almaty to karakol tour

English speaking driver and guide

Almaty Karakol transfer

Order a taxi from Almaty to Karakol through Karkara (Kegen) border checkpoint . For this trip you need 4×4 SUV to pass through mountain area. Ordinary taxi cabs prefer not to take this route because of road condition. But this trip is a real adventure and highly suggested to be done by this road if you head to Karakol. This transfer/tour includes visiting of 2 most interesting parts of Charyn Canyon – Valley of Castles and Moon Canyon .

Transfer in winter

This transfer is possible to be done all year round including winter season from the recent time. Just check in advance with Karkara/Kegen checkpoint by phone as the road can be closed if a strong snowfall has happened before.

Karkara border checkpoint working hours

Please note that Kegen/Karkara check point is working only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Road from Almaty to Kyrgyzstan border is more than 300 kilometers and taxi trip would take around 5 hours, add 2-3 hours for photo stops and Charyn canyon visiting plus 3 hours driving from the border to Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) by mountain road. Total trip time of this adventure will be 11 – 12 hours. So, it is better to start early from Almaty around 7 a.m. to reach Karakol by 8 p.m.

Road from Almaty to Karakol on the map

Almaty Karakol taxi service gallery

15 Best Things to do in Karakol Kyrgyzstan

Here’s the complete travel guide to Karakol Kyrgyzstan, including the 15 best things to do in Karakol

Located on the eastern tip of the famous Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is a great base for some of the most epic hiking and trekking in Kyrgyzstan . Known as the ‘outdoors capital’ of Kyrgyzstan, Karakol is the perfect Central Asian city for exploring the surrounding national parks and snow-capped Tian Shan mountains.

Karakol acts as a gateway for adventure yet also holds a special energy that will welcome you like a warm embrace due to the friendly and hospitable Kyrgyz people.

Karakol city also holds its own for its choice of culinary delights that have only been enhanced by the city’s wonderful ethnic diversity.

In this guide, I will tell you all about the best things to do in Karakol Kyrgyzstan.

If you’re looking for information about the fantastic Karakol trekking scene, I highly suggest reading my guide on the 21 Best Hikes and Treks in Karakol and Jyrgalan , which will spoil you for choice with hiking options.

The 21 Best Hikes in Karakol and Jyrgalan

There are so many reasons to visit Karakol and explore this beautiful area, so what are you waiting for?

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kyrgyzstan Travel Essentials

• 20 things you need to know before traveling to Kyrgyzstan
• The 25 best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
• The top 28 things to do in Kyrgyzstan
• The 14 best hikes & treks in Kyrgyzstan
• The 9 best horse riding destinations in Kyrgyzstan
• Kyrgyzstan Budget Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours & Kyrgyzstan Tour Planning
• Visa: Required Kyrgyzstan travel documents
• Getting there: Search for flights to Bishkek or Osh
• Where to stay : Find a yurt camp,homestay, hotel, hostel or guesthouses
• Travel Insurance: Choose the best travel insurance for Kyrgyzstan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A brief history of Karakol Kyrgyzstan

Karakol, in ancient times, sat at the center of the region known once as Turkestan that stretched from Mongolia’s Gobi Desert right to the Caspian Sea.

When the explorer and scientist Nikolay Przhevalsky traveled across the Russian empire, he discovered Karakol. In search of a cure from Tibet for an ill Tsar, he became ill himself and sadly didn’t make it to Tibet. After he died, the city was named ‘Przhevalsk’ in his honor.

In the 19th century, Karakol was a Russian military outpost that then became a Soviet state under Russian rule in the 20th century.

Considered a crossroads between China to the east, and the rest of Central Asia to the west, Karakol today is a multicultural, independent city and home to many people of different ethnicities. Kyrgyz, Russian, Dungan, Tatar, Uighur, Kalmyk, Uzbek as well as others call Karakol home.

The city is the administrative capital of the Issyk-Kul Region and ‘ Destination Karakol ’ has worked hard to build up this wonderful city’s reputation. They have now firmly put Karakol on the trekking map, advertising the delicious food, diverse culture and natural wonders on offer in and near to this fascinating city.

Karakol’s history has greatly shaped the city with the years of migration, activity and trade all having left their mark. Come and visit Karakol and experience its vibrant culture and energy.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: 20 things you should know before you go

Is Karakol worth visiting?

Not only does Karakol tick the box for the number one Kyrgyzstan destination for trekking , it also seems to be the city where visitors tend to spend the most time.

With its rich history, great culinary scene and several worthwhile sightseeing spots, this small city packs a big punch.

The Karakol hiking scene is one of the best in the country and the city’s proximity to the surrounding mountains draws Kyrgyzstan’s largest percentage of tourists, more even than the capital Bishkek.

Despite Karakol’s growing popularity, you will find that it’s not yet been hugely commercialized and developed. The city still retains a kind of 19th-century Soviet charm and there’s no mass of expensive luxury hotels, just local guesthouses and a few highly affordable hotels. 

Kyrgyzstan Money Guide: How much does it cost to travel and live in Kyrgyzstan

Is Karakol safe?

If you happen to be wondering if Karakol is safe, then you needn’t worry. Karakol city is generally a really safe and friendly place to visit.

If you plan on doing some winter sports such as skiing , or some trekking in the mountains, then it’s wise to make sure you have adequate travel insurance before you go. Plan ahead and organize cover that will protect you during all of the activities you want to do whilst traveling around Karakol.

Is Kyrgyzstan safe? 15 useful things to know before you go

What is the best time of year to visit Karakol Kyrgyzstan

Because Karakol is such an outdoor destination, the best time to visit is during the summer. Between the months of June and September brings the best weather for higher-altitude Karakol trekking.

For the lower altitude treks, May and October also can be good for visiting Karakol .

If you are looking to travel to Karakol in winter for some snow-filled adventures, Jyrgalan is becoming more popular for skiing and other snow sports.

It’s important to check the local Karakol weather forecast whilst visiting in winter and remember that snow can make traveling more difficult and some paths impassable.

• 6 reasons why you should visit Kyrgyzstan in winter

Getting around Karakol

Karakol Kyrgyzstan is a relatively small city where you can walk easily between the main sights.

If you fancy taking advantage of the local public transport, then marshrutkas and taxis are your two main options. The marshrutkas have routes through the city and connect to nearby villages. They cost around 10 SOM per person which is well under 1 USD.

Local taxis are relatively cheap too and offer a fixed rate of 70 SOM per car for local stops within the city, removing the fear of watching the meter mount up.

If you’re looking to travel from the Karakol bus station into town, then you can either take the number 109 marshrutka or a local taxi. A taxi is a wise choice if traveling with a lot of trekking equipment.

Are you looking for a  customized guided tour  in Kyrgyzstan and/or other countries  in Central Asia ? Do you need help  planning your itinerary ?

