Places to visit

Burana Tower is seven km. far from the city of Tokmok. It is an 11th century minaret, and one of the first buildings of such type in Central Asia. The original height of minaret was 45 meters. Today the tower is 24.6 meters high, the remaining part came down during an earthquake in the 15th century. In the 10th to 12th centuries, Karakhanids khanate was a great feudal state of Central Asia and Kazakhstan.

The founders, "karakhans", chigil tribes by birth, lived in the Tien-Shan and for a short time of the second half of the 10th century they conquered a large territory. One of the capitals of this state was Balasagun. In Karakhanids' time new towns and settlements were developing, the centers of big cities were improved and Moslem religious buildings were built in the town of Balasagun. Burana tower, mausoleums and other buildings found after archeological excavations are the witnesses of that build up. The town's life declined slowly, people left it, the buildings fell apart and finally in the 15th century it ceased to exit.

Burkhan-Bulak is the highest waterfall in Kazakhstan. It is located in the Yeskeldinskiy district of Almaty region, in the Dzungarian Alatau mountains, in the Kora river gorge, above the town of Tekeli of regional importance, 130 km from Taldykorgan. The total height of Burkhan-Bulak is 168 meters, and the visible part includes three lower cascades, the height of 114 meters.

This majestic waterfall is a spectacular natural spectacle. Overcoming the steep cliffs, the water forms four stunning cascades, which impress with their power and beauty. Burhan Bulak Waterfall is known not only for its height, but also for the impressive water curtains created by each cascade.

The place where the waterfall is located is surrounded by the picturesque nature of the Dzungarian Alatau. Mountainous scenery, lush vegetation and clear mountain water make the place attractive to visitors. Locals and tourists often visit Burkhan Bulak to enjoy its splendor, have a picnic or simply enjoy nature.

International Caravanserai of culture Ikuo Hirayama in Tashkent is a unique object, which is both a museum and a scientific and cultural center.

Against the background of familiar Tashkent-looking blue domes and minarets, the Gothic silhouette of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, unusual for Central Asia, stands out - this is the main Catholic cathedral in Uzbekistan , known to local residents as the "Polish Church". It is worth saying that Christianity began to spread on the territory of Central Asia in the first centuries of our era due to the development of the Silk Road.

Nevertheless, the first Catholic churches appeared only several centuries later - for example, the construction of this cathedral began in 1912, and prisoners of war were mainly involved in this process, among whom there were many specialists - architects, engineers, sculptors, etc. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture. The decoration of its obnoxious and dark facade are stained glass windows and spiers, the interior decoration is lined with granite and marble, and the furniture and doors are made of precious woods. The main hall is adorned with a 2-meter statue of Jesus Christ and a musical organ.

Against the background of familiar Tashkent-looking blue domes and minarets, the Gothic silhouette of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, unusual for Central Asia, stands out - this is the main Catholic cathedral in Uzbekistan , known to local residents as the "Polish Church". It is worth saying that Christianity began to spread on the territory of Central Asia in the first centuries of our era due to the development of the Silk Road.

Nevertheless, the first Catholic churches appeared only several centuries later - for example, the construction of this cathedral began in 1912, and prisoners of war were mainly involved in this process, among whom there were many specialists - architects, engineers, sculptors, etc. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture. The decoration of its obnoxious and dark facade are stained glass windows and spiers, the interior decoration is lined with granite and marble, and the furniture and doors are made of precious woods. The main hall is adorned with a 2-meter statue of Jesus Christ and a musical organ.

Coordination office of CBT Arslanbob leading by Hayat. Our local partner for trekking, horseback riding and ski touring in the region of the largest nuts forest in the world. With Hayat the coordinator of CBT Arslanbob, we are developing new routes and programs. In partnership with the Swiss NGO "Boule de neige", we are supporting winter sport access to children of Arslanbob village.

Nomad's Land with CBT Chong Kemin offer an amazing trek routes to the Issyk Kul lake. Janybek is the coordinator of the association based in the village of Karol Doeboe

CBT Talas offers a good alternative to poor housing that can be found in the town of Talas. Turdubek, the coordinator, will be glad to show its oblast. CBT Talas as one the most important ecotouristic actor in Talas is our partner in order to organize the long trek between Talas and Sary Shelek lakes. Ask us for our cultural, horseback riding and trekking's programs.

In 1932, Ella Maillart, a Swiss adventurer, describes the market of Kyzyl Suu, formerly Pakrovka, in her book "From the Celestial Mountains to the Red Sands". She makes a last supply before leaving to search for the basmatchis who were hiding in the Tien Shan mountains. The market is in the centre of the village on the main road south of Lake Issyk Kul.

You can find everything here, but the main reason for coming is fresh bread, meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy products.

Central Mosque of Kyzyl Suu

The Central Mosque is the largest mosque in Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan. It opened on September 2, 2018. Likewise it located along Avenue Zhibek Zholy (Silk Road). 

Furthermore it was built in the style of Ottoman architecture.  The area of the covered part of the mosque is 7.5 thousand square meters.  Inside, the mosque can simultaneously pray up to 6 thousand people. Taking into account that in the courtyard of the mosque can still pray 20 thousand people.

Chaek is the administrative center of the rayon of Jumgal. Its bazar is now replaced by many small shop on the border of the main street. 

Shakhrisabz is a city in Qashqadaryo Province in southern Uzbekistan. It was founded more than 2700 years ago.

On the main road from Bishkek to Merke in Kazakhstan.

Lake Chapdara or locally called Kuli Chapdara, the largest of the Alaudin Lakes (300 to 400 meters in diameter), which is part of a system consisting mainly of three large and several small lakes, connected by underground tributaries and outlets mountain waters. It is located in the Ayni region in the western part of the Gissar ridges of the Fan Mountains. They are located in the upper gorge of the Chapdara River, at the foot of the peak bearing its name and culminating at 5,049 meters above sea level.

Chor Minor or Char Minar is also known as the Madrasah of Khalif Niyaz-kul. It is located in an alley northeast of the Lyab-i Hauz complex. It is protected as a monument of cultural heritage and is also part of the historic center of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bukhara. In Tajik, the name of the monument means "four minarets", in reference to the four towers of the building.

The structure was built by Khalif Niyaz-kul, a wealthy inhabitant of Bukhara of Turkmen origin in 1807 during the reign of the Manghit dynasty. The function of this building is still not very clear. The minarets were not used for the call to prayer. Originally it was part of a madrasa complex, which was demolished. The building has no analogue in Bukhara architecture, and Niyazkul's inspiration and patterns are unclear.

Charvak Reservoir would be a simple artificial reservoir, if not for its emerald waters against the backdrop of beautiful nature, so harmoniously framing the shores. In the background, the teeth of the Tien Shan Mountains are displayed, and the total length of the reservoir coastline is almost a hundred kilometers. This contributed to the fact that with the advent of the reservoir, the resort infrastructure began to actively develop: the best hotels in Uzbekistan, summer camps, boarding houses and tourist centers now operate on the coast, the entire coastal territory is divided into several large recreational areas.

Charyn Canyon is a picturesque deep gorge in Kazakhstan, stretching for 154 km along the Charyn river valley, not far from the border with China and Kyrgyzstan. The dried up bed of the ancient river, a unique natural monument, more than 12 million years old, fascinates with its cosmic landscapes. Given the size and geological features of the Charyn Canyon, it is often referred to as the "younger brother" of one of the largest gorges of the planet: the American Grand Canyon. We can also observe a Relic Forest of ash tree. Reddish cliffs and abysses that are similar to castle towers, depths from 150 to 300 m, impress everyone who has been here. The most visited and famous is the site of the canyon, called the "Valley of Castles". Enjoy a walk along a narrow valley with fantastic-shaped walls.

It was declared a protected reserve in 1964 and today intagrated in the Charyn National Park.

Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum is located near the Samani Mausoleum, in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Its name means Job's well, due to the legend in which Ayub visited this place and made a well by striking the ground with his staff. The water of this well is still pure and is considered healing.

The Chatkal valley follows the mountain chain of the same name, to the north-west of this chain, over a length of 160km before flowing into the Charvak dam in Uzbekistan. By road, there are only 2 accesses, either by Talas to the north and the Kara-Bura Ashuu pass located at 3302m. alt .; or from the south, via the Chapchyma Ashuu pass 2841m. alt. when arriving from the town of Kerben.

The capital is the village of Kanysh-Kyya, and the lower part of the valley is in the Besh-Aral nature reserve.

The Chatkal river is one of the most beautiful rivers for rafting, on the other hand tourist infrastructures are still very rare there.
On the other hand, the mineral resources are important there: lead, silver, zinc, antimony and building materials.

The natural parks located to the north and northwest of the valley benefit several species. The fauna is very particular and rich in the mountains. In the forests, among the wild fruit trees and bushes, live wild boars, foxes, bears, sometimes deer. The porcupine, the badger, the forest dormouse live in forest areas. The marten, sometimes the ermine and the weasel huddle near the rocks. High in the mountains graze Siberian goats, which are hunted by snow leopards. Groundhogs are everywhere. But above all there are a lot of birds here. The deciduous forests are rich in starlings, orioles, blackbirds, woodpeckers, goldfinches and nightingales. Magpies, coarse juniper, finches, mountain buntings live in juniper forests. On the rocks and the steep slopes nest doves, swifts and many birds of prey: vulture, kestrel, vulture, golden eagle and others. And stone placers are favorite places for partridges and grouse. Three types of fish are commonly found in mountain rivers: common marinka, Amu-Darya char, and Turkestan catfish.

Chatyr-Kul lake is an endorheic lake on the south-western side of the At-Bashi  range in the district of Naryn Province. On the south, the road linking Bishkek to Kashgar runs alongside the lake and exceptional mineral water sources. But it is above all the summer habitat of many species of migratory birds. The name of the lake means “Celestial Lake” in Kyrgyz (literally "Roof Lake"). The lake and around it is part of the Karatal-Japyryk State Nature Reserve. The lake is a Ramsar site of globally significant biodiversity. To access to the lake, you need a special border permit.