Karakol is a town located on the eastern side of Issyk Kul lake. It's the main base for exploring the Tian Shan Mountains, and is where backpackers, hikers, adventurers, skiers, and everyone in between come to see the best scenery in Kyrgyzstan.

This means that there are plenty of things to do in Karakol, from relaxing in cafes to treks into the mountains and day trips in the surrounding region. You'll likely end up in Karakol. I based myself there for 2 weeks, while I explored many different places around town.

It's definitely the most tourist-oriented place in Kyrgyzstan, with cafes, restaurants, hostels, guesthouses, and tour companies all found in town. Destination Karakol Office is a worthwhile place to stop in and get more information on treks, trails, and day trips.

How to get there? 405 km or 7 hours drive east of Bishkek

You can take a direct marshrutka (#501 minibus) from the new bus station in Bishkek. They leave regularly all day from 7am onwards and the journey takes about 8 hours.

If you're visiting Kyrgyzstan during the peak tourist season, then I recommend taking the VIP panoramic train instead, from Bishkek to Balykchy. Then, from Balykchy you can find a marshrutka going to Karakol. This can be done in one day (although it takes an extra hour or two than the direct marshrutka). 

When to visit? Most people visit between May and September, when the hiking trails are cleared of snow. However, you can also visit in winter for skiing and other winter sports.

Things to do in Karakol:

• Animal Market is an early morning market outside of town that is considered one of the biggest animal markets in Central Asia, only on Sundays

• Karakol Bazaar is a great place to pick up snacks for hiking trips like dried fruit and nuts, or just to observe local life

• Dungan Mosque is a unique wooden mosque built by Dungans, Chinese Muslims, who were fleeing conflict in China in 1910

• Holy Trinity Church is an Orthodox Church in the town centre originally established in the 1860s to serve the Cossacks who were sent to Karakol in the Russian Empire

• Day trips around Karakol to Ak Suu Hot Springs, Altyn Arashan, Jeti Oguz and the Seven Bulls Rock, and Jyrgalan (refer to the individual pins for more info)

• Trekking is the most popular activity in town, with the Ala Kul Trek being the most common trek, but there's also options like the Boz Uchuk Lakes or the Ak Suu Traverse

Read my guide to the town of Karakol, including more info on all the best things to do here.