Karakol

Karakol is the main town of eastern Issyk-Kul and the outdoor capital of Kyrgyzstan — the base for treks to Ala-Kol and Altyn-Arashan, with a wooden cathedral, a Dungan mosque and a famous Sunday animal market.

Founded in 1869 as a Russian military post, the town was later called Przhevalsk after the explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, who died here in 1888; his grave and museum are on the lake shore nearby. The tree-lined streets still have many old Russian wooden houses with carved windows.

• The wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral (late 19th century).
• The colourful Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese craftsmen without a single nail.
• The Sunday animal market — horses, sheep and cattle, early in the morning.
• Ashlyam-fu, the local cold Dungan noodle dish — see Kyrgyz food.
• Day trips to Jeti-Oguz, Altyn-Arashan and the Karakol valley; skiing in winter.

• Distance: about 6–7 hours from Bishkek by road
• Altitude: about 1,750 m
• Best time: June to September for trekking; December to March for skiing

Our office is in Karakol — come and say hello.