# Kol-Tor Lake Hike & Burana Tower - Day Trip

A day for people who like to earn their view. We visit Burana Tower first, where the Silk Road town of Balasagun once stood. Then we drive into the mountains and hike 4 to 5 hours there and back to Kol-Tor Lake at 2,725 m, through pine forest and across small streams. Moderate, sometimes steep, and well within reach with basic fitness.

- Duration: 1 day
- Type: Day trips
- Best season: All year round
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: hiking - 1 day
- Price: from $100 per person (the exact price depends on group size and season). No prepayment to enquire.
- Group: small group or fully private, with a local English-speaking guide
- Page: https://azattours.com/tours/kol-tor-lake-hike-burana-tower-day-trip/

## Highlights

- Turquoise water of Kol-Tor Lake at 2,725 m
- Pine forest, small river crossings and open slopes
- Lunch box by the lake, trekking poles provided
- Burana Tower and its petroglyphs before the trail

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Bishkek to Burana Tower and Kol-Tor Lake

We pick you up from your hotel in Bishkek early in the morning. Tell your guide how you feel about hiking, and we set the pace from there. Burana Tower is about 80 km away, a comfortable drive with plenty of local stories.

At Burana you walk the grounds of Balasagun, a Silk Road trading town. Petroglyphs and finds from the 9th to 11th centuries show how people lived here. You can climb the tower for a wide view of the valley and the Tien Shan. It is a calm start before the mountains.

Then we drive to the Kol-Tor trailhead. The hike takes 4 to 5 hours there and back and is moderate, with some steady climbs. You start in pine forest, cross small rivers and come out onto open slopes. Trekking poles are included, and you can ride a horse up instead if you ask in advance.

Kol-Tor Lake sits at 2,725 m, turquoise from glacial minerals and ringed by peaks. We rest here with a lunch box of sandwiches, fruit and snacks. Then we walk down to the car and drive back to your hotel in Bishkek.

- Transfer: Bishkek to Burana Tower · 80 km, then on to Kol-Tor
- Activity: Hiking · 4-5 h
- Meals: Lunch box at the lake

## Common questions

**How long is this tour?** It runs 1 day, starting and ending in Bishkek.

**When is the best time to go?** The season runs All year round. June to September brings the warmest days, and the high-pasture yurt camps are open.

**How fit do I need to be?** It's moderately paced, with 1 days hiking. Good general fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing.

**How much does it cost?** From $100 per person. The exact price depends on group size and season, and we confirm it for your group within 24 hours.

## How to book

Send your dates and group size and we confirm availability and a tailored price within 24 hours: https://azattours.com/tours/kol-tor-lake-hike-burana-tower-day-trip/#book

- WhatsApp and phone: +996 502 888 001 (https://wa.me/996502888001)
- Email: azatbeyshenaliev1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azattourskg/
- Enquiry form: https://azattours.com/#plan
- Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan