Karakol

Karakol, formerly known as Przhevalsk, is the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan and an administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. With a substantial population of around 80,000 residents, the city has garnered fame and appeal, not just within the countries of the former Soviet Union but also across neighboring lands. This widespread recognition owes much to the renowned Issyk-Kul Lake, the nearby healing hot springs, and the ideal conditions for skiing, paragliding, and mountaineering.

The city is nestled at the foothills of the Terskey Alatau mountain range, near the Karakol River. Only 12 kilometers separate it from the largest lake in the republic, Issyk-Kul. The nearest railway station, Balykchy, lies a couple of hundred kilometers away, while the capital of Kyrgyzstan is situated 400 kilometers from Karakol.

Karakol is often called the «city of firsts» because it was home to the first meteorological station, the first public library, and the first girls’ gymnasium in Kyrgyzstan.

Karakol stands out sharply from other cities in Kyrgyzstan, thanks to its remarkable old-Russian architecture, abundance of historical landmarks, and the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. Established in the 19th century, Karakol was for a long time the most developed and largest city in Kyrgyzstan.

The city’s distinctive architecture owes its existence to the Russian settlers who founded it in 1869. Most of the buildings in the historic city center were constructed at the end of the 19th century and reflect classic Russian styles, characterized by whitewashed walls, high ceilings, carved facades, and shutters on the windows. An entire neighborhood of such houses still exists, serving as residences or housing various institutions.

Among the most famous historical structures in Karakol are the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an ancient wooden Orthodox church, the Dungan Mosque—crafted in a Chinese style without the use of a single nail—and the Merchants’ Alley, with its cleared cobblestone pavement where the local history museum is located.

Another notable feature of Karakol is its wealth of greenery, especially the mighty poplar trees. Despite being a relatively small city, it boasts several large parks, and many trees grow in residential gardens, making Karakol feel fresh and cool even on the hottest days.

For mountain lovers of all kinds, Karakol is considered the perfect base for active recreation. From here, expeditions set out into the Tien Shan Mountains, heading to destinations like Ala-Kul Lake, the Altyn Arashan hot springs, the Karakol Gorge, and other valleys. The largest ski resort in the country is also located here.

Both climbers and trekkers agree that the mountain landscapes around Karakol have remained remarkably untouched, offering avid travelers a chance to experience the pristine beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains. The city’s climate is comfortable, embodying the characteristic atmosphere of a mountain environment.

The Karakol Ski Resort, just a few kilometers from the city, is well-known since the days when the Soviet Union’s Olympic team trained there. From a gorge surrounded by pine forests, ski lifts ascend to altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level.

Once at the summit, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the blue expanse of Issyk-Kul Lake and the majestic nearby peaks, soaring over 5,000 meters high. These include the colossal Karakol and Jigit peaks, which are the tallest in the mountain range.

In the surroundings of Karakol, numerous other resorts lie at various distances. The nearest is the Jergalan resort, specializing in mud therapy, while traveling 50 kilometers from Karakol leads to the mysterious glacial Lake Merzbacher.

Although the city itself may not be brimming with attractions or remarkable architecture, Karakol serves as a crucial stop for those embarking on a trek through the Tien Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan. It’s well worth spending at least half a day here to visit the local wooden church, the Przhevalsky Museum, and take a dip in the waters of Issyk-Kul Lake.

1. Russian Orthodox Cathedral — This is the most stunning building in Karakol. Originally constructed from stone in 1872, the church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1980 and later rebuilt using wood. During Soviet times, the building served various purposes: it was used as a school, a women’s gymnasium, a university, a sports hall, a theater, a dance hall, and even a coal storage facility. After the dissolution of the USSR, it was returned to the monks, restoring its original purpose. Entrance is through Gagarin Street only.

2. Dungan Mosque — The mosque was built between 1904 and 1910 by Beijing architect Zhou Seu and 20 master woodcarvers—entirely without nails or metal fasteners. Resembling more of a Chinese Buddhist temple than a mosque, this architectural marvel reflects the heritage of the Dungan people, an ethnic group originating from China. This mosque is not just a historical monument but a functioning place of worship, where all female visitors are required to wear a special robe and cover their heads. The preparatory work, involving the carving of puzzle-like wooden parts, took three years, while assembling the building itself took only three months. The mosque, over a century old, is part of an international complex. Legend has it that three mosques were designed with the help of architects from Beijing: the «Dragon’s Head» mosque in Beijing, the «Dragon’s Back» in Karakol—whose roof resembles the curve of a dragon’s body, fitting beautifully into the mountainous landscape—and the «Dragon’s Tail» mosque in Kazakhstan.

3. Przhevalsky Museum — Situated in the neighboring village of Pristan-Przhevalsky, this museum commemorates Nikolay Przhevalsky, one of the first Russian geographers to thoroughly study the geography, flora, and fauna of Central Asia. Starting in 1870, he conducted four major expeditions to Mongolia, China, and Tibet, mapping mountain ranges and detailing the characteristics of the Tibetan mountains. Przhevalsky also collected over 200 plant species, creating a vast zoological collection of plants, animals, birds, fish, and insects. In 1888, he passed away from typhoid fever on the eve of his fifth expedition to Central Asia and was buried on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake near Karakol.

4. Karakol City Beach in Pristan-Przhevalsky — A 20-minute walk from the Przhevalsky Museum, you’ll find the closest beach to Karakol, known simply as the «Karakol City Beach.» This sandy beach offers a gentle slope into the water, with changing cabins along the shore and a small café operating in the summer. It’s a simple spot to take a swim if you’re not planning to visit other Issyk-Kul resorts.

5. Altyn-Arashan Hot Springs — Altyn-Arashan is a tiny hamlet consisting of several houses, each with its own set of hot springs and a camping area. Some places even offer overnight stays in yurts. The hot springs are housed in small sheds with pools for a few people, through which hot water flows. Inside, you’ll find a place to change and a small pool. Day trips from Karakol cost around $50. Although it’s only 30 km away, the road is rough, so a 4WD vehicle is necessary.

6. Karakol Gorge — The Karakol Gorge is the closest valley to the city, providing access to mountain hikes, with the primary destination being Ala-Kul Lake. It doesn’t make sense to visit for just one day. For those wanting to see Ala-Kul, an option is to arrive at dawn, hike to the pass above the lake, and return to town after dark. However, this is a long and exhausting day. Another option is to visit Altyn-Arashan and then trek through Ala-Kul to Karakol Gorge, usually requiring an overnight stay by the lake.

7. Jeti-Oguz: Rocks and Sanatorium — Jeti-Oguz is famous for its large red rock formations carved out of the Terskey Alatau mountains by a river, resulting in seven sections. The name «Jeti-Oguz» means «Seven Bulls» in Kyrgyz. Nearby is the «Broken Heart» rock, tied to a legend of unrequited love. It’s 30 km from Karakol on a decent road accessible by regular transport, including minibusses from Karakol to the village of Jeti-Oguz and then from there to the sanatorium.

8. Issyk-Kul Lake Cruise — Destination Karakol offers a 1.5-hour sunset cruise on Lake Issyk-Kul’s Przhevalsky Bay, available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

9. Barskoon Waterfall — Located 90 km from Karakol along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Barskoon Waterfall is one of the most famous in Kyrgyzstan, with a height of 24 meters.

10. Salt Lake — Known as the «Dead Sea of Kyrgyzstan,» this lake contains approximately 132 grams of salt per liter, allowing visitors to float while reading a newspaper. Many locals believe it has healing properties. The lake is 170 km from Karakol along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.

11. Cattle Market — Held every Sunday from midnight to 10 a.m., this is one of the largest livestock markets in Kyrgyzstan, offering a vibrant and authentic cultural experience.