Tokmok is located in the eastern part of the Chuy Valley on the left bank of the Chu River. Anyone wishing to rent a vacation apartment in Tokmok can then continue searching for accommodation.
Culture and History
The Silk Road cities of Navikat, Suyab, and Balasagyn in the Upper Chuy Valley were founded in the 6th century and developed into centers of cultural exchange between Indian, Chinese, Sogdian, and Turkic cultures. The section of the Chuy Valley between Bishkek and Lake Issyk-Kul was connected to Byzantium and China via the Northern Silk Roads and was considered an important political, economic, and military center. Tokmok was founded in 1825–1830 as a Kokand fortress on the site of Balasagun.
Near Tokmok was the archaeological city of Ak-Beshim, which consisted of three areas, including an almost rectangular shahristan covering 35 hectares and enclosed by massive walls and a citadel. Ak-Beshim, which is identified with the ancient city of Suyab, lies south of the Chu River and south of present-day Tokmok.
The Tokmok Historical and Local Lore Museum presents the history and culture of the region, crafts, prominent figures from Tokmok, Kyrgyz literary heritage, and an exhibition about Tokmok residents who participated in the Great Patriotic War. The museum is housed in a building constructed in 1900, which is described as a locally significant historical monument and part of the architectural ensemble of the old town.
Cityscape and Memorial Sites
The Tokmok Bazaar is located at No. 1 Bazarnaya Square on S. Ibraimov Street. In the city park, on a raised platform overlooking Tokmok’s central street, stands a multi-figure memorial complex. It can be viewed from all sides and forms a sculptural and architectural composition dedicated to the tragedy of war, heroic sacrifice, and the affirmation of life.
The monument to Manap-biy was unveiled on August 28, 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.
At the intersection of Ibraimov and Lenin Streets stands an Il-28 aircraft monument, erected on May 9, 1975. A second aircraft monument stands at the entrance to the city and was erected in 2003 in honor of the local aviation regiment. The Il-28 monument commemorates pilots who died between 1941 and 1945.
Tokmok City Park is associated with a former church that was later converted into a house of culture.
River Landscape and Activities
Krasnaya Rechka begins at clear springs below Tokmok. Near Tokmok, the river forms fishing areas as it flows through the Korgol hunting reserve. Rainbow trout predominate there; bottom fishing, float fishing, spinning, and fly-fishing are used.
Go-karting championships are held at the former military airfield in Tokmok. Visitors can climb the 11th-century Burana Tower and look from there across the Chuy Valley to the snow-capped Tien Shan.
Other destinations: Novopavlovka, Yurevka, Kant, Kemin, Suusamyr, Shabdan, Lebedinovka, Shamshy.
