Location: Karakol
Top Things to do in Karakol
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol (Kyrgyz: Каракол, Qaraqol/Karakol, قاراقول, Kyrgyz pronunciation: [qɑrɑqoɫ]), formerly Przhevalsk, is the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, near the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the Kyrgyzstan-China border and 380 kilometres (240 mi) from the capital Bishkek. It is the administrative capital of Issyk-Kul Region. Its area is 44 square kilometres (17 sq mi), and its resident population was 66,294 in 2009 (both including Pristan'-Przheval'sk). To the north, on highway A363, is Tyup and to the southwest Jeti-Ögüz resort.
Restaurants in Karakol
1. Altyn Arashan
Overall Ratings
5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By NomadyTravel - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Altyn Arashan is beautiful, difficult-to-access valley south from Karakol. May be accessed from Karakol (by walk or offroad vehicle) or from Ala Kul lake. The valley is a great base for hiking and horse riding in the area. Good for less experienced hikers, who want to reach the lake Ala Kul. The simple settlement in the valley offers fair accommodation services (guest houses and yurts), horse riding and thermal-water basins. May be visited during all 4 seasons. The ride from Karakol takes 2-3 hours, hiking the same route 5 hours.
2. Issyk-Kul Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
Reviewed By NickRichards38 - Europe
Issyk-Kul lake is a beautiful resort waiting for mass tourism to happen. When I first started visiting the lake some 10 years ago, the Sovieto-Russian culture was still a major influence. Today, while a lot of Russians do go there the place is opening up to a broader more international type of tourist. The hotels are starting to offer the type of amenities westerners expect, starting with free wifi and restaurant menus in English. Again. it's a resort waiting for mass tourism to happen but in the meantime I will be going there again to enjoy the sun, the lake, the dried fish and the excursions to local sites of interests.
3. Ala Kul Lake
Overall Ratings
5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By SaliJill - South Dakota
This is a strenuous hike, that some even make a day trip out of from the hot Springs. Unfortunately, the day trippers are missing out on the stunning views of the Karakol Valley as well as the lakeside setting of the western part of the lake. I'm glad I did it. I wish I had known and planned to take more days to hang out and enjoy the place (and I took more time than most). Because it's stunning as well as one of the more easily reached lakes (and most publicized in guidebooks, photos and postcards), it's becoming heavily trodden. I went in early July and reached the pass with 40-50 others that day. This is only the beginning of the trekking season. I wish the National Park would use the fees charged to enter Karakol Valley (250 soms) and tent camp (150 soms) to do some trail maintenance (lots of erosion already taking place) and put in some solid foot Bridges (few water crossing were made wading through ice cold water). Don't pay anyone for camping other than the 150 soms to the National Park rangers. Early June trekkers had to dig through waist deep snow or didn't make it, so don't hike too early in the year.
4. Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathederal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By William899 - Walsall, United Kingdom
The church is just off the Main Street and was originally built without the use of nails. However, earthquakes have de-stabilised the building and now plenty of nails were visible. The outside is better than the interior which has the familiar icons but where no photos are allowed.
5. Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Megan P
Complete with stuffed animals, beautiful sketches, diary pages and maps, this museum gives a fascinating insight into the explorations of Nikolai Prezhevalsky.
Most labels are in both English and Russian, and a guide is available to answer questions.
While his routes and discoveries (flora, fauna etc.) are well documented, other aspects of his travel - military and political reconnaissance at the height of the Great Game - are notably absent. It's well worth doing some additional Reading to properly understand more of the story of this impressive man.
6. Dungan Mosque
Overall Ratings
4 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By William899 - Walsall, United Kingdom
Built by Chinese members of this religious and cultural group who had fled their homeland, the building has very good wooden carvings and it resembles a pagoda. We weren't allowed inside but it was easy to see through the windows. There were clean toilets in the courtyard. All the female members of our group had to wear brightly coloured, head to toe cloaks with hoods which produced brilliant photos..
7. Monument N.M. Przhevalsky
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By martyncymro - Coimbra, Portugal
Situated in the grounds of the Nikolai Przhevalsky museum I recommend talking the short walk though the Gardens (turn right after the museum) to the monument. It's an impressive structure and an excellent photo opportunity. A few metres beyond the monument there are views of the lake.
8. Karakol Ski Base
Overall Ratings
4 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By LechBK - Warsaw, Poland
If anyone speaks to local people, it seems to be obvious, everyone is proud of their Ski Base. For skiers the most important is the snow. This winter was not so cold and there was
not much snow. Artificial snow was also not available, Many
skiers especially from Russia, have gone to Chembolak where
snow in the Winter is guaranteed.
9. Karakol Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By S H - Cardiff, United Kingdom
This gorge comes into it's own once you pass the washed out section of the 4WD track. The valley will open up with pine tress meeting the valley floor with horses grazing peacefully and drinking from the stream. It is like a lost world. Idyllic and picture posted card stuff.
10. Karakol Cattle Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By namiller2308 - Tampa, Florida
Apparently every Sunday morning in Karakol they have the largest Animal Market in Kyrgyzstan. I have to admit it's different and offers many photo opts! If you are there for a coupe of Sunday's try to go on a clear day. The snow capped Mountains in the background look amazing. I had one of their burritos at a stand. Either I was hungry or it was great... To be honest I think it was a little bit of both! Go early if possible and see all the modes of transportation animals are moved!
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