Outdoor Activities
Get your adrenaline on!
Karakol may be best known for trekking, but there are plenty of other ways to experience the stunning natural landscapes that are just on your doorstep when you choose Karakol as your adventure base in Kyrgyzstan.
Gain a newfound appreciation for the rugged mountain trails when you navigate on two wheels via a mountain-biking tour. Or take your understanding of the Kyrgyz mountain ranges to new heights — literally — when you paraglide over the stunning mountainscape. If you’ve always dreamt of galloping across the jailoo (high summer pastures), then you’ll love the range of half- and multi-day treks available on horseback.
Take a breath, step out of your comfort zone, and discover firsthand why Karakol is the adventure capital of Central Asia.
Horseback Riding
The only thing better than traversing the high peaks on your own two feet may be doing it on horseback! The Kyrgyz people are renowned for their horsemanship, and a horse trek offers a unique way to enjoy the country's culture and landscape.
Excited to set out on horseback? Check out our horse trek tour options or check out local tour operators, like Ecotrek and CBT Karakol. Bulak Say Horseback and Trekking also offers treks lasting from a few hours to ten days long. And all horse treks can include yurt stays, hot spring visits, and accompanying chefs and porters. Located just an hour from Karakol, Jyrgalan Valley is a beautiful rural village also offering a number of horse treks throughout the summer — treks can visit a number of stunning alpine lakes, peaks, and passes.
Paragliding
Karakol certainly does not lack physical beauty, just look to the pristine alpine lakes, soaring mountain peaks, flowering meadows, and big blue skies. Paragliding in Karakol offers travelers a unique chance to witness diverse landscape from a birds-eye view.
Designed for two people, a pilot and a passenger, tandem paragliding is the perfect adventure activity for anyone hoping for beautiful views without the work of trekking to the top of a mountain peak. Your Sky Trial pilot will control the paraglider from behind, allowing you a hands-free, front-facing view of the landscape. This just may be the greatest selfie-opportunity in all of Kyrgyzstan!
What's included:
- Transport to and from the starting point
- Go Pro camera
- Helmet
Practical Details
Price: 1400 KGS per person. Prices include transportation.
Minimum group size: 2 people
Where: During the summer months, flights take place 15 km from Karakol near the village of Teploklyuchenka (Ak-Suu). In winter, flights are held at the ski resort Karakol, which is just 7 km from Karakol.
Weight Restrictions: Paragliding passengers must weigh a minimum of 50 kg and cannot exceed 100 kg.
Age Restrictions: The activity is good for adults and children older than 12 years.
Kayaking on Issyk-Kul Lake
Escape the city of Karakol and spend your day paddling in Przhevalsk Bay, on lake Issyk Kul. Set out to explore the Pearl of Kyrgyzstan, enjoying spectacular views of the Tian-Shan Mountains that surround the lake.
Issyk-Kul Kayaking offers the simplest and safest route along the coast of Przhevalsk Bay. The tour is for maximum 8 travelers and lasts 5 hours. There are single and double kayaks available.
Note: If you book this experience through our website the price will be the same. We do not add commission!
Astro Tour Karakol
An astronomical night sky tour offers a wonderful experience to anyone who is keen to know more about our galaxy and beyond. An excursion includes stargazing through a telescope, contemplation of nature in the unique atmosphere of the starry night sky, and a cup of hot tea or coffee to warm the winter night. We have several locations in the vicinity of Karakol, including on the shore of Issyk-Kul where you can see both the panorama of the city and the moon reflected on the lake’s calm waters.
Note: If you book this experience through our website the price will be the same. We do not add commission!
Mountain Biking
To learn more about mountain biking trails around Karakol and where to rent mountain bikes, stop by the Destination Karakol Visitor Center. You can also check out all the new biking trails in and around Karakol in this catalog of mountain biking trails in Kyrgyzstan.
