The meal is communal and unhurried, built around the hospitality that defines the area.

The return to Bishkek takes about 2 hours. Children from age 8 are welcome on the ride.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport from Bishkek to Chon Kemin Valley and back.
• entry to Burana Tower and its museum.
• horseback riding with a trained horse and stableman.
• a live guide in English or Russian.
• traditional Kyrgyz lunch at a local guest house featuring kattama bread and local dishes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Magic Tours KG

Is this one for you?The day is full (8 to 10 hours with driving, riding, sightseeing and dining), so it suits travelers who want to cover ground and don't mind a long schedule. If you prefer a shorter outing or a slower pace, a half-day ride or a visit to Burana Tower alone might fit better.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What's the riding like in Chon Kemin Valley for someone who's never been on a horse before?

The terrain in Chon Kemin Valley suits all riding levels, and your guide is trained to work with beginners. You'll ride along meadows and river trails at a pace the group can handle. The landscape is open enough that you're not navigating technical terrain, and the horses are well-trained and accustomed to riders of varying experience.

How long do you actually spend in the saddle?

The full day runs 8 to 10 hours from Bishkek and back, but that includes the drive, the stop at Burana Tower, lunch, and the return journey. The riding itself takes up the middle portion of the day. The exact time depends on the group's pace and how long you spend at the tower and the guest house.

What is Burana Tower and why is it worth visiting?

Burana Tower is an 11th-century minaret that stands near the ruins of Balasagun, a major city on the Silk Road. Climbing to the top gives you views of the Chuy Valley and the Tien Shan mountains. The site also has a museum with coins, pottery and other artifacts from the region's trading history, plus ancient stone sculptures called balbals that mark old graves.

What kind of food do you eat, and is it prepared for dietary needs?

Lunch is traditional Kyrgyz cuisine served at a local family guest house: kattama bread (warm, flaky, with soft fillings), traditional main dishes, fresh vegetables, and a traditional beverage. The meal is communal and showcases Kyrgyz family cooking. Dietary restrictions or preferences should be discussed when you book.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Bishkek?

Yes, hotel pickup from Bishkek is included. The drive to Chon Kemin Valley takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.