Have a look at my   C e n t r a l   A s i a  tour and itinerary planning services !

Things to see and do in and around Karakol city

Karakol city map.

1. 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. The church was primarily visited by troops praying for safe passage before embarking on their long journey home.

The original building was destroyed in 1890 during an earthquake and a new wooden structure was built and then taken over during Soviet rule. The church was used for many years as a dance hall as well as being host to other events. Today the cathedral is one of Karakol’s most visited sights.

• The cathedral is located on the corner of Lenin and Gagarin Street .
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8 am-6 pm, Sun 8 am-5 pm.

2. 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. The entire structure was built using no nails and resembles a temple more than a traditional mosque. The Dungan Mosque was one of the only surviving Mosques after the Soviets chose to destroy the others.

If you plan on visiting this special building, it’s important to know that women who enter must cover their heads, arms and legs, and hooded coats can be requested.

• You can find the Dungan Mosque on the corner of Bektenova & Abdrahmanov Streets
• Open 8 am – 6 pm daily
• Admission fee 20 KGS (less than $1)

3. 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.

Built by Russian merchants, it’s unlikely that you would imagine these sweet fairytale houses when thinking of Central Asian architecture. The richer the merchant, the more detailed, colorful and elaborate the design of the house. These structures sit amongst the concrete, low-rise houses and act as a reminder of Karakol’s past as a frontier town.

• The Russian Quarter is located on Zhamansariev Street , between Toktogula and Gagarin Streets.

4. 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.

Sent to the region by a Russian Tsar, Przhevalsky had a mission to discover a shortcut to Tibet however he contracted typhoid and died before the trip. The city was then named Przhevalsk in his honor and was only changed to Karakol in 1991.

In the Przhevalsky museum, you can see some of his route maps across Central Asia as well as some of his discoveries about people, culture and flora and fauna of the time. His tomb sits here amongst some of his drawings and belongings in a beautiful, large and tree-filled park.

• Village Pristan Prjevalski , about 15 minutes outside town by taxi or marshrutka
• Open daily 9 am -5 pm
• Admission Fee 80 KGS per person/ just under $1

5. Karakol Walking Tour

What’s better than a walking tour, a free walking tour, no?

With so many interesting sights to visit in Karakol town, why not book yourself on a Karakol Walking tour. ‘Destination Karakol’ provides this tour along with some fantastic Karakol travel guides and although the tour is free, it’s customary to give a tip of around $3 to your guide afterward.

The tour is around two and a half hours and you can book a place here .

6. Tatar Mosque

The Tatar mosque is the oldest in Karakol and was built in 1887 by the Tatar people. When the country was taken over by Russian rule around 1935, the Soviets decided to use this building as a cinema throughout the mid-twentieth century.

The details and architecture of this building are stunning. Its blue dome, green roof and lancet window arches are so unique to the people and culture who designed and constructed this mosque. It’s well worth seeing whilst on your visit to Karakol.

• Location: Zhamansariev Street , Karakol

7. Bugu Bazaar & Ashlan-Fu Alley

Bugu Bazaar is a smaller, more relaxed version of the large Karakol Bazaar. Slower-paced and quieter, you can browse the selection of souvenirs, food, spices and produce on sale at your leisure.

An alley, known as ‘Ashlan-Fu’ sits across the street and is known for its delicious cuisines such as Ashlan-Fu (spice noudle soup), steamed dumplings and salads. It’s a fantastic place to grab a bite and very cheap. There are many vegetarian options here too if you happen to be meat-free.

• Location: corner of Alybakov & Gagarin Street
• Open daily 8 am – 6 pm

8. Victory Park

Victory Park in Karakol is home to some of the city’s most important monuments. The Great Patriotic War memorial, a monument to commemorate victims who fell under Stalin’s regime as well as one marking The Great Urkun all sit in this park.

The Great Urkun was a tragic Kyrgyz event that saw thousands of people killed when fleeing from Russian troops over the Tian Shan mountains to China in 1916. 

• You can find Victory Park on Abdrakhmanova Street , Karakol

9. Pushkin Park

Right in the center of Karakol , you’ll find Pushkin Park. A lush, green haven enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Founded in 1985, the park was named after the city’s first governor, Nikolai Barsov until it was changed and named after the Russian writer Aleksandr Pushkin.

The park is home to various types of trees and has been designed thoughtfully with a green zone, wide walkways and children’s attractions.

10. Karakol River Park

Karakol River Park is another lovely green space to visit and enjoy in the city. Karakol’s city festivals are held here as well as other local events.

It’s a great place to take a stroll through the day or as the sun is setting. The calming sound of the river flowing, the clean air and great play areas for children attract travelers and locals alike.

11. Karakol Big Bazaar

Karakol’s Big Bazaar is where you can go to buy almost anything you might want or need whilst visiting Karakol. An eclectic mix of ethnicities and people gather to buy and sell at this enormous market.

Here you’ll see Kyrgyz, Russian, Uighur, Kalmyk and Uzbek people all coming together to buy, sell, barter and chat and where you’ll find all kinds of spices, beans, dried fruits, clothing as well as fresh fruit and vegetables too.

Soak up the hustle and bustle, pick up some useful items for trekking and experience one of the great things to do in Karakol.

• Visit the Big Bazaar on the corner of Torgoev and Aldashev street
• Open daily 8 am – 6 pm 

12. Animal Market (Mal Bazaar)

Karakol Animal Market is one of the country’s largest animal markets. It’s one of the most lively Karakol places to visit and a must-see if you’re looking for something to do early on a Sunday morning and you’ll find that not much has changed here for decades.

It’s best to come before 10 am as most of the excitement is over by then. People bring their horses, pigs, goats, poultry and sheep here to sell and others come to buy, it’s muddy and chaotic so make sure you wear appropriate footwear!

Also, if you’re planning on a Central Asia road trip or happen to be a fan of old Soviet vehicles, the used car market is next door and worth a visit too.

• You can find the Karakol Animal Market here .
• If you’re traveling from Karakol, you can take either marshrutka #102 or a taxi, either will cost you less than $1.
• Open Sunday 7am – 11am

13. Ak-Suu Kench Hot Springs

Kyrgyzstan has a lot of thermal springs and there are several hot springs spots near Karakol. The closest one is Ak Suu Kench, located near the village of Ak-Suu, a 30-minute drive from Karakol.

It’s a great activity to relax your muscles after going on a (multi) day trek in the mountains near Karakol or treating yourself to some warmth when skiing in winter.

• Ak Suu Kench is located in the village of Teploklyuchenka (Ak-Suu). You can find its exact location here .
• Take minibus #350 that goes from the city center to Ak-Suu village.
• Entrance fee is 200 KGS. Open daily from 9 am until 12 am.

14. Go on a kayaking trip to Issyk Kul Lake

While Karakol isn’t located on the shores of lake Issyk Kul, the city isn’t too far from Kyrgyzstan’s biggest lake. If you’d love to go kayaking, you can go to the village of Przhevalsk , located 17km from Karakol, where you can find the best paddling options to spend (half) a day on the lake.

You can even go kayaking in winter as the lake never freezes! Just dress warmly and enjoy the winter wonderland from your boat!

• You can book a kayaking trip with Karakol Tour . Prices vary on the number of people. Single and double kayaks are available.

15. Go on a day hike or multi-day trek / horse riding trip in summer or a skiing trip in winter

Karakol is a great base if you like to go on a hike in the nearby mountains. There are so many hiking and horse riding options that I dedicated a separate guide to the best day hikes and treks in Karakol.

While hiking will only be possible during summer (and late spring/early autumn), Karakol also offers a lot of skiing and snowboarding possibilities in winter. Read more about it in the guide below!

Everything you need to know about Skiing in Kyrgyzstan

Where to eat in Karakol – The best restaurants, cafes and pubs in Karakol

In recent years, due to the increasing number of tourists, there have been more restaurants, cafes and bars appearing in Karakol. With a mix of ethnicities, people and cultures, the Karakol food scene is deliciously eclectic and reflects more and more the multicultural nature of its people.

If you happen to be a lover of food, then there are a couple of great food related things to do in Karakol. Here are my top picks to eat some great food whilst visiting Karakol.

Karakol Food Tour

If food really is your thing, you can book a spot on one of the ‘Destination Karakol’ Food Tours .

One of the tours include dining with a local Dungan family and eating some traditional food together, learning more about their cultures and customs and how to make the famous Ashlan Fu noodle dish.

It will cost you under $20 and includes trying up to 8 different dishes, a village tour and cooking demonstration.

Ethno Cafe Dastorkon

Etno Cafe Dastorkon is one of Karakol’s most popular restaurants. Come and eat here if you want to try some traditional Kyrgyz cuisine. There are also Dungan, Russian and Uighur dishes available as well as some European dishes.

The staff are welcoming and there is an English menu that includes detailed explanations of each meal. The interior is lovely and on summer evenings you might even catch some live music being played out on the terrace.

Ashlyan – Fu Alley

While they only have 3 dishes on the menu, Ashlyan Fu Alley is the place to be to eat the famous Dungan dish Ashlyan Fu! You can’t leave Karakol without trying this cold soup made from wheat noodles, potato starch strips, and various toppings like chopped egg, meat, cucumber, all topped with a special vinegar sauce.

Karakol Lighthouse

Whenever I spent a few days in Karakol, you could often find me working on the terrace of the Karakol Lighthouse . Aside from having good wi-fi, they serve good coffee, great desserts to feed my sweet tooth and in general a nice variety of Kyrgyz and European dishes.

The Hut is a closed door music bar where you have to knock if you want to enter. Once inside, you’ll be able to enjoy a cold beer whilst listening to jazz, rock and blues on vinyl in this speakeasy style bar.

The cosy and inviting atmosphere will no doubt have you visiting again the next evening.

1 4 Top Things to do in Osh – Osh City Guide

Where to stay in Karakol – the best hotels and hostels in Karakol

Karakol has been welcoming travelers passing through for decades, long before and including its time serving as a military outpost.

Today, Karakol’s accommodation options are excellent from budget hostels, and friendly guest houses to more expensive hotels in Karakol.

If you’re looking to meet some like-minded travelers or perhaps even some trekking pals, then hostels are a good, sociable option. Local B&B’s and guest houses will give you an insight into the culture and customs, and your host will often serve traditional.

If it happens to be luxury you’re after, then the hotels on offer in Karakol are where you want to look, although Karakol prices are still very reasonable, even for the best Karakol hotels in town.

Below I have listed a few of my top choices for places to stay in Karakol that will best suit your budget and the type of trip you’re on.

Best hostels in Karakol

• Snow Leopard Hostel

The owners of Snow Leopard Hostel are friendly and full of helpful advice and knowledge about the best things to do whilst in the area. There’s a garden and terrace area as well as barbecue facilities for you to use. Some of the rooms even have a mountain view. This hostel is considered to be one of the cheapest hostels in Karakol and for less than $8, you can sleep for a night in a mixed 6-bed dorm room.

Check availability and prices here.

• KbH-Karakol based Hostel

The KbH -Karakol based Hostel offers accommodation that’s only a 5-minute walk from Karakols city center. Here you have access to free WIFI as well as free parking. There’s a shared kitchen and a communal TV room. The bathrooms are shared and towels, toiletries and slippers are provided. The front desk is open 24 hours and a bed in an 8-bed mixed dorm will cost you around $6 per night. This is a great Karakol hostel choice.

• Duet Hostel

Duet Hostel is run by a very kind family, and you’ll quickly feel at home here. The hostel has a lovely garden area and a meeting point cafe attached (where you can also eat western food), which is a great place to meet other travelers in search of hiking buddies. Duet Hostel offers the option of a bed in a single room, a more peaceful option than that of an 8-bed dorm room.  There’s a shared kitchen as well as free WIFI and a bed in a single room will cost you around $14 per night.

Best guesthouses in Karakol

• Teskey Guesthouse

I stayed at Teskey, a family-run guesthouse during my last visit to Karakol and really loved it. Taalai and his mother are very accommodating and will make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your stay. It’s located close to the city center so everything is at walking distance and the guesthouse itself is located in a quiet area where you can enjoy the mornings or evenings in the beautiful garden. A single room costs 1200 KGS, a double room 2000 KGS, breakfast included.

You can book your stay by contacting Taalai (he speaks English).

• Riverside Karakol

Riverside Karakol is located a 20-minute walk from the center of Karakol. Free WiFi access is available and free on-site parking is possible. The guesthouse is a cross between a hostel and a B&B. The first-floor shared areas are decorated in a luxurious ranch style with leather sofas, rugs on hardwood floors, and sturdy hardwood tables. The rooms are equally cozy, and the entire facility is immaculate, bathrooms included. Certain rooms have a private bathroom, whilst others have shared bathroom facilities.

• Argo Guesthouse

Argo is the guesthouse where I accommodaty the travelers from my group tours just before and after the 4-day trek to Ala Kul. It’s a really beautiful family-owned guesthouse, and you can tell they love Switzerland by the way it’s decorated. The rooms are comfortable, beautifully decorated and clean. There’s a cosy garden to relax in the evenings. Argo is located at a walking distance from the city center.

Best hotels in Karakol

If you’re looking for a high-end hotel in Karakol, I recommend:

• Green Yard Hotel : Check availability and prices here.
• Hotel 78 Cafe : Check availability and prices here.
• Hillside Karakol : Check availability and prices here.

The 25 most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan

How to get to Karakol Kyrgyzstan

Although Karakol may seem rather remote on the eastern edge of Kyrgyzstan, there are several options and routes to get to Karakol Kyrgyzstan.

The city sits close to the border with China and nearby Kazakhstan. It’s common for people to travel into Bishkek first and then to travel via road to Karakol past the famous Lake Issyk Kul with views of the Tian Shan mountains.

The city is fairly accessible from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan as well as from other places in Kyrgyzstan.

Karakol’s closest airport is Issyk Kul International airport (Tamchy) which is close to Cholpon-Ata. This airport only hosts domestic flights from Osh and some flights from Russian destinations during the summer. 

How to get from Bishkek to Karakol

If you happen to be travelling from Bishkek to Karakol, you can take a shared taxi or marshrutka (minibus) from the Western Bus Station in Bishkek to Karakol bus station .

The road to Karakol takes around 6 hours and will take you past Lake Issyk Kul. A ticket for the minibus costs 350 KGS per person and leaves Bishkek hourly once it’s full. The bus from Bishkek to Karakol passes through Cholpon-Ata and the scenery is spectacular.

Alternatively you could take a shared taxi, but it would only take half an hour off your journey and cost you significantly more – 600 to 800 KGS.

There is also a night bus to Karakol that leaves daily from the Western Bus Station in Bishkek at 9 pm, 10 pm and 11 pm. A ticket costs 350 KGS and the journey takes around 5 to 6 hours.

As of December 26, 2022, Kyrgyzstan introduced GoBus , a daily charter bus from Bishkek to Karakol.

I haven’t tried this means of transport yet but it’s supposed to be a very comfortable bus with accurate travel time (really curious about that as punctuality isn’t very common in Kyrgyzstan…), and free WiFi on board.

The bus leaves at certain locations in Bishkek and stops along the way in Balykchy, Cholpon-Ata, Ananyevo, Tyup and Karakol. A ticket costs 450 KGS, which you can book via the GOBUS app , where you can also find the travel route and where to catch the bus from. If you decide to try out this bus, can you give me and other readers an update in the comments below of how the journey went?

13 Top Things to do in Bishkek – Bishkek Travel Guide

How to get from Osh to Karakol

The quickest route to travel from Osh to Karakol is to fly to Bishkek (only 45 minutes) and then travel by (mini)bus from Bishkek to Karakol. Domestic flights between Osh and Bishkek usually cost around $55.

Alternatively you could take the long, scenic route. You’ll first have to a shared taxi from Osh to Bishkek (a 10-hour journey, around 1200 KGS per person) and then a (mini) bus from Bishkek to Karakol (see above).

How to get from Almaty to Karakol

If travelling from Almaty to Karakol, your options are to take the bus from Almaty to Bishkek and from there you can take the hourly departing (mini)bus to Karakol bus station (see above).

H o w t o get f r o m A l m a t y t o Bishkek

I hope that this guide has given you some useful info regarding all of the brilliant things to do in Karakol city. Wishing you a safe and wonderful journey to this beautiful city!

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More kyrgyzstan travel resources.

• The Complete Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
• The 14 best hikes in Kyrgyzstan
• The 25 most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan
• 15 useful safety tips for Kyrgyzstan
• The complete packing list for Kyrgyzstan
• 28 Things to do in Kyrgyzstan
• 13 Top Things to do in Bishkek – City Guide
• How to visit the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek
• 14 Top Things to do in Osh – City Guide
• 15 Best Things to do in Karakol – City Guide
• The 21 best hikes in Karakol and Jyrgalan
• Tash Rabat Travel Guide
• The complete travel guide to Kel Suu Lake
• The complete travel guide to Arslanbob
• How to visit Sary Chelek Lake and Nature Reserve
• Top things to do around Issyk Kul Lake, a one week itinerary
• Facts and legends of the Burana Tower
• Everything you need to know about horse riding to Song Kul lake
• A comprehensive guide to skiing in Kyrgyzstan
• Visit Kyrgyzstan in winter by using this 10-day Kyrgyzstan winter itinerary
• Here are the 7 best hikes in the Alay Mountains near Osh
• Use this day-by-day itinerary to hike independently to Ala Kul lake
• Hike independently to Son Kul lake by using these 2 itineraries
• 8 great day trips and hikes near Bishkek
• Ready steady goat! An insight into Kok Boru, Kyrgyzstan’s unusual national sport
• Meet the Golden Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan

4 thoughts on “15 Best Things to do in Karakol Kyrgyzstan”

I took the Gobus from Bishkek to Karakol in July 2023. It worked as advertised, booking through their app was straightforward. There is one departure per day from Bishkek at 8:00 (bus stop is next to victory park), arrival in Karakol was at 14:30 at Gebze street. Price was 550 Som.

Thank you for the update thomas, highly appreciate it!

This blog is amazing and helped me a lot during my trip to Kyrgyzstan. Huge thank you! I wanted to share a bit of information RE GOBUS. I could not make the app work so I called the numbers on their website: | 0 706 | 880087 | 0 559 | 880087 Their English was good enough to communicate. They said the service Bishkek – Karakol and Karakol – Bishkek is from Friday to Tuesday. One bus per day. The times are: Bishkek – Karakol at 4 pm. Karakol – Bishkek at 10 am.

I can not tell my experience as my travelling day was Wednesday so I could not travel with them.

Hi Carlos, thank you so much and thank you for sharing this information! How did you travel to Karakol?

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• Central Asia
• Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Group Tour 2024-2025

Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Group Tour 8 days | Astana, Almaty, Karakol, Kochkor, Son-Kul, Bishkek

Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan group tour offers the most prominent sights of two neighbouring Central Asia countries. You will see awe inspiring nature in Charyn Canyon, Jeti Oguz, Son Kul and many other places. You will feel the contrast in Almaty and Bishkek. Get lifetime memories and beautiful selfies and meet travelers from all over the world with Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan group tour. Make your journey big and extend your Central Asia travel adventures with Uzbekistan group tour .

Tour itinerary:

• Twin/double room accommodation, including early check-in on Day 1;
• Meals – as stated in the program;
• Transportation throughout the whole trip;
• English-speaking guide to accompany the group (except for Day 8 – transfer to the airport);
• Entrance fees to sights, museums. Camera/video fees are not included and paid separately;
• Felt carpet show in Kochkor;
• Eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo;
• Kyrgyz folklore show in Karakol.
• Hotel charges for additional services;
• Early check-in (except for Day 1) and late check-out;
• Horse riding in Son-Kul;
• Consular fees paid upon collection of the entrance visa to Kyrgyzstan;
• Visa support (if necessary);
• Full board meals;
• International airfares before and after the tour;
• Personal insurance and items not mentioned above.

Dates & Prices

100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.

Group size: 1-16 persons

Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.

Accommodation

Tour request.

Tour start date:

Number of Travelers:

Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Group Tour Reviews

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Almaty to Karakol

• All Fees and Taxes
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• Food, water
• Pick up from your adress and time supposes to be early, time can be agreed with customer
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travellers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Charyn Canyon National Park Stop: 2 hours Transfer from Almaty to Karakol with Charyn Canyon. Charyn Canyon "Valley of Castlles" Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

Almaty to Karakol provided by Tausapar

• Accommodation
• Karakol Ski Base
• Köl-Suu Lake
• Transfers/Taxi

Discover Karakol, The Hidden Gem of Kyrgyzstan with Karakol Guide

Welcome to our site all about Karakol and providing you with help and information on many topics. Karakol is the small lovely town in the eastern part of Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyz Republic ( Kyrgyzstan ). We have helped hundreds of people have a wonderful time in our region! We hope we can help you.

This mountainous area around Karakol is very attractive for all types of tourists: mountain climbing expeditions , horse-riding tours , hikings and trekkings , heli and mountain skiing. In addition to that, Issyk-Kul Lake (which is proudly called the Pearl of Tien-Shan ) offers sandy beaches, resorts, spas, hot springs and a great opportunity to suntan in the summertime.

No matter how you wish to arrive at Karakol, we can help! The usual way to get to this wonderful area is to arrive at the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek city. Here the international airport "Manas" (FRU) has a lot of flights from many countries. Regular flights from Almaty , Istanbul, Moscow, Shanghai and Dubai are landing daily. On arrival to Bishkek or Almaty (Kazakhstan) we can help you to arrange a taxi or order a transfer to Karakol . You will then have a stunning journey over the Boom pass and along the 180km lake shore. One of the most popular bookings is a taxi from Almaty to Karakol via Kegen with a visit of Charyn Canyon .

When you arrive in Karakol town you can choose the following variants of where to stay:

• Karakol Hotels The choice is very large: from economy rooms to luxury apartments, from single to four bed rooms. Breakfast is usually included in the price. We can help you with your selection based on your needs  
• Guest Houses A Guest House in Karakol is a private house, usually with 3-6 rooms offered, either for booking on a per room basis, or as a full house for one group. The owners of the house usually cook local national food for guests and breakfasts are also included in the price. Saunas (banya), pool, and a few other services are offered additionally in many of the guesthouses.  
• Flats There are many variants of flat/apartment rental in Karakol town . This is very popular with small groups of students, budget travellers, mountain skiers and families. A kitchen is equipped with all the necessary amenities for cooking, although note that no meals are included in the price.  
• Whatever you are looking for in terms of accommodation, we can help you

If you are in Karakol and searching for a mountain guide , or trying to find the best route for a few days trekking in the surrounding mountains, we can help you with this choice. We have professional area and mountain guides, drivers, interpreters who can help you while you are in Kyrgyzstan . Our vast experience of providing visitors with all they need means you are in safe hands.

• Transfers in Kyrgyzstan
• Taxi: Almaty - Karakol
• Mountain guides
• Trekking staff
• Accommodation in Karakol

We are a team of local professionals providing services for tourists: this includes licensed drivers, comfortable cars, mountain guides, interpreters and porters, accommodation in guesthouses, hotels, flats and hostels, horseback rides and paragliding. Everything you need!

Happy-Go-Nessa

Travelling East to West on the silk road

Best route from Karakol to Almaty: the Kegen Border Crossing

To get from Karakol to Almaty, the shortest and most economical route would be to get there via the Kegen border crossing. However, crossing this border can be quite tricky as there is limited public transport and online information about this particular border crossing.

The safest option would be to first go to Bishkek and then go through the Kordai border crossing to Almaty. However, if you’re flexible with your plans and ready for an adventure, crossing into Kazakhstan via Kegen is a quiet, scenic route that gives you ample opportunities to socialise with the locals.

On the way towards Almaty, you could even make a detour to some of the natural wonders around this region such as Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes, Altyn Emel National Park and Turgen Gorge.

Kegen Border Crossing Advice:

• Kegen border is open between 9AM-6PM Monday to Friday. I have been told by some that it is open on weekends too, but have been told the opposite by others hence I believe it is best to cross this border on a weekday.
• It is advisable to start your journey early in the morning especially if you would like to get to the border via marshrutka and/or hitchhiking.
• There MAY possibly be Marshrutkas that will take you to Karkara (7km from the border), but we were unable to find it as we started pretty late in the day. Other sources we found online stated we could find this marshrutka from the main bazaar of Karakol.
• If there is no marshrutka to Karkara, you may find a marshrutka to other small towns or villages in that direction, e.g. Santash Village. We took a marshrutka to this village and I will write more about our experience below.
• Alternatively, if you are unable to find a marshrutka, there are taxis from Karakol main bazaar that will take you to the border crossing, which we were quoted a price of 5000som. But you may or may not find a taxi when you enter Kazakhstan and may need to hitchhike from there.
• If you are stuck on the Kyrgyz side of the border, there are no hotels that you can stay at, but if you are lucky there might be a local that will invite you into their house. It is advisable that you have camping gear with you if you are attempting this crossing.
• I have found information online that there are yurts that you can stay at if you reach the Kazakh side of the border and are stuck. There may not always be yurts set up on the other side however, and we didn’t see any when we crossed over..

The above advice I have typed written down from personal experience and from information I gathered online before I did the crossing. I generally use Caravanistan’s forum for up to date information on border crossings, but unfortunately for Kegen, it seemed not many travellers who this border have updated their experience there.

I will write out what my experience was in August 2019, but keep in mind border crossings can change quickly. I recommend keeping track of Caravanistan’s forum in case there is a more recent update from somebody who has done the Kegen border crossing.

My hitchhiking experience from Karakol to Almaty in August 2019

When I crossed the Kegen border crossing with my travel partner Jonas, things didn’t go to plan and we were stuck on the Kyrgyz side for the night. To be honest, that was mainly our fault though.

We woke up late and were very lazy getting ready to leave as it was a cold rainy day. We arrived at Karakol’s main bazaar sometime past 1pm but did not see a marshrutka to Karkara as we walked up and down the busy road packed with marshrutkas. There was a very persistent taxi driver that kept following us the entire road insisting that no such marshrutka exist and that we had no option but to take his taxi.

However, by asking around, we met a helpful, kind guy who made a few calls for us. Despite our communication barrier, through google translate, he managed to tell us that the marshrutka to Karkara did indeed exist but we had just missed it as it departed at 1:30pm that day from a different location. He made some more phone calls for us and took us to a marshutka that was bound to leave at 2pm to Santash village which was 18km from the border.

While it would normally take a car 1.5-2 hours to reach this place, the marshrutka took about 4 hours to arrive at this village. When they dropped us off, we had another 20 minutes to spare before the border closed and there was no car in sight to give us a ride.

We gave up hope of completing the border crossing that day and tried asking around for guesthouses in this area instead. There were none, and the closest guesthouses of any sort were all back in Karakol. We were extremely lucky though, and an elder gentleman living closeby offered to let us stay in a cozy rug covered room in his home for 1000som. His sister in law was extremely hospitable and kept inviting us for chai and food.

The next morning when we left, there were very few cars coming down the road towards the border. The rain was pouring hard and we came to the realisation that we may have to walk the entire 18km to the border.

Thank goodness we had another stroke of luck and 20 minutes into trudging down the muddy road, a 2004 Hyundai Terracan stopped for us. Inside was 4 friendly Dutch students who welcomed us in despite the limited space. Their boot was filled to the brim, so 4 of us sat in the back seat with our 2 big bags across our laps. We couldn’t have been more thankful and relieved for all their help as we rode in their cozy car to the border.

Getting across the border wasn’t difficult at all. Everyone had to get out of the car to get their passports stamped off on the Kyrgyz side. When you get to the Kazakh side, you will be given a small paper document the size of your passport with some stamps on it. Make sure to keep this otherwise you may have problems when leaving Kazakhstan.

While all the passengers went through to the Kazakh side, the driver would need to get back into car to drive it over to an area for some inspection. The inspection time may vary for some cars, and international cars may face more problems than local cars occasionally. We did not meet much trouble however, and the inspection time took an extra 15 minutes after we all got through to the Kazakh side. In total it took roughly 30-45 minutes to get across the border.

The guys we were with were super sweet and offered to take us to Kegen as well, a small town on the Kazakh side of the border. There was only one other taxi on the other side of the border which was quickly snatched up by a Russian family that had came to the border by taxi from Karakol. The border crossing isn’t very busy with only about 4 cars waiting at the border when we were crossing it, so we may had to wait a few hours before we would be able to get a ride.

From Kegen it shouldn’t be too hard to hitchhike to Almaty as there are a lot of cars that head in this direction. The concept of hitchhiking isn’t wide spread in Central Asia though, and some drivers may expect you to pay a fee to ride in the car though this price is often negotiable. If you want to hitch a ride without paying a fee, make sure to make this clear from the beginning.

Me and Jonas met a Lithuanian family who were also heading to Almaty from the restaurant we took a quick bite at, so we decided to share a taxi to our common destination. The starting price for the taxi was 20 000 tenge, but we managed to negotiate the price to 15 000 tenge. Later, for an extra 5000 tenge, the driver agreed to stop for 1 hour at Charyn Canyon, one of the nature highlights of this region before we continued on to Almaty.

On our second day, we had started from Santash village at 11am, and only managed to reach Almaty at 7pm. It was quite a long but amazing journey where we met lovely locals and travellers as well as saw some amazing sights.

If the weather is good, I would definitely recommend stopping by Kolsai and Kaindy lakes in addition to Charyn Canyon on the way to Almaty. In the south-eastern region of Almaty, the nature is beautiful and you can easily spend 1 week or more exploring the area.

I hope the information I have here will be helpful to whoever wants to attempt crossing the border via Kegen. If anybody has more information about this crossing as well, you can send a message over to my instagram account or via the contact me page. I am in the initial stages of beginning my blog and have not activated the comments section yet, but will do so in the future!

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Almaty to Bishkek Summer Tour

Tour overview.

Beginning in Kazakhstan's cosmopolitan largest city of Almaty, and ending in Kyrgyzstan's rapidly changing capital of Bishkek, this tour is designed to show you all the best that these two countries have to offer. Although there's only 230km between them, we reckon it's a lot more fun to take the scenic route! And we've got a lot to show you on the way.

There are loads of beautiful lakes and mountains, canyons, yurts and horses. There will be eagle hunting and kok boru, hiking, swimming and plenty of bonfires under starlight. But of course as always, there's a SAIGA spin on things! We'll also visit things like an abandoned Soviet campground, an old heavy water factory, a uranium mine, some old Soviet radio towers, and an extremely remote meteorology station.

View the full itinerary

If you'd like to see some more of Central Asia while you're here, check out our Central Asia Mega Tour which covers Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and more of Kazakhstan.

If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.

INCLUSIONS:

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $450

EXCLUSIONS:

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore abandoned Soviet Buildings surrounding Issyk Kol

Be amazed at the tree lined streets of cosmopolitan Bishkek

Participate in a local match of 'Dead goat Polo' or just sit back and watch

Go horseback riding along the shores of Song Kol

Day 1 Mon Aug 21

• Today we’ll drive to a few of the destinations not within walking distance.
• We'll pass Old Square and Republic Square, the two places where the Kazakh Parliament used to take place before moving to Astana in 1997. These are also where we recently saw fatal riots in January 2022, along with the images of the destroyed city hall and presidential residence.
• We’ll show you Medeo, the highest ice-skating rink in the world.
• Driving out to the suburbs of Almaty, we'll make a stop that isn't on other tour itineraries, and in fact most people in Almaty aren't even aware of this gem of Soviet history. Hidden in amongst medium density housing, there's a park which is now home to all the unwanted Soviet statues that were moved from their original places throughout the city and dumped unceremoniously here. Our favourite is the giant Lenin which used to be in Old Square, removed from his plinth and just standing flat on the ground with no sign or plaque to be seen.
• Back in the city centre, we’ll take a ride on the Almaty metro. One of only two metros in Central Asia (the other being in Tashkent), it has just nine stations, so is largely useless to most people. However, like many metros in the former Soviet world, the stations themselves are ornately decorated, sparkling clean, and well worth a look at.

Day 2 Tue Aug 22

Almaty, charyn canyon, saty.

• Bidding farewell to the amazingly chic and cosmopolitan city of Almaty, we’ll make our first stop at one of the Soviet Union's main radio posts. Radio Centre Number 7 is located near the village of Shelek and was only decommissioned in the 90s. These huge radio towers were designed to block incoming radio signals from China and south from India and Afghanistan, while also sending Soviet radio across the globe.
• After a long day of sightseeing we’ll head to Saty Village, where we’ll stay at a local homestay. Saty is the main town in the area that accommodates local tourists who come here to enjoy the region's pristine nature and awesome adventure tourism options.

Day 3 Wed Aug 23

Saty, kolsai and kaindy lakes, karakol.

• We'll cross the border into Kyrgyzstan at the Karakara border, which is only open from May until October due to it being located on a mountain pass. Unlike the main crossings this is a little more off the beaten track.
• After dealing with border formalities, we’ll make out way to Karakol where we’ll check in to our accommodation and try some local Dungan food for dinner.

Day 4 Thu Aug 24

Karakol, jeti ögüz health spa.

• We’ll stop for lunch and have traditional Dungan food before heading on to a SAIGA favourite – the Jeti Ögüz Health Spa, a Soviet sanitorium which is very tired and dated (as you’d expect a Soviet health spa to be!) but still functioning. You’ll have a chance to explore the grounds and buildings, get a massage, see all the weird treatments available and generally take a step back in time. Depending on who we find, we might be able to get radon baths, electric shock therapy, pulsating circulation treatment as well as mud baths, acupuncture and who knows what else!
• For anyone who loves the weird and wonderful, this creepy little adventure will be right up your alley!
• We'll then head into the town of Jeti Ögüz to spend the night.

Day 5 Fri Aug 25

Valley of the flowers, jetty ögüz gorge, kyzyl suu meteorology station.

• After breakfast, we say goodbye to the sanitorium and the babushkas we’ve no doubt made friends with and head along the south shore of Issyk Kol. You’ll have already realised how huge the lake is, but now you’ll start appreciating how different the two sides of it are. To the north the land is much flatter and more like farmland, the mountains very close to the shore. In the south though, it's all canyons, gorges and waterfalls. It's much more rugged, yet the mountains are much further away.
• We'll be staying in the mountain hut of the family who lives here and looks after the nearby Soviet Meteorology Station and the Institute of Glaciers Foundation. Once we’ve settled in they’ll take us for a little tour around the two setups. It’s fascinating seeing the old Soviet ways of measuring everything, compared to the high-tech modern ways of measuring the same things.
• After dinner we’ll no doubt have a bonfire and just relax, taking it all in.

Day 6 Sat Aug 26

Kyzyl suu, barskoon, issyk kol yurt camp.

• Stop at the town of Barskoon to see the monument to Yuri Gagarin, carved into a huge rock.
• Next we’ll visit Aalam Ordo. Building was started in 2009, and it was supposed to be a large centre of knowledge, culture and spirituality, but was never completed. Now it lies abandoned and half finished, but the ornate high wall catches everybody’s eye as they drive past.
• Heard of glamping? Well this is glurting, with each yurt decked out like a hotel room, with power outlets, lights, and real mattresses.
• Take a walk to the nearby abandoned Soviet campground. We’ve made friends with the local security guard, so we’ll be able to explore the dorms, industrial kitchens, shower block, theatre, and whatever else you can find. A keen urban explorer can easily spend hours here.
• We’ll have a home-cooked meal inside a huge yurt, and spend the rest of the evening relaxing.

Day 7 Sun Aug 27

Issyk kol, kochkor, song kol.

• Begin the four-hour drive to Song Kol, stopping in the town of Kochkor where we'll visit the market, take a short walk through the streets, and have lunch in a local family’s home.
• Depending on how early we arrive, you'll have the opportunity to go horse riding, or just take a walk around the area or if you’re really brave, a dip in the lake. Either way it’ll be a relaxing and peaceful evening under the stars.
• Dinner will be in the main yurt at our camp, cooked by the family we’re staying with.

Day 8 Mon Aug 28

Song kol, burana tower, bishkek.

• If you're game you can even have a go yourself, whether it's just seeing if you can pick up the dead goat (not as easy as they make it look!), or getting on a horse and actually trying to play.
• After lunch we'll stop in the town of Tokmok, a stereotypical Soviet town and home of the former air force training base. To honour the town’s past, there’s a MiG-23 mounted as a memorial.
• Arriving in Bishkek in the evening, you'll probably be pretty happy to have some non-Central Asian food, and make the most of the night-life. We could have Japanese, Korean, burgers, pub food, Chinese, pizza, whatever we like.

Day 9 Tue Aug 29

We’ll start with the Frunze Museum, dedicated to Mikhail Frunze, whom the city of Bishkek used to be named after (and why the airport code is still FRU!).

We'll continue on to Osh Bazaar, passing the White House on the way, and we’ll finish off the day learning about some of the weird and wonderful produce and delicacies you’ll find in the market.

For our last night together in Central Asia, we’ll get back to some local Kyrgyz food for dinner, and afterwards can go out and experience some of Bishkek's rapidly gentrifying nightlife, maybe at Save the Ales or some of the many other cool ever-emerging options.

Day 10 Wed Aug 30

Bishkek, end of tour.

• Your Central Asian adventure unfortunately comes to an end here in Kyrgyzstan's capital.
• Transfer to airport according to your flight time.
• If you need any help with your onward journey, please let us know.

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30 Best Stops Between Almaty and Karakol

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How long is the drive from Almaty to Karakol?

The direct drive from Almaty to Karakol is 242 mi (389 km) , and should have a drive time of 6 hrs in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Almaty to Karakol, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like First President park and Auezov Theater, or the ever-popular Kazarian Art Center.

Best stops along Almaty to Karakol drive

Kazarian art center.

First President park

Auezov Theater

Abilkhan kasteev state art museum, green bazaar.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Ascension Cathedral

Park of 28 panfilov guardsmen.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

slava stolyar/nada vineyard

Altyn emel national park, kolsai lake, seven bulls rock, dungan mosque, karakol historical museum, holy trinity cathedral, destination karakol, meeting point.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

"Karakol" Ski Base

Charyn canyon national park, altyn-arashan, other popular road trips from almaty, explore nearby places.

• Chon-Uryukty
• Grigoryevka
• Cholpon Ata
• Bokombayevskoye
• Bokonbayevo
• Otegen Batyra
• Wushi County

All related maps of Karakol

• Map of Karakol
• Map of Saruu
• Map of Chon-Uryukty
• Map of Togyzbulak
• Map of Kensu
• Map of Semenovka
• Map of Barskoon
• Map of Engilchek
• Map of Grigoryevka
• Map of Tosor
• Map of Cholpon Ata
• Map of Kegen
• Map of Bosteri
• Map of Kaji-Say
• Map of Turgen
• Map of Lovar
• Map of Bokombayevskoye
• Map of Bokonbayevo
• Map of Shelek
• Map of Ryskulov
• Map of Talgar
• Map of Besqaynar
• Map of Qarasaz
• Map of Zhambyl
• Map of Almaty
• Map of Otegen Batyra
• Map of Kyrgauyldy
• Map of Baiserke
• Map of Boraldai
• Map of Wushi County
• Map of Rakhat

Karakol throughout the year

• Karakol in January
• Karakol in February
• Karakol in March
• Karakol in April
• Karakol in May
• Karakol in June
• Karakol in July
• Karakol in August
• Karakol in September
• Karakol in October
• Karakol in November
• Karakol in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Karakol?

Get inspired for your trip to Karakol with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Karakol Itinerary
• 2-Day Karakol Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from almaty to karakol.

Yes! You can drive from Almaty to Karakol.

How far is Karakol from Almaty by car?

The drive from Almaty to Karakol is 242 miles (389 km).

How long does it take to drive from Almaty to Karakol?

Driving from Almaty to Karakol should take you 6 hrs in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Almaty to Karakol?

Gas from Almaty to Karakol would cost around $21 to $49 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Almaty to Karakol?

You could check out First President park and Auezov Theater, or the always popular Kazarian Art Center!

What's the weather like in Almaty?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Almaty in January
• Weather in Almaty in February
• Weather in Almaty in March
• Weather in Almaty in April
• Weather in Almaty in May
• Weather in Almaty in June
• Weather in Almaty in July
• Weather in Almaty in August
• Weather in Almaty in September
• Weather in Almaty in October
• Weather in Almaty in November
• Weather in Almaty in December

What are some other road trips from Almaty?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Almaty.

• Almaty to Bishkek drive
• Almaty to Leh drive
• Almaty to Tashkent drive
• Almaty to Srinagar drive
• Almaty to Manali Tehsil drive
• Almaty to Yekaterinburg drive
• Almaty to Shimla drive
• Almaty to Samarkand drive
• Almaty to Karakol drive
• Almaty to Novosibirsk drive
• Almaty to Dharamsala drive
• Almaty to Chandigarh drive
• Almaty to Astana drive
• Almaty to Nainital drive
• Almaty to Krasnoyarsk drive
• Almaty to Samara drive
• Almaty to Manali drive
• Almaty to Urumqi drive
• Almaty to Dushanbe drive
• Almaty to Kashgar drive
• Almaty to McLeod Ganj drive
• Almaty to Karaganda drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Almaty to Karakol

• All Fees and Taxes
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• Food, water
• Pick up from your adress and time supposes to be early, time can be agreed with customer
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travellers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Charyn Canyon National Park Stop: 2 hours Transfer from Almaty to Karakol with Charyn Canyon. Charyn Canyon "Valley of Castlles" Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

Almaty to Karakol provided by Tausapar

• Visit Karakol ,  Gagarina st. ,  28/26 ,  Karakol ,  Issyk-Kul ,  722200 ,  Kyrgyzstan
• +996 501 451515 , +996 551 451515
• [email protected]

Another and fast road to Karakol from Almaty through "Kegen" check point

From the 1st of May "Kegen" check point in Karkara valley on Kyrgyz-Kazakh border will start passing cars and tourists. It will be open until 31st of October 2018.It means that you can get to Karakol from Almaty faster than through Bishkek, but you need find and book transport in advance because there is no public transport. And our company can arrange transport from and to Almaty with possibility to visit sights in Kazakhstan for example Charyn Canyon.

Working hours of check point: from 8.00 to 18.00 without holidays, here is info about transports:  https://visitkarakol.com/transport , here is a article - "how to get to karakol"  https://visitkarakol.com/how_to_get_to_karakol , if you have questions or you need transport you can always contact us: [email protected] or whatsapp: +996 551 451515.

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Almaty Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Almaty. We've got 50 adventures going to Almaty, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 56 days. The most popular month to go is August, which has the largest number of tour departures.

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50 almaty tour packages with 249 reviews.

Altyn Emel national park and Charyn canyon

Charyn canyon and Kolsay and Kaindy lakes

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan 12 days tour

The tour was very good, mostly because of the guides ( two of them at different points in time) who were knowledgeable and pleasant. The itinerary was also interesting. It was my first trip with Tourradar but it won't be the last, in fact, I have just booked a trip to Vietnam.

• Sightseeing

Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

Excellent tour with a wonderful guide and great group. The pace was fast but very enjoyable and we saw some beautiful scenery. Highly recommended

• In-depth Cultural

Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent

Love G adventures as a small group tour. Travelling throught the Stans was very memorable.

Central Asia Combined Silk Road Tour

With a guided tour, you can not control the weather or your travelling companions. I was lucky with both, so that helped! That aside, on my tour through the 5 Stans there were so many things that could have gone wrong. There were the 3 weeks in hotels, the three internal flights and the guides for each leg of the journey. It has to be said that all of this was well managed by Steppe Travels. The communication was great, the hotels were better than expected and all the guides were excellent. There were some long days of travelling, but the itinerary was well thought through and everything worked well. Overall, it was a great trip and Steppe Travel met all my requirements. I recommend them.

Kazakhstan Adventure

• Local Living

The Silk Road

Excellent local guides, great itinerary, good hotels

• Mountain Bike

Mountain Biking Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Trip to the Five Stans - Exploring the Wonders of Central Asia

Great scenery, architecture, and different culture. I found each country interesting. Our guides in each country were, for the most part, excellent. It was a very fast paced trip and we did get "mosque fatigue". ;-) I would definitely come back and visit Bhukara, Samarkand, and Bishkek.

Central Asia: Five Stans Express

Central Asia - 5 Stans

I absolutely loved this tour, and I highly recommend it. This was so well organized, and the local tour guides we had were like rock stars. They were the best. We were fortunate to have chosen East Site. We saw a couple other tour companies, and we were so glad we weren't part of what those other companies were doing. East Site is definitely the best at the 5 Stans.

5stan trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan

5 Stans - A Journey to Central Asia

generally ok but some specific issues that I shall comment later.

The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

just back from a wonderful trip to 3 (unfortunately not 5) -stans. definitely recommend it. fantastic nature, rich culture and history, excellent food and very warm and hospitable people. very good local guides and well positioned hotels. looking forward to visit also Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, closed for tourist at the moment.

What people love about Almaty Tours

The tour was very good, mostly because of the guides ( two of them at different points in time) who were knowledgeable and pleasant. The itinerary was also interesting. It was my first trip with Tourradar but it won't be the last, in fact, I have just booked a trip to Vietnam.

Tours starting from Almaty

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Karakol from Almaty - Kyrgyzstan Forum

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Im planning a trip to central Asia for September 2022 and hoping to travel from Almaty to Karakol

I can't find any evidence of a direct bus, rather a combination of minibuses and Taxis which could be a bit of a nightmare i would imagine

Many thanks for any advice

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guideline limiting each user to a single forums screen name.

In non Covid times, there is a back door by the extreme East of Kyrgyzstan, but it is difficult and time consuming unless you pay taxis.

Im hoping that the border will be open again well before i travel, im assuming its closed due to COVID

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Hi everyone who reads this message.Now from 11 th April Kazakhstan lifted all restrictions.Toutists from more than 57 countries can arrive to Kazakhstan without visa through any border airport or groung borders.

Ground borders are open from any side to Kazakhstan.That means anyone can cross ground border from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan.

Remote border Kegen is open also which is the best option to have straight ride from Almaty city via Charyn Canyon to Karakol town through amazing Karakara valley.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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