Karakol

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.

Get in

thumb|200px|Bus time table at the southern bus station (for buses leaving) as of Sept 2018

See

thumb|The Dungan Mosque thumb|Holy Trinity Church thumb|At the animal market

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.

Eat

thumb|"Ashlyanfu the Karakolian way"

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.

Sleep

thumb|Mountains in the horizon

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.