Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Why Visit Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Karakol is the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, situated near the eastern end of Lake Issyk Kul 240 miles from Bishkek. This administrative capital of Issyk Kul Province, was originally founded by Russian Tsarist troops as a military outpost which used to carry the name “Przhevalsk” after a well-known Polish-Russian explorer - Nikolai Przewalski.

Due to its profound Russian-rooted history, Karakol is a true legacy of traditional Russian architecture. Nestled between the Tien Shan Mountains and Lake Issyk-Kul, this small town is a picture-perfect setting of original Russian homes and community. It is also one of the few remaining large Slavic communities in central Asia.

Planning your Karakol travel itinerary, make sure to stop by the Dungan Mosque which was built completely of wood without a single nail. This The mosque was erected in 1907 according to the design of a Chinese master. The skilled craftsmen managed to build this ingenious mosque without metal reinforcement tools.

Apart from the cultural heritage, Karakol offers visitors exciting opportunities for year-round trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and spas. The nature of the city is overwhelming.