Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 10 days: Astana, Almaty and Issyk-Kul
Astana → Almaty → Charyn Canyon → Karakol → Issyk-Kul → Ala Archa National Park → Bishkek
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Trekking capital · Kyrgyzstan
Karakol travel guide
A wooden mosque, a wooden cathedral and the best treks in the Tien Shan.
Karakol, at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul, is the main base for trekking in the Terskey Ala-Too. In town, the Dungan Mosque, built of wood in a Chinese style without nails, and the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral reflect the town’s mixed history.
From here, valleys lead to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan and the turquoise Ala-Kul lake, one of the classic multi-day treks in Central Asia.
- Time needed
- 2–4 days
- Best time
- June–September for trekking; winter for skiing
- Getting there
- About 6–7 hours from Bishkek along the north shore of Issyk-Kul.
Don’t miss
What to see in Karakol
- 01
Dungan Mosque
A wooden mosque built by Chinese Muslim craftsmen in the early 20th century.
- 02
Holy Trinity Cathedral
An Orthodox cathedral built entirely of wood.
- 03
Altyn-Arashan
Hot springs in a high valley, reached on foot, horseback or by 4×4.
- 04
Ala-Kul trek
A 3–4 day trek over a high pass to a glacial lake.
- 05
Ashlyan-fu
Karakol’s famous cold noodle soup.
Tours
Tours that include Karakol
The best of Kyrgyzstan in 8 days: Issyk-Kul and the yurts of Song-Kul
Bishkek → Issyk-Kul → Karakol → Song-Kul
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