Welcome to Karakol

Naturally Yours. All Year Round.

Welcome to Karakol

Naturally Yours. All Year Round.

Karakol, Kyrgyzstan with incredible cultural diversity and hospitality
A diversity of people and cultures look forward to welcoming you to Karakol.

Your Center for Culture, Cuisine and Adventure in Kyrgyzstan

Karakol in eastern Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating center for the region's diverse history and stunning nature. Many unique cultures contribute to the town's cultural heritage and culinary diversity -- Kyrgyz, Dungan, Tatar, Cossack, Uyghur, Russian, Kalmyk, Uzbek, and more -- giving Karakol an inclusive and welcoming feel. With both the Tian Shan Mountains and Lake Issyk-Kul nearby, you'll discover limitless outdoor adventure opportunities, too. Whether you're visiting for the trekking, the food, or just pure relaxation, you'll find it here in Karakol, a place to visit all year round.

Top Places to Visit and Things to Do in Karakol

As a hub of activity for the Issyk-Kul Region, Karakol offers travelers no shortage of sights to visit, things to do, delicious food experiences, and adventures to enjoy in and around our cozy mountain town.

Wooden Orthodox Church in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Attractions & Museums

Markets in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Local Markets

Best Day Trips from Karakol

Best Day Trips

Dungan Family Dinner near Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Culture & Food

Local Tours In and Around Karakol

One of the best ways to experience Karakol to the fullest in all its dimensions -diverse cultural heritage, delicious foods, access to stunning nature - is to take one of our tours. Our local hosts and experts are excited to share with you the story of Karakol — the sights, flavors, and insider tips that make our mountain town one we love to call home.

Trekking & Hiking Tours

Hiking & Trekking

Immerse yourself in our stunning mountain landscapes.

Kyrgyz dinner, a Karakol food tour

Cultural & Food Tours

Learn about Karakol's diverse cultures and cuisines on our unique tours.

Ski tours in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Winter Tours

Explore all the different winter sports and activities Karakol offers.

Karakol in All Seasons

Karakol is truly a year-round destination in Kyrgyzstan with each season offering a unique experience. Learn more about when to visit and what to do each season in our cozy and well-serviced mountain town.

Karakol, Kyrgyzstan in springtime

Spring

Summer Activities in Karakol

Summer

Fall-Homepage

Autumn

Cross country skiing in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan in winter.

Winter

Sustainable Karakol

In Karakol, sustainability values flow from our traditional wisdom of living in harmony with nature and people. We blend these time-honored traditions with modern practices and green technologies to benefit our community, economy, and environment. You can see this in action in our sustainability certified businesses and journey as a destination.

This isn't just what we do in Karakol – it's who we are, naturally. Join us in preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Karakol, Kyrgyzstan winning a Green Destinations Best Story Award
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Discover Destination Karakol

Destination Karakol is a non-profit public union organization with the goal of supporting sustainable tourism development in Karakol. We work with our members and the local community to offer local, sustainable and immersive experiences and travel services that highlight and conserve our unique cultural heritage, natural environments and diverse cuisines.

Reviews and Testimonials

"Destination Karakol's staff are fantastic - extremely knowledgable about what's great in and around Karakol and amazingly well-connected to the tourism industry both in town and across the rest of the country. Their wide variety of local experiences are a great introduction to the city, and a great way to relax for a few days in between trips up into the mountains that make up so much of this beautiful country. For tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to do it these guys are a fantastic source of information on having an authentic experience in Karakol and Kyrgyzstan."

Stephen

United States, Lonely Planet Writer for Kyrgyzstan

Visit the Destination Karakol Visitor Center