Karakol Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Kyrgyzstan
About Karakol
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 calledPrzhevalsk(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.
Top Attractions in Karakol
Explore the best things to see and do in Karakol:
- ★Air rifle shooting
- ★Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
- ★Chon-Kyzyl-Suu – Karakol Gorge – Ala-Kul – Altyn Arashan – Ak-Suu village (orange)
- ★commercial
- ★Dungan Mosque
- ★free
- ★Holy Trinity Church
- ★Issyk-Kul lake sunset cruise
Where to Eat in Karakol
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Ashlyan Fu Restaurant
- 🍴Cafe Kochevnik
- 🍴Cafe Zarina
- 🍴Ethno Cafe Dastokon
- 🍴Kalinka
- 🍴Karakol Coffee
Where to Stay in Karakol
- 🏨Ala-Kol Guesthouse
- 🏨Amir Hotel
- 🏨Ask Guesthouse
- 🏨Duet Hostel
- 🏨Elvira's Homestay
- 🏨Green Yard
Karakol Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: