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If you are traveling in Kyrgyzstan, you have probably heard of Karakol. This city in eastern Kyrgyzstan is famous for its proximity to Issyk-Kul Lake and Ala-Kul Lake. I highly recommend every traveler to Kyrgyzstan to check out Karakol for its beautiful scenery and interesting culture.
In this guide, I’ll discuss how to travel from Bishkek to Karakol on a budget.
Table of Contents
Where is Karakol?
Karakol is a city located in eastern Kyrgyzstan, near the eastern tip of Issyk-Kul Lake. It is located at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains.
How Far is Bishkek From Karakol?
Karakol is located about 400 kilometers (about 250 miles) east of the capital city of Bishkek.
The Best Way to Get From Bishkek to Karakol
The best way to get from Bishkek to Karakol is via marshrutka, or “shared minivan”. These vehicles are very common in Central Asia, and are a reliable way to travel around the country.
(If you are flying into Bishkek, check out my guide on getting from the Bishkek airport to city center via marshrutka!)
In order to get to the correct marshrutka to take you to Karakol, you will have to go to the Western Bus Station in Bishkek.
Where is the Western Bus Station?
If you type in “Western Bus Station” on Google Maps, the correct location will come up.
The Russian translation is Западный Автовокзал. If you want to try to pronounce it to your taxi driver, it will be as follows:
zah-pahd-nee av-toh-vok-zal
Which Marshrutka to Choose?
There are various marshrutkas that take you to Karakol. I took Marshrutka 501. The signs on the front of the marshrutkas tell where they are going. Look for “Каракол” as this means “Karakol“. There will also likely be drivers approaching you to ask where you are headed. They will point you to the right direction.
How Long Does it Take to Get From Bishkek to Karakol?
Marshrutkas heading to Karakol may take two different routes: one route is shorter and goes around the northern side of Issyk-Kul Lake. The other route is much longer and goes around the southern side of Issyk-Kul Lake.
I recommend taking the shorter route. It will take between 6 to 7 hours to arrive.
How Much Does it Cost to Get From Bishkek to Karakol?
If you take a marshrutka via the shorter route, it will cost around 500 KGS (about $5.60 USD).
If you are stopping at a town between Bishkek and Karakol, such as Cholpon Ata, the price will be around 250-400 KGS.
The Journey
The first part of the journey is pretty smooth. The road from Bishkek is pretty reasonably maintained, so the journey is pretty comfortable.
After 2.5 hours, you will stop at Kerben Saray Kafe for about 20 minutes. I recommend using the bathroom and grabbing a snack here.
The rest of the trip is slightly less comfortable. The roads aren’t as well maintained around the lake, so the trip will be slower and bumpier.
Arriving in Karakol
You will arrive in Karakol at the Karakol Avtovokzaly, or “bus station”. I recommend saving this location in your phone so you will know where to find the marshrutka that will take you back to Bishkek.
Tips for the Journey
- Bring good earplugs. The marshrutka may be blaring music the entire trip. Grab some earplugs to avoid a headache and be able to sleep.
- Depart in the morning. This will allow you to enjoy the scenery while on the road. Plus, you won’t arrive at Karakol after dark.
- Bring some anti-nausea medicine. I personally did not get sick during this journey, but I have spoken with other travelers who did. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Where to Stay in Karakol
If you are staying in Karakol on a budget, I highly recommend staying at The Nest Hostel. This is a family-run hostel that will provide the most bang for your buck! The hosts are very friendly and will make your stay enjoyable.
If you are looking for something more private, I recommend checking out the Ordo Hotel. This is the highest rated hotel in Karakol. It is conveniently located in the center of town.
For a truly unique experience, check out Yurt Stay in Downtown.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
