Things to do in Karakol

11 activities, venues and outings in Karakol, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Karakol Ski Base
At 3,040 m, this is the highest ski resort in Central Asia. It has 2 chalets and a hotel with a sauna. There are no chair lifts but several T-bars and rope lifts take you to some of the best runs. There is ski equipment for rent.
Lift tickets are 1,200 som
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Air rifle shooting
In a shipping container in the main bazaar you can shoot air rifles for 3 som a pellet. Great if you are with kids. You can also challenge a local kid if you're a dead eye!
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Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
Hot springs within hiking distance from Karakol and conveