Karakol
Place in Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol, formerly Przhevalsk, is the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, near the eastern tip of Issyk-Kul, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the Kyrgyzstan–China border and 380 kilometres (240 mi) from the capital Bishkek. It is the administrative capital of Issyk-Kul Region. Its area is 44 square kilometres (17 sq mi), and its resident population was 84,351 in 2021. To the north, on highway A363, is Tüp, and to the southwest Jeti-Ögüz resort.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 5,000
- Coordinates
- 42.491, 78.394
- Timezone
- Asia/Bishkek
- Elevation
- 1690 m
Overview of Karakol
Karakol belongs to Kyrgyzstan and has the feel of a tiny locality. About 5,000 people are based here. Which matters when you decide how long to stay. Karakol is strongest on nature, culture and water sports. Its northern-hemisphere position decides when the high season falls. Elevation is roughly 1,690 metres.
Things to do in Karakol
Nature in Karakol
(21)On the nature side, Karakol offers Beaches, Caves, Countryside, Desert and Forest. All of it is drawn from Karakol's recorded activities. That is 21 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Culture in Karakol
(18)Under culture, Karakol is tagged with Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Art Galleries, Bridges and Castles. The full list runs to 18 activities. Straight from the activity profile stored for Karakol.
Water Sports in Karakol
(17)Under water sports, Karakol is tagged with Bodyboard, Canoeing, Diving, Jet Skiing and Kayaking. In all, 17 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Karakol.
Sports in Karakol
(15)Sports lovers get Biking, Golf, Hiking, Hiking Trails and Horse Trails. All of it is drawn from Karakol's recorded activities. That is 15 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Adventure in Karakol
(13)Our data lists Abseiling, Adventure, Adventure Parks, Amusement Parks and Boat Rides as adventure options here. In all, 13 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Karakol.
Nightlife in Karakol
(9)Under nightlife, Karakol is tagged with Bars, Clubs, Disco, Events and Festival. In all, 9 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Karakol.
Wellness in Karakol
(7)Karakol's wellness entries include Farms, Hammam, Ranches, Spa and Therms. Everything listed here comes from what Karakol is actually tagged with. Altogether 7 options are tagged here.
Family in Karakol
(4)Our data lists Aquariums, Playgrounds, Water Parks and Zoo as family options here. Each one is worth building half a day around. Straight from the activity profile stored for Karakol.
Shopping in Karakol
(2)Under shopping, Karakol is tagged with Food and Shopping. Plan them together and you have a full day. Straight from the activity profile stored for Karakol.
More to do in Karakol
(2)The other activities shortlist for Karakol: Fishing and Secret. All of it is drawn from Karakol's recorded activities. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Best time to visit Karakol
June to September brings the conditions water activities need. Choose April to June and September to October for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to December to February. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
Getting there & around
Karakol is small, so plan to arrive via the nearest hub in Kyrgyzstan and continue by car or bike. Time zone: Asia/Bishkek.
Similar destinations
Places near Karakol that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Karakol known for?
- Karakol, in Kyrgyzstan, is best known for nature, culture and water sports. Those categories cover most of what visitors record here, in a place of roughly 5,000 residents.
- What can you do in Karakol?
- Recorded activities in Karakol include Beaches, Caves, Countryside, Desert and Forest. Combine two or three of them and you have a full day without leaving the area.
- When is the best time to visit Karakol?
- June to September brings the conditions water activities need. Choose April to June and September to October for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to December to February. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
- Where is Karakol located?
- Karakol is located in Kyrgyzstan. Use the country and region pages to see what else lies nearby and to plan a route between stops.
Personal notes
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