Tokmok: Hotels and Accommodation

Tokmok lies in the eastern part of the Chuy Valley on the left bank of the Chu River. Those wishing to book a hotel in Tokmok can then continue their accommodation search.

Location

Tokmok Bazar is located at No. 1 Bazarnaya Square on S. Ibraimov Street. Tokmok City Park is associated with a former church that was later converted into a House of Culture.

Culture and History

Tokmok was founded in 1825–1830 as a Kokand fortress on the site of Balasagun. The Silk Road cities of Navikat, Suyab and Balasagyn in the Upper Chuy Valley were founded in the 6th century and developed into centres of cultural exchange between Indian, Chinese, Sogdian and Turkic cultures. The section of the Chuy Valley between Bishkek and Lake Issyk-Kul was an important political, economic and military centre and was connected to Byzantium and China via the Northern Silk Roads.

The archaeological city of Ak-Beshim, identified with the ancient city of Suyab, lies near Tokmok. Ak-Beshim is located south of the Chu River and south of present-day Tokmok. The archaeological city had three areas, including an almost rectangular, 35-hectare shakhristan enclosed by massive walls and a citadel.

The Tokmok Historical and Local Lore Museum presents regional history and culture, handicrafts, notable figures from Tokmok, Kyrgyz literary heritage, and an exhibition about Tokmok residents who took part in the Great Patriotic War. The museum is housed in a building erected in 1900, described as a historical monument of local significance and part of the architectural ensemble of the old town.

Tokmok’s multi-figure memorial complex stands on a raised platform in the city park and faces the main street. It can be viewed from all sides. The complex is a sculptural and architectural composition about the tragedy of war, heroic sacrifice and the affirmation of life.

The monument to Manap-biy was unveiled on 28 August 2009. It commemorates his role in the struggle of united Kyrgyz and Kazakh tribes to preserve the independence of their homeland. From 1619 to 1625, Manap-biy led Kyrgyz and Kazakh troops in the fight against Dzungar invaders.

Tokmok has an Il-28 aircraft monument at the intersection of Ibraimov and Lenin Streets, erected on 9 May 1975. A second aircraft monument stands at the entrance to Tokmok; it was erected in 2003 in honour of the local aviation regiment. The Il-28 monument commemorates pilots who died between 1941 and 1945.

Go-karting championships are held at the former military airfield in Tokmok.

Nature

Krasnaya Rechka rises below Tokmok at clear springs. Near Tokmok, as the river flows through the Korgol hunting estate, it forms fishing areas. Rainbow trout predominate in Krasnaya Rechka; bottom fishing, float fishing, spinning and fly fishing are used.

Visitors can climb the 11th-century Burana Tower and look from there across the Chuy Valley to the snow-capped Tien Shan.

More location pages: Novopavlovka, Kemin, Kant, Yurevka, Shamshy, Suusamyr, Lebedinovka, Shabdan

To the higher-level travel overview: Chuy Region.