Suyab, Balasagun, Navekat - day-trip to the medieval cities of the Chu River Valley

DURATION: 1 day
DISTANCE: up to 250 km.
SEASON: Year round.

This trail follows the footprints of trade caravans, that used to once traveled thru the Chu Valley - along one of the northern routes of the Silk Road.

Field excursions offered on this trip are developed by the researchers who have been participating in studies carried out on these sites. Air overviews of the medieval cities, horseback rides, folk music concert are being offered as optional add-ons to the main tour program and are hence printed in italics and a different font color.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Depart from Bishkek.

Krasnaia Rechka archeological site ( city of NAVEKAT):
- Air excursions depend much on the weather conditions. Best times for flights are during sunrise/set.
- Field excursion - Buddhist Temple, Rabad, Shakhristan, Fire Worshipers’ Temple (Zoroastrianist)
- Demonstration of coin collection from Krasnaya Rechka.

Light breakfast.

Transfer to Ak-Beshim archeological site.

Ak-Beshim (city of SUIAB):
- Field excursion (on horseback) Nestorian Christian Temple, Buddhist Temple, Rabad, and look for a Balbal stone figure.

Transfer to Burana tower. (on horseback) - 15 км

Lunch

Burana archeological site (city of BALASAGUN):
- Field excursion - Burana museum, the minarah, digs at the Shakhristan.

Transfer to Issyk-Ata mountain valley.

Issyk-Ata Buddha: Excursion at the 1930s mineral springs resort, Radon swiming pool. (downhill biking - 15 км)

Transfer to Bishkek.

Dinner, folk music performance.