Karakol

Karakol (Каракол) is a city in Kyrgyzstan on the east of Lake Issyk Kul.

Understand
Karakol is at the far end of the Issyk Kul, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains, and is the capital of the Issyk Kul Oblast (region). One of the most visited destinations in Kyrgyztan, it functions as a base for year-round trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and spa opportunities.

This town was called Przhevalsk (Пржевалск) during the Tsarist and Soviet eras. It was constructed by Tsarist troops as a military outpost, and it is the resting place of Nikolai Przewalski, the famed Russian explorer and naturalist after whom this town was named. It is a city of traditional Russian houses, and contains one of the few Slavic populations remaining in Central Asia.

There are a number of tour companies, hostels and cafes, but most of the action is outside of town.

By bus






Specific destinations:
 * Balykchy – Regular buses, 200 som.
 * Cholpon-Ata – All transport between Bishkek and Karakol along the northern shore, goes by it. But there is also the one or other direct marshrutka or shared taxi. Head to the Main/Northern Bus Station.
 * Bishkek – Regular bus, marshrutka and (shared) taxi services leave Bishkek in the morning for the 5–6 hr drive. The bus/marshrutka fare is about 350 som (June 2018). A seat in a shared taxi is 500–600 som (July 2016), but it is fast, 3-4 hr. It seems most routes go along the northern side of the lake. You can also transfer in Balykchy, from where routes go north or south along the lake. Many marshrutkas will make a stopover here.
 * Kazakhstan – Regular buses and (shared) taxis leave for the Kazakh border to Kegen. The Kegen border crossing is open during summer (May–September/October). Kazakh customs seems to be open 07:30-17:00 (May 2024).

By plane


In addition, Manas International Airport serving the capital Bishkek is further away but has many more flights including ones from Moscow, Dubai, Delhi and Istanbul with further connections from all over the world.

By taxi
A taxi from nearby Bokonbayevo with sightseeing stops along the way can be arranged for 3,000 som. But this is far beyond any reasonable price you should pay in this country. You are better off hitchhiking (autostop) or using a marshrutka, for a more authentic way of travel.

By bus
Local marshrutkas on defined routes cost 10 som within the city. Many leave for or come from nearby villages.

Important lines:
 * 101: Zhamansariev Str. - Toktogula - Lenin street - Kapacaeba - Masaliev Str. down to the entrance of the Karakol Gorge (10 som)
 * 102: Zhamansariev Str. - Toktogula - Gebze - Salieva
 * 350: Zhamansariev Str. - Toktogula and east to the city of Teploklyuchenka, where the bus passes the entrance to the Altyn Arashan valley (signposted, 20 som, as of summer 2024 is 35 som, first bus 7:15 from Karakol, last bus 17:00 from Exit of Altyn Arashan river)
 * 355: Jeti Ögüz (30-35 som). Line 371/372 to Jeti Oguz village (40 som), then by Taxi to the Seven Bulls Rocks for 10 km, you can walk to the river farther south. It seems first bus 371 at 8 am and last bus from Jeti Oguz at 18:00. At 17:00 there is a line from the Seven Bulls Rocks but taxis and others said no mashrutka but there is south of the mosque cost (100 som)

By taxi
Taxis costs between 70 and 80 som, but you shouldn't need one unless you have baggage.

See






Hiking










For more treks around Issyk Kul and in the Tian Shan mountains, see the region article. Also, Jyrgalan offers great hiking opportunities.

Buy
In the town centre, there is a supermarket and corner stores open later, souvenir shop, limited outdoors supplies. The main bazaar has everything but don't expect quality goods. On the main street next to Caravan you will find the One Village, One Product store run by JICA. They have a variety of locally made products and handicrafts. Interesting soaps, jams, and felt products.

There is an antique shop down the main street (south) towards the bazaar.

Local honey can be purchased at the bazaar.

Sea Buckthorn products can be purchased seasonally.

Dishes
Karakol is known throughout Kyrgyzstan for its Dungan specialty Ashliam-fu. This is a dish of cold noodles in a spicy vinegar sauce for a very cheap price (30-40 som). Restaurant serving it can be found in the center and near the bazaar.

Also, Karakol is probably the only place in country where you can have goulash.

Locations














Drink
There are several karaoke bars of little interest, and several hostels have their own bars (Sun Hostel, Duet Hostel). The supermarket has a good liquor supply and vodka can be as cheap as 160 som a liter in smaller shops.

Budget








Mid-range










Stay safe
Unfortunately unemployment and the resulting alcoholism have left a toll, as many young people have left, and the soaring crime rate has made it rather dangerous at night.

Go next

 * Jyrgalan – A remote and empoverished eastern village quickly becoming popular as a winter and hiking destination. Take bus 331 to "шахта" from the main bazaar at 08:30, 13:30, 17:30. 80 som.
 * Ak Suu – The gateway to Altyn Arashan valley, hot springs and Ala Kul glacier lake. Take one of the many east-bound marshutkas, e.g. #350 (20 som).
 * Bishkek – Proper buses (not marshrutkas) to Bishkek leave at 20:00 and 21:00 from the backside of the bus station and cost 330 som (arriving in Bishkek the next morning at 05:30-6:00). Choose whether you want to go by southern (station is south east of the centre) or northern shore (from bazaar) of the lake. North is more frequented.


 * Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan – Has many interesting and must-see destinations that can easily be reached by public transport or autostop from Karakol.