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Karakol (/ ˌ k æ r ə ˈ k oʊ l /; Kyrgyz: Каракол, IPA: [qɑrɑˈqɔɫ]), formerly Przhevalsk (Russian: Пржевальск, IPA: [pr̩ʐɨˈvalʲsk]), is the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, near the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the Kyrgyzstan–China border and 380 kilometres (240 mi) from the capital Bishkek.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral. The Holy Trinity Cathedral was Karakol’s first Russian Orthodox Church. In the nineteenth century, the city was used by the Russians as an outpost or garrison town.
- Dungan Mosque. Built in 1904, the Dungan Mosque was constructed and designed by the Dungan people, Chinese Muslims who settled in Karakol after fleeing from war in China.
- Russian Quarter and Gingerbread Houses. The Russian Quarter is definitely worth seeing whilst visiting Karakol. The architectural remains from the past two centuries include beautiful, wooden and intricately carved gingerbread-esque houses found in the city’s backstreets.
- Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum. Nikolai Przhevalsky was one of the biggest Russian explorers and scientists in history. Throughout the 19th century, he went on many missions through Central Asia, and it was he who discovered Karakol.
- Holy trinity cathedral. Karakol started as a Russian outpost in the nineteenth century. Karakol was as far east as the Romanovs would get. The Holy trinity cathedral became its first orthodox church, but the original was destroyed by an earthquake in 1890.
- Dungan mosque. The Dungans are Chinese muslims that came to Karakol in the late 19th century as refugees fleeing war and persecution in China. They did not only bring their own cuisine, but also their own culture.
- Russian quarter. Karakol is characterized by low rise concrete homes. Among them you will still find some beautiful wooden Russian gingerbread homes as you walk through the backstreets of Karakol.
- Victory Park. Like every former Soviet city Karakol also has its own victory park with a Great Patriotic War memorial. But that is not all. At the entrance is also a smaller memorial remembering the victims of Stalins regime and yet another monument to the great Urkun.
A Destination Worth Exploring. Located at the crossroads of Central Asia, the city of Karakol in eastern Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating gateway to the region's diverse history, cuisine, and nature. Many unique cultures contribute to the town's culinary history and cultural heritage: Kyrgyz, Tatar, Russian, Dungan, Uyghur, Kalmyk, Uzbek, and more.
Jan 15, 2024 · The Ak Suu region starts in Karakol city and stretches past the village of Jyrgalan up to the Kazakhstan border. Within this region are some of the most popular trekking routes within Kyrgyzstan. Karakol is the gateway into the mountains, and the city’s well-connected public transport system is ideal for allowing access across this stunning area.
Jul 20, 2017 · By DirkW107. Constructed entirely in wood and without nails, it reflects Chinese characters and some Buddhist images. See ways to experience (2) 9. Jyrgalan Valley. 27. Ski & Snowboard Areas. Jyrgalan Valley is located 60 km east to Karakol, Ysyk Kol Province, Kyrgyzstan. Stunning nature, waterfalls, mountains.
Sep 6, 2024 · Bus 101 will take you within 5 mins of walking to the market (10 KGS / 0.11 EUR). Otherwise, you can walk the whole 40 minutes from the center of Karakol or take a taxi for ~80 KGS / 0.85 EUR. 7. Do a Multi-Day Hike to the Ala-Kul Lake. Hiking to Ala-Kul Lake is the most popular multi-day trek for most visitors.
