What to do in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan [Complete Guide]
If you’re heading to Karakol in Kyrgyzstan, chances are it’s because you’ve seen photos of alpine lakes, wild mountain passes, and epic hiking routes like Ala-Kul. At least, that’s why I decided to visit!
But Karakol isn’t just a place you rush through on the way to the mountains, it’s one of the most interesting towns in Kyrgyzstan in its own right.
Set on the eastern edge of Issyk-Kul Lake, Karakol blends Russian colonial history, Dungan and Uyghur culture, colourful bazaars, and a surprisingly good food scene. It’s also the main base for trekking in eastern Kyrgyzstan, which means you’ll likely spend at least a night or two here whether you plan to or not.
This guide covers the what to do in Karakol town,epic day trips nearby (my fav bit), where to eat, where to stay, and where to go next. Basically everything you need to know for Karakol, so let’s get into it!
About Karakol
Karakol was founded in the late 19th century as a Russian military outpost and still retains a strong Slavic influence, particularly in its architecture and layout. Over time, Dungan, Uyghur, Tatar, and Kyrgyz communities settled here, creating a cultural mix you don’t see elsewhere in the country.
Today, Karakol feels like you’re stepping back in time into a quiet, Soviet town. It’s a working mountain settlement rather than a polished tourist hub, and feels almost suburban. It’s rough around the edges, but friendly, affordable, and full of character – especially if you enjoy slow travel, local food, and outdoor adventure.
How to get to Karakol
This small town on the eastern edge of Issyk-Kul Lake is relatively easy to get to depending on where you are travelling from.
From Bishkek:
Most people travel directly to Karakol from Bishkek, as these are two of the biggest tourism hubs in Kyrgyzstan. Located around 405 km apart, you’ve got a few solid options:
- Shared taxi: This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Karakol. Shared taxis usually leave once full from the eastern bus station (or nearby taxi stands) in Bishkek. Expect the journey to take 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and stops. It’s more expensive than a marshrutka, but worth it if you value comfort and speed. It’s also the option I recommend.
- Marshrutka (shared minibus): The cheapest and most common budget option. Marshrutkas to Karakol also leave from Bishkek’s eastern bus station and take around 7–8 hours. They’re safe and reliable, but can be cramped, especially if you’re travelling with a backpack.
- Train (+ marshrutka): There’s a train from Bishkek to Balykchy (on the western edge of Issyk-Kul). It’s slow but scenic and comfortable. From Balykchy, you’ll need to hop on a marshrutka or shared taxi to Karakol, which takes another 5–6 hours along the lake’s northern shore. This option takes longer overall but is a nice, relaxed way to travel and should still get you there in one day.
- Hitchhike: Hitchhiking between Bishkek and Karakol is common and generally safe, especially along the main Issyk-Kul road. It can take anywhere from one long ride or several shorter lifts, depending on luck. If you’re flexible with time and enjoy meeting locals, it’s a very doable option. Give yourself all day if you want to do this!
From elsewhere:
If you’re not travelling from Bishkek, you’ll likely be arriving from the south or elsewhere along the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. Shared taxis or marshrutkas are your best option here. I opted for a marshrutka from Bokonbaebo after experiencing some traditional eagle hunting there. It pretty much one straight road along the coast so it’s also relatively simple to hitchhike.
If you’re coming from the far reaches of Kyrgyzstan, Karakol does have a nearby airport, served by flights from Osh. This is a good option if you’re already in southern Kyrgyzstan.
When to visit Karakol
The best time to visit Karakol is June to September for hiking and outdoor activities. July and August are peak season, with warm weather and slightly busier trails.
- Spring (April–May): Fewer crowds, but snow can occasionally block high passes.
- Summer (June–August): Best for trekking and alpine lakes.
- Autumn (September-October): Golden landscapes, fewer tourists, colder nights.
- Winter (December–March): Great for skiing, but limited hiking access.
NOTE: Be careful as some accommodation sells out in advance during peak season!
What to do in Karakol Town
1. Dungan mosque
The Dungan Mosque is one of Karakol’s most significant and unique landmarks. Totally worth a quick visit, even if you’re not usually drawn to religious buildings!
Built in 1910 by the Dungan (Chinese Muslim) community, it looks more like a Buddhist temple than a traditional Islamic mosque, with bright colours, curved eaves, and intricate wooden details. What makes it especially interesting is that it was built without a single nail, using traditional Chinese construction techniques.
You can walk around the exterior freely, but modest clothing is required if you want to go inside. Female visitors need to wear a headscarf. They offer robes to cover up, so I rocked up in shorts and was able to use this!
A nominal fee of 50 som is applicable for tourists, though I saw many people enter without paying. It’s best to visit outside prayer times, ideally in the morning or early afternoon when it’s quieter and better for photos.
2. Holy Trinity Cathedral
A short walk from the Dungan Mosque, the Holy Trinity Cathedral offers a totally different slice of Karakol’s history. This Russian Orthodox church dates was built in the late 1800s, and reflects the city’s time as a Russian military outpost.
The interior is simple but atmospheric, especially if you visit when candles are lit. The outside is entirely wooden, and topped with bright blue domes.
Entry is free, though small donations are accepted. The church is open during the day (08:00-18:00), but late afternoon is a particularly nice time to visit, when the light softens and the grounds are peaceful.
3. Karakol Big Bazaar
Contrasting from the peace of the religious sites, Karakol’s big bazaar is a maze of activity and offers a glimpse into everyday life!
Spend some time wandering around and getting lost. It’s chaotic, colourful, and full of local produce, spices, dried fruit, bread, and household goods. This is also a great place to stock up on snacks before heading into the mountains (the food is closer to the back).
The bazaar is busiest in the morning, which is the best time to go if you want to see it at its liveliest. It’s free to enter, and even a short visit adds a lot of local flavour to your time in Karakol.
4. Karakol Historical Museum
The local history museum (here) was founded in 1948 in a one-story pre-revolutionary building in Karakol. There are over 10,000 items in the museum’s collection, telling the history of the region and its development, agriculture, culture and natural wealth. The museum holds musical instruments, petroglyphs, jewellery and ancient tools.
It’s is open Monday-Saturday from 9:00-17:00. It costs 200 som to enter (a little overpriced in my opinion).
5. Visit the Russian Quarter (Zhamansariev St)
Walking through the Russian Quarter, namely around Zhamansariev Street, gives you a feel for Karakol beyond its main sights. This area is characterised by wide streets, old wooden houses, leafy gardens and a noticeably quieter atmosphere.
There’s no single attraction here, so you don’t need a plan. Instead, it’s more about slowing down, wandering, and spotting details like carved window frames or crumbling Soviet-era homes.
It’s especially nice in the late afternoon when the light softens and locals sit outside their houses, but you can visit whenever! Especially since there’s no opening or closing times, nor cost!
6. Karakol Borborduk Mechiti or Tatar Mosque
Karakol Mecheti (or the Central Mosque of Karakol) is the main mosque of Karakol, and also the most impressive one! It’s located here.
Alternatively, Tatar Mosque is located closer to the centre of town (here). It’s not the most impressive sight you’ll ever see, but it’s an interesting stop.
7. Victory Park and Pushkin Park
These two parks are classic post-Soviet green spaces where locals come to relax, walk, and let kids run free. Victory Park is larger and more open, while Pushkin Park is smaller and more central, located next to the stadium (and also has a life-size model tank).
Neither is a must-see attraction, but they’re great places to catch your breath, people-watch, or break up a day of sightseeing. Plus they’re both free to enter.
UPDATE: Pushkin park is currently closed.
8. Karakol Main Square & Monument of Founding
Located in front of the local university (here), Karakol’s main square has the monument which marks the founding of Karakol (along with a few other statues).
The area gives you a glimpse into everyday life, with students, cafes, and less touristy streets. There was a small pop-up market here when I visited too!
It’s not essential, but worth passing through if you’re exploring on foot or heading toward the edge of town, especially since it’s free.
Afterwards, you can also walk straight through the park next door.
9. Visit Hot Springs
Soaking in hot springs is one of the best ways to recover after hiking around Karakol, especially if you’ve just finished Ala-Kul or spent a few long days in the mountains.
Altyn Arashan Hot Springs are the most famous in the region and are located in a beautiful alpine valley. Most hikers visit them as part of the Ala-Kul trek, but it’s also possible to reach them by 4×4 from Karakol in a couple of hours. Entry to a private bathhouse usually costs 300-500 som. Facilities are basic, but the mountain setting makes it worth the effort.
For an easier option, Ak-Suu Hot Springs are located about 30 minutes from Karakol near Ak-Suu village. These are fully developed with indoor and outdoor pools and are popular with locals. Entry costs around 300–600 som, making this the best choice if you want a relaxing soak without a long journey.
There are also small, quieter hot springs near Jeti-Ögüz, which are easy to combine with a day trip to the valley. These are less touristy and more low-key, but still a nice stop if you’re already in the area.
There are also a few traditional banyas (public bathhouses) in Karakol town itself. While they don’t offer the scenery of the mountain springs, they’re cheap, local, and a good option if you’re short on time or visiting in winter. Semeynaya Banya is one public bath I recommend [UPDATE: now closed].
Personally, I recommend combining a visit to the hot springs with day trips to Altyn Arashan or Ak Suu (see more things to do in near Karakol below).
10. Get a massage
Aside from the hot springs, another great way to recover or relax is to get a massage! I find that there’s nothing better to revive my body than a nice massage.
Spinka is a legendary massage parlour among travellers. Painful? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Massages vary in price from 1500-3000 som depending on the service. You can book online or message them via Whatsapp (+996555620932).
11. Visit Ashlyan Fu Alley
Karakol is one of the best places in Kyrgyzstan to try local and regional food, thanks to its mix of Kyrgyz, Dungan, Uyghur, and Russian influences. Dishes like ashlyan-fu (cold noodles), lagman, manty, and plov are staples here, and Karakol is especially famous for its version of ashlyan-fu.
This is the place to try Ashlyan Fu! Down this alley (found here), every single seller sells this local delicacy.
Trying the local delicacy is an absolute must in Karakol! Once you’ve done this, you can check out several other places to eat in Karakol (below).
Join a traditional Dungan Dinner or Cooking Class
If you want to go one further than Ashlyan Fu Alley, why not try even more traditional dishes with a local Dungan family or join a local food tour.
There are plenty of culinary tours available which offer you the chance to get involved with Karakol’s unique food scene. You might cook and eat with local families as you try the local cuisine, or simply learn more about it.
I’ve found a series of popular cultural tours here.
12. Visit Karakol’s best bar
There isn’t much nightlife in Karakol, even during high season! However, after a few days of hiking, having a drink is always a pleasant way to unwind.
One of the best/only bars in Karakol is called The Hut. It has a small outside beer garden and an interestingly decorated interior, complete with dart board and table football table.
13. Animal Market (Sundays only)
If you’re in Karakol on a Sunday morning, visiting the animal market, just north of the city (here) is a fascinating cultural experience. Locals gather early to trade horses, cows, sheep, and goats, and the atmosphere is busy, noisy, and very local.
This isn’t a tourist attraction as such, but rather a window into everyday rural life. Go early (before 09:00) and be respectful — photos are usually fine, but always ask first. There’s no cost to enter.
What to do near Karakol
14. Ala Kul Trek (3 Days)
The most famous hike in the region and one of the best things to do in Karakol! With stunning alpine lakes and glacier views this is a must-do if you have time.
I’ve written a full guide on the Ala Kul trek here.
15. Altyn Arashan
Altyn Arashan is one of the most popular trips from Karakol, and for good reason. This stunning alpine valley is famous for its natural hot springs, dramatic mountain scenery, and easy access to hiking trails.
The road from Karakol is bumpy so people either hire a 4×4 (around 4,000–6,000 som return) or hike up via the Ak-Suu valley, which takes 5-6 hours one way.
It’s home to a handful of simple guesthouses and outdoor hot spring pools costing. Entry to the hot springs usually costs 200-300 som but is often included in the overnight price of accommodation if you decide to stay. Soaking here after a long hike is genuinely one of the best feelings in Kyrgyzstan.
Whilst you can visit Altyn Arashan as a day trip from Karakol, many people visit Altyn Arashan as an overnight trip or end their Ala-Kul trek here.
16. Jeti Oguz & Kok Jaiyk Valley
One of the easiest and most rewarding things to do from Karakol is a day trip to Jeti-Oguz, located about 30km southwest of town. Famous for its red sandstone formations known as the “Seven Bulls,” this lush valley is perfect for light hiking, photography, or simply escaping into nature.
You can reach Jeti-Ögüz by marshrutka for around 40-50 som, or by taxi if you want more flexibility (I opted for the latter).
There’s a small entrance fee of roughly 100-150 som. I recommend visiting in late morning so you can continue on to Kok Jaiyk.
After seeing the bulls, you can continue further towards the lush green valley of Kok Jaiyk. I did a small hike here and found an epic waterfall amongst all the greenery!
17. Jyrgalan
Jyrgalan is a small mountain village about 60km northeast of Karakol and a great option if you want quieter hiking and fewer tourists. It’s best known as a base for multi-day treks in summer and skiing in winter, but it’s also a lovely place to slow down for a night or two.
In summer, you’ll find plenty of day hikes straight from the village, including waterfalls, alpine lakes, and open jailoos (summer pastures). In winter, Jyrgalan becomes a budget-friendly ski destination with a relaxed, local feel.
Marshrutkas run from Karakol to Jyrgalan for around 150-200 som, or you can take a shared taxi. Accommodation is mostly homestays and guesthouses, making it an affordable and authentic place to experience rural Kyrgyz life.
18. Karakol Gorge
Karakol Gorge is located just 7km south of town and is one of the easiest nature escapes from Karakol.
The wide valley is perfect for short walks, picnics, and horseback riding, with snow-capped peaks towering above you. It’s also the starting point for the Ala Kul trek, but there are several shorter hikes available in this region, if you don’t fancy 3 day!.
There’s an entrance fee of around 300 som, and you can either walk sections of the gorge or arrange horse trekking through local tour operators.
19. Karakol Ski Base (Winter Only)
Located 12km out of town (here) near Karakol Gorge, this is among the highest ski resorts in Central Asia! At an altitude of 3040m above sea level. The season runs from December until March. Aside from skiing, you can also paraglide or ice skate.
20. Fairytale Canyon (Skazka):
Fairytale Canyon (Skazka Canyon) is located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul (here) , near the village of Tosor, and is one of the most surreal landscapes in the region. Wind and erosion have carved the red sandstone into shapes resembling castles, animals, and towers.
From Karakol, it takes roughly 3.5-4 hours by marshrutka or shared taxi, so leave early (before 09:00) to make sure you have enough time to explore. Entry costs around 100-150 som, and you should allow 2-3 hours to explore the canyon properly.
There’s minimal shade and no facilities there, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Late afternoon light makes the colours pop, but midday is better if you’re short on time.
21. Barskoon Waterfall & Yuri Gagarin Monument
Barskoon Valley is another excellent day trip from Karakol, located about 90 km west along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. The highlight here is Barskoon Waterfall, reached via an easy uphill walk through pine forest.
There are actually several waterfalls in the area, with the main one taking around 30-40 minutes to reach on foot. Entry to the trail costs approximately 100-150 som. Nearby, you’ll also find the Yuri Gagarin Monument, commemorating the Soviet cosmonaut who once stayed in the area to recover after space missions.
This is an easy, relaxed day trip that combines nature, history, and minimal effort – ideal if you want something scenic without committing to a long hike.
22. Aksay Canyon
Aksay Canyon is far less visited than other nearby valleys, making it a good option if you want something quieter. Plus it’s one of the craziest landscapes of them all!
Located south of Karakol (here), this remote canyon is best visited with a guide or as part of a longer trek. Expect wide open landscapes, river crossings, and dramatic rock formations. It’s not as accessible as places like Jeti-Ögüz or Karakol Gorge, but that’s part of the appeal if you’re craving solitude.
If you’re staying in Bokonbaevo anyway, you can day trip Aksay Canyon from here instead.
Where to eat in Karakol
Karakol isn’t a busy town, full of restaurants. You could easily explore all the food places here if you stay long enough – hell, I almost did!
A meal at a local café usually costs 200–400 som, making it very budget-friendly. For the best experience, head to any of my favourite spots:
- Ashlyan-Fu Alley (already mentioned): The famous Dungan cold noodle dish (a Karakol speciality). This will often be served with some tea. It’s super cheap and really delicious!
- Dastorkon: Traditional Kyrgyz food, generous portions. One of the most popular restaurants in the town, but slightly pricier.
- Karakol Lighthouse: Western-friendly menu, good atmosphere. I had the carbonara here which made a pleasant change from Central Asian food!
- Karakol Coffee: Surprisingly solid coffee and breakfasts.
- Giraffe Coffee: A chain cafe (gasp), but serves reliable coffee and great salads! Perfect if you want somewhere to base yourself while you do some work.
- Duet Coffee: One of my favourite places. The serve good coffee and filling burgers and are located right next to Duet Hostel.
Where to stay in Karakol
There are a few good options to stay in Karakol, whether you’re looking for cheap hostels or something a bit nicer ahead of the next few days hiking Ala Kul.
Here are my top picks:
- Duet Hostel: One of the more social hostels in Karakol. It has a good restaurant out front as well as handy tourist information for the trek and also the city.
- Snow Leopard Hostel: Another helpful hostel in Karakol, slightly cheaper than Duet.
- Ordo Hotel: A solid hotel for a reasonable price, offering breakfast to fuel you up before you head out on your adventure!
- Jaisan Hotel: If you want to start hiking from your accommodation, Jaison Hotel is literally on the trail and can’t be matched for convenience. Of course, you’ll need to bring all your belongings with you as it’s already out of the main town.
TOP TIP: Generally I recommend either turning up and organising in person (if low season), or booking via Booking.com to get the best rates. Hostelworld often charges the biggest fees.
Tips for Karakol
If you’re visiting Karakol, here are a few must-knows:
- Gear rental: There are a couple of main places to rent hiking and camping gear in Karakol. These are ExtremeTour and EcoTrek.
- Use the Kyrgyz CBT: Throughout Kyrgyzstan, the Community Based Tourism Association is a hub for information and bookings. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information about the area and help you plan your exact next steps.
- Book accommodation offering luggage storage: If you’re hiking Ala Kul or using Karakol as a base for exploring the region, make sure to book accommodation that will safely look after any belongings you don’t want to carry.
- Try the local food: Karakol has a few western restaurants which might solve your cravings after a hike, but you really shouldn’t leave without checking out the local market and also trying Ashlyan Fu!
Where to go after Karakol
If you’re looking for the next step after Karakol, you have a few options.
- Bishkek: The capital of Bishkek and main transit hub of the country! This is one of the easiest places to visit after Karakol and also the gateway to Ala Archa National Park!
- Bokonbaevo: This small town is the best place to witness eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan!
- Issyk Kul: A beautiful lake. The southern shore is also home to plenty of other amazing sights if you haven’t day-tripped them from Karakol already! Skazka Canyon is one of my absolute favourites!
If you’d prefer to stay local, you could spend a night or two in Jyrgalan. It’s good for hiking, but it’s even smaller than Karakol!
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