Location: Karakol
Top Things to do in Karakol
Top 10 Things to do in Karakol, Issyk Kul Province
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
5.0 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By josephuk789 - London, United Kingdom
I and with my friend we visited Altyn Arashan in April, Its very beautiful place to visit. On the way wild flowers and animals, That time was bit snow and we choose trekking tour, even possible to go by car and by horse. Our tour organized by "Travel Forever" company in Karakol city. It was absolutely amazing tour in Kyrgyzstan 7 days. Very easy to contact with them on FB or Mail.
2. Ala Kul Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By guide_kyrgyzstan - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
I visited the lake at the end of September. I was sure that the weather would be horrible. Fortunately, it was wonderful weather for such month! We started our riding from Altyn-Arashan to Ala-Kul lake. It takes about one day to get there. The last 30 min of our way was on foot. If you don't have time and equipments, better go from Altyn-Arashan to the lake. It was a challenge for me since I went with my sprained ankle. I was so eager to reach the lake even I forgot my pain in my foot. My wish for 2019 was done successfully! It was amazing view of the lake, seemed that it was glad to see us. I know that it will not be the last climb.
3. Jyrgalan Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Jyrgalan Valley is located 60 km east to Karakol, Ysyk Kol Province, Kyrgyzstan. Stunning nature, waterfalls, mountains. Summer tourism: hiking, trekking, base yurt camps, horseback riding, kymyz (mares' milk) treatment. Winter tourism: freeride skiing, snowshoe tours, snowcat and snowmobile tours, avalanche safety equipment.
Reviewed By wutani - Darwin, Australia
We will recommend the Jyrgalan Valley to all friends coming to Kyrgyzstan. The valley is a short journey from Karakol, but largely untouched by tourism. The scenery is spectacular, with green meadows, wildflowers, pristine lakes, snowy peaks and dramatic views in all directions. We loved the 3-day Box Uchuk lakes hike, with the highlight being a river crossing on horseback and being accompanied by two mares (+ horse porters) and their foals! Anyone who enjoys trekking will love this place!
4. Issyk-Kul Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By FTMDave - Adria, Italy
I know the southern side of the lake is wilder, but I travelled from Balykchy to Tamchy on the northern side - the idea being to relax in a smaller place and swim a lot. It's quite something swimming in August in crystal-clear water with snow-covered peaks on both sides of the lake!
5. Karakol Gorge
6. Karakol Ski Base
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By 75petern - Berlin, Germany
Ski Area with good facilities, at the top over 3040m, perfect views over Lake Issyk Kul and the surrounding mountains. All kind of different slopes even for advances skiers. And so easy to reach from Bishkek or Almaty. Highly recommended!!
7. Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By JGDynamo - Canada, null
We visited the Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum in Karakol last summer while in the city and it is a great museum dedicated to the life and explorations of the Russian explorer. His writings, books, musings, maps, and all of his discoveries of the flora and fauna are a wonder to see. Definitely a good spot to visit in Karakol, I really enjoyed it and would have liked to have spent more time here.
8. Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathederal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By OneAddictedTraveler - Lake Elmo, United States
This historic Russian Orthodox Cathedral is set in gardens. It is a stunning bit of architecture and is well worth stopping to see.
9. Dungan Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By michalo900 - Poprad, Slovakia
Nice mosque full of colours. 20som to enter which is cheap anyway. Toilets are free of charge, it is a bit far from the centre on foot but worth a visit
