Karakol, the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, that lies on the eastern tip of the Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan. It is the administrative capital of the Kul region. It is one of the major tourist’s attractions in Kyrgyzstan. The city serves as a good starting point for hiking and trekking. The city is culturally rich with wits unique and different ethnic groups that reside in the city. The city is a popular place to invade into the different nationalities and cultures at a place within the city. Here is a list of some of the top things to do in Karakol.
10 Things To Do In Karakol
Rewarded with some unique things to do in Karakol Kyrgyzstan to those who enjoy the slow pace of life, discover its unique attractions, great cafe expeditions and its quirky charms that are worth some appreciations.
1. Hiking: A Pleasure For the Adventurous Souls
2. Dungan Mosque: Take A Free Walking Tour
3. Spices: Dig Into A Retreat Of Food Culture
4. Przhevalsky Memorial Museum: An Historical Expedition
5. Fat Cat Cafe: Sip Up Some Brewed Coffee And Beer
6. Sunset Cruise: Make The Most Of The Sizzling Summer
7. The Antique Shop: Shop Till You Drop
8. The Animal Market: The Place Where You Can Barter
9. Hot Springs: Soak Your Body And Relax Your Muscles
10. Food Feast: 8 Dishes At Dungan Family Homes
1. Hiking: A Pleasure For the Adventurous Souls
Karakol is considered the gateway to the Tian Shan Mountains. From Karakol’s western perch on Lake Issyk-Kul to great mountains the travelers will find themselves in the surrounded view of clear sky. From the trekking point of view, Karakol offers some difficulties and time commitment to the visitors. The most trekked pea of the city is Altyn Arashan. In spite of being an adventuresome activity, it is still one of the best things to do in Karakol Kyrgyzstan.
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2. Dungan Mosque: Take A Free Walking Tour
Dungan mosque is a Chinese architect, that has been built without any nails. In 1933-43 the mosque remained closed but still, people continued to use it as a place of worship. At this point in time, the mosque acts as a great attraction for the visitors because of its unique architecture. Usually, women are not allowed to enter the mosque but friendly guards allow the guests to peep in on special requests.
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3. Spices: Dig Into A Retreat Of Food Culture
The Karakol is well-known for the retreat of spices and culture it offers to its visitors. One can savor the taste of the masalas. The city is a mixture of the culture and the historical specialties it offers tp the visitors.
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4. Przhevalsky Memorial Museum: An Historical Expedition
Przhevalsky museum and memorial situated outside the city was opened in 1957 in Karakol. This was set-up after the Russian explorer Nikolay Przhevalsky died up in 1888. Witha distance of meters there is a memorial of the explorer and his tomb. There is a cross fixed on the tomb with the inscripted names and the life span.
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5. Fat Cat Cafe: Sip Up Some Brewed Coffee And Beer
Fat Cat Cafe has proved itself to be an excellent addition to the things to do in Karakol. From homemade pizza to chocolate cake or an IPA craft beer one can find anything or everything at their disposal. You must be wondering that one can find these things anywhere in the town , about one should notice the specialty of the cafe that is the owner and the cause she is supporting. Zhamilla is the owner of Fat Cat cafe, who is a born Kyr Here you can order a latte, homemade pizza, chocolate cake, or even an IPA craft beer. All of which can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio. Zhamilia is the owner of the cafe. The visitors are impressed by the food and drinks she offers at the cafe. The cafe also supports the school supply for the underprivileged kids in the nearby villages and teaching the women some basic baking skills.
6. Sunset Cruise: Make The Most Of The Sizzling Summer
Lake Issyk-Kul is the second largest lake in the world and is one of the most awesome things to do in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, for good reason. The lake is the real beauty and a great place to hang out with your friends enjoying a bottle of beer in the gorgeous sunset. This place is a well-known place to cool out in the sizzling hot summers. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains but never freezes surprising the visitors.
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7. The Antique Shop: Shop Till You Drop
While purchasing souvenirs for your loved one, you feel out of options than the antique shop is the place you can go to. Here you will find a vivid variety of antique gift for your loved one. One can find everything and anything at the shop ranging from any article from Soviet times to the unique things of the recent times. A great collection of souvenirs and much more can be found at the antique shop.
8. The Animal Market: The Place Where You Can Barter
Around 2 km away from Karakol, on every Sunday one can see hundreds of people selling, buying or bartering the livestock. One will not get to see people trading goats, cows, or horses but the people barter here for sheep, making it a unique experience for the visitors to experience once in their lifetime. The market starts at around 8 am and gots packed up by 10 am. This is a perfect place for the one who cherishes natural beauty early in the morning.
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9. Hot Springs: Soak Your Body And Relax Your Muscles
Ak-Suu hot spring is one of the popular hot spring located closer to the town. In 2017, it was planned that the place will feature an outdoor pool near the lower end of the access road. It was better timed with the hike called altyn arshan, where the hiker can spend their night in the nearby hostel and can enjoy soaking themselves in the hot spring before or after the trekking. The sulfurous odor of the natural hot spring helps the trekkers to relax their souls which made this the best thing to do in Karakol.
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10. Food Feast: 8 Dishes At Dungan Family Homes
While making your way into Dungan family homes, where you’ll be made to sit on a colorful carpet and wait for your feast to arrive. The guests are then served with a minimum of 8 dishes that are prepared by the hist in the home, that are incredibly flavored and are unique in their taste and style. The host will feed you until and unless he feels that you are overly satisfied by the quantity of the food.
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Karakol, one of the largest towns in the Issyk Kul region and located on the edge of Issyk Kul Lake and foot of Terskey Ala-Too Mountain range, is a new and rejuvenating world. You can enjoy every flavour in the town ranging from mountain hiking to hot springs to relax yourself during your hiking trip. One will definitely come across some of the best things to do in Karakol while riding through the town that will include the delicious good luck feast of 8 dishes and other local cuisines. So, think no more and plan your trip to Kyrgyzstan with TravelTriangle right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Karakol
What are the most popular things to do in Karakol with children?
Here are some blissful experiences you can enjoy on your Karakol trip with children:
1. Relax and unwind in the hot springs
2. Enjoy shopping at antique shops
3. Go for a sunset cruise
4. Revisit history at Przhevalsky Memorial Museum
5. Enjoy traditional delicacies at Dungan family homes
What are the top attractions to visit in Karakol?
Check out the best places to visit in Karakol below:
1. Przhevalsky Memorial Museum
2. Holy Trinity Cathedral
3. Karakol History Museum
4. Karakol Animal Market
5. Victory Park
6. Jolgolot Viewpoint
Can I visit Karakol during the current Covid situation?
Yes, you can plan a visit to Karakol during the current Covid situation. However, make sure that you are completely vaccinated and always carry your vaccination certificate. Besides this, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distancing.
Is there any cruise activity in Karakol?
Karakol sits on one of the shores of the second-largest lake in the world after Lake Titicaca, Issyk Kul. To admire the beauty of this lake, you can opt for a sunset cruise that offers breathtaking views of Karakol.
Which are the most popular trekking trails in Karakol?
There is no dearth of options for trekking in Karakol but the most popular ones are Alakul trek, Inylchek trek, and Karakol Valley trek.
When is the best time to visit Karakol?
The best time to explore Karakol is either from January to April or from July to November when the weather is pleasant with cool winds and perfect for sightseeing.
How far is Almaty from Karakol?
The distance between Almaty to Karakol is 368 kilometres and to cover this distance takes nearly 6 hours.
Is it safe to visit Karakol?
Like Almaty, Karakol is also safe to explore and can be visited alone. However, one should always stay alert in a new place and stay away from ssecluded areas.
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