Karakol is a convenient hub to explore the magical surroundings of its mountains and the immense Lake Issyk-Kul. It’s a great home base in Eastern Kyrgyzstan to stock up on food, water, and fuel; get your laundry done; take a rest (Riverside Guesthouse lets overlanders camp in the parking lot for a small fee); and then head out for another adventure.
There are plenty of restaurants to eat Kyrgyzstan’s typical foods, among which are plov (pilaf), shashlik, pizza, and (surprisingly) sushi, but this is also the place to eat delicious Uyghur cuisine from the neighboring Xinjiang region in Northwest China. Try somian (fried noodles with vegetables) or aslan fu (cold soup with different types of noodles, garlic, red peppers, and vinegar).
What to See in the City of Karakol
- The wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral is among Kyrgyzstan’s loveliest places of worship.
- The uniquely styled Dungan Mosque includes an interesting mix of Islamic and Buddhist artistry and symbolism.
- On Sunday morning, the largest animal market in the region is held right outside town. Go early as everybody will be gone by 11:00 am.
Lake Issyk-Kul
The north side of 2,400-square-mile Lake Iyssk-Kul is the most densely populated and has a number of spa resorts. Overlanders generally prefer Issyk-Kul’s eastern and southern beaches. Wild camping opportunities abound and do go for a swim—Issyk-Kul means “warm lake” and is known to never freeze over. Expect no facilities except an occasional outhouse.
The Mountains
All around Karakol stretches an incredible wilderness. Valleys like Karakol and Kyzyl-Suu are wide and green with spruce-covered hills and a main river fed by clear-water brooks. Jeti-Ögüz means “Seven Bulls” and the valley is much visited for its ridge of red sandstone bluffs.
There are plenty of options for day hikes and multiple-day treks. Bring your own gear or stay in yurt camps. Hiking to Lake Ala-Köl is tough, yet it is also the most popular destination. Not only is the setting of the blue-green lake surrounded by bare peaks magnificent, but on your way back to Karakol you can soak your weary bones in the hot springs of Ak-Suu.
If you happen to visit in winter, this is a popular area for skiing as well.
How to Get There:
If you fly in, you’ll arrive in the capital city of Bishkek. You can rent a vehicle there, Iron Horse Nomad is a well-established company for 4x4s and motorcycles.
For overlanders, Karakol often is a stopover on a trip around Lake Issyk-Kul. Northeast from the lake is a small border crossing to Kazakhstan, taking you immediately to one the most beautiful overlanding destinations in that country.
When to Visit
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Summers may be hot except at altitude, while high in the mountains the good weather may possibly end around mid-September, when the first snow is usually expected.
Suggested Guidebooks
General travel guidebook: Bradt Guide to Kyrgyzstan
Guidebook dedicated to overlanding: Explore Kyrgyzstan: 24 of the Best Off-road Adventures, by Oun Travela.
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