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Karakol is a popular destination in Kyrgyzstan due to its proximity to Issyk-Kul Lake, Tien Shan Mountains, and popular hiking trails. In addition to the allure for thrillseekers, Karakol also has an interesting cultural heritage.
In this Karakol travel guide, I will discuss everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip here!
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 to Get to Karakol?
Most travelers to Karakol will be coming from Bishkek. If you are flying into Bishkek, you will first need to get from the Bishkek airport to the city center.
From Bishkek, you will take a 6-7 hour marshrutka ride to get to Karakol. Check out my detailed guide on how to travel from Bishkek to Karakol on a budget.
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.
What to Do Around Karakol
Hike to Ala-Kul Lake
The trek to Ala-Kul Lake is one of the most iconic hikes in Central Asia. Many travelers to Karakol come exclusively for this hike. I highly recommend this hike, just be sure to travel with somebody! If you plan on hiking without a tour guide, check out my guide on reaching Ala-Kul Lake!
Visit Jyrgalan Valley
Jyrgalan Valley is another great place to hike. It is located about 40 km east of Karakol, and can be accessed via marshrutka or taxi.
There are plenty of opportunities to hike or ride horses during the summer here. In the winter, it is a popular skiing destination. There are also several accommodation options in the valley.
Paragliding Over Issyk-Kul Lake
For the adrenaline junkies, there is an opportunity to paraglide over Issyk-Kul Lake! Sky Trial offers tandem paragliding that includes a GoPro video of the flight as well as a transfer to and from your hotel!
This is available in both summer and winter, but make sure to reach out ahead of time to confirm.
Kayaking Issyk-Kul Lake
For a more leisurely experience, kayaking on Issyk-Kul Lake is another great option.
I recommend booking the kayaks in advance, but you can also just show up to the pier.
To find the pier, search ПРИСТАН КЕМЕ ТУР on Google Maps.
What to Do in Karakol
Dungan Mosque
The Dungan people are en ethnic group of Chinese Muslims who fled to Kyrgyzstan in the late 19th century to escape persecution. Today, there is a sizable population of Dungans in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
The Dungan Mosque is an excellent example of traditional Dungan architecture. It has the appearance of a Chinese building with its colorful wooden façade and intricate carvings. It was also constructed originally constructed over 100 years ago, entirely without the use of nails!
Local Markets
There are a few local markets worth checking out in Karakol. The largest is Bugu Bazaar, which serves as the central market of the city.
If you decide to eat here, this will be your cheapest meal in Karakol. However, you may be turned off by the hygiene of the dishes, silverware, and number of flies. But don’t let this discourage you: I ate at the markets and was fine.
Eat at Dastorkon
I was lucky enough to discover Dastorkon (Дасторкон) from a recommendation of the owner of my hostel. I decided to eat there, and it was the best meal I ate in Karakol!
This restaurant offers live music and cultural dances. It also seems to be the place that every tour guide brings their group of foreigners, which is reflected by the prices.
While you can find cheaper food elsewhere, I recommend every visitor stop by here for at least one meal. I was able to try some local dishes that I could not find elsewhere.
Stay in a Yurt
Yurts have been used by the Kyrgyz people for centuries. You will find yurts all over Kyrgyzstan, and they are popular around Issyk-Kul Lake. For a truly unique experience, check out Yurt Stay in Downtown Karakol. To my knowledge, this is the only yurt camp located within Karakol, and it is definitely worth the experience!
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.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
