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Karakol Г. Каракол is a city in Kyrgyzstan. Karakol is a true gem in the rough, just awaiting a master jeweler to polish her up. It holds great potential as a future tourism destination, offering year-round trekking; mountaineering; skiing, and spaaing opportunities, set in a picture perfect setting of traditional Russian homes.

This town was formerly called Przewalsk during the Soviet era. It is located at the far end of the Lake Issyk Kyl, nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, and is the capital of the Issyk Kul Oblast (region).

The city was originally founded by Russian Tsarist troops as a military outpost, and it is the resting place of Nikolai Przewalski, the famed Russian explorer and naturalist. It is a city of traditional Russian houses, nestled between the Tien Shan mountains and Lake Issyk Kul.

Karakol was originally a Russian settlement, and it's still one of the few remaining large Slavic communities in Central Asia. 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.

There are limited tourist facilities for the discerning tourist, while there is much to be offered to the adventurous traveler.

[edit] Get in

From Bishkek Regular bus and taxi services leave Bishkek in the morning for the 5-6 hour drive. Bus fare is around 250 som (September 2009), and a seat in a taxi is 600-700 som (September 2009).

From Kazakhstan Regular buses and taxis leave for the Kazakh border to Keghen regularly.

From Tamchy (Issyk Kul) Airport Tamchy is approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours away, and taxis can be arranged locally. Tamchy has limited air service during the summer travel season.

Karakol Airport Karakol has an airport, largely used for charter service and located on the northern edge of the city.

[edit] Get around

Taxis costs between 50 and 60 som.

There are also local mini-buses that ply planned routes.

[edit][add listing] See

• Dungan Mosque This is one of the few mosques that dodged Soviet destruction. It was built in 1910 by the local Dungan community that escaped Chinese oppresion as a house of worship. Completely of wood without nails, it is painted in numerous colors. It is still used as a house of worship, are tourists are gladly welcomed.

• Holy Trinity Cathedral This traditional Russian wooden cathedral with an onion dome has recently undergone extensive restoration work, payed for by the local Slavic community.

• Regional Museum' This museum hosts numerous archeological bits from the Scythian era and many stuffed animals, culled from the mountains. While there is much to see, little of the information available is in English, and the staff do not speak English. Still, the place is worth a visit.

• Przewalski's Museum and Memorial Set a few miles outside the city, the museum hosts the life story of one of the world's great explorers, who died in Karakol in 1888. It is a true testimonial to Russian colonization of Central Asia. The staff here speak English.

To the rear of his resting place lies the remnants of a Soviet torpedo testing facility.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Karakol Ski Base [1] At 3040 meters, this is the highest ski resort in Central Asia. It is located approximately 30 minutes from Karakol and features 2 chalets and a hotel with a sauna. There are no chair lifts but several T-bars and rope lifts take you to some of the best runs. Lift tickets are only $8, and they recently purchased new ski equipment for rent.

• Altyn Arashan Hot Springs Hot springs located within hiking distance from Karakol.

• Jeti Oghuz Hot Springs An ageing Russian sanatorium will greet you here.

Karakol Canyon The Karakol Canyon offers excellent hiking. It's possible to hike to the beautiful Ala-Kul lake from this canyon. Arrange guiding in town at the Karakol's Community Based Tourism or CBT.

[edit][add listing] Buy

In the town centre, there is a local Tsum, opened only until 5PM. They have a limited selection of outdoor goods and souvenirs. Is recommended to check prices at local bazaars, where you can buy everything.

[edit][add listing] Eat

In town, try Fakir restaurant for decent Central Asian Cuisine. Kalinka, a Russian restaurant, also offers affordable, decent eats with horrible service. Kench, on the outskirts of town, offers probably the best dinner option for the biggest price. It should still be very cheap by western standards.

If you're looking for a good home cooked Russian meal, try Yak Tours. The owner's wife is an excellent cook.

The Salam Aleykum cafe just opened near Amir Hotel. It's open only in the evenings, and you can see some show of dance, music, and Kyrgyz handicraft.

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

[edit][add listing] Drink

Vodka, vodka and vodka...

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Amir Hotel is a nice hotel for someone who wants to have a comfortable stay at a hotel. It's clean and modern with friendly English-speaking staff.

• Community Based Tourism(CBT) Karakol can arrange excellent home stays. CBT is in the city center, on Abdrakmonov Street.

• In front of Salam Aleykum, you have a yurt camp for 250 soms per night. Salam Aleykum is not owner, but you can reserve there.

• Yak Tours Guesthouse, Gagarina 10 (Just half a block away from the central bazaar). A nice guesthouse in an old wooden house. Beds are comfortable, rooms clean and the dog is very friendly. There is laundry service and a small restaurant within the guesthouse. However, the place only has one bathroom/toilet so there might be some queueing in the morning. s: 300 som, it is from September 2009.  edit

[edit] Get out

You can use either shared taxi or marschrutka, and maybe a few buses. Choose whether you will go by southern (station is at easternsouth way from centre) or northern shore (from bazaar) of the lake. North is more frequented.