Day 14
Sunday, April 28
DRIVE TO BISHKEK
VIA BURANA TOWER Set
out for Bishkek today, visiting Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret near the
ancient town of Balasagun, a Sogdian city and later a Karakhanid capital.
Excavations here and at other sites in the Shamsy Valley yielded exquisite gold
burial masks and Scythian treasure, much of which is now at the Hermitage
Museum in St. Petersburg. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the city
walls then visit the small museum which has collections of balbals,
ancient stone figures, early Christian carvings, and Buddhist art.
Late this afternoon, arrive
in Bishkek (formerly Frunze) situated in the Chu River Valley and at the base
of the Kyrgyz Ala-Tau Ridge. Unpretentious and laid-back, Bishkek is a green,
pleasant place complimented by stunning views of the ever-present Tien Shan
Mountains. Here you’ll have dinner and the remainder of the evening at leisure
to relax at your comfortable hotel.
Hyatt
Regency Hotel (B, L)
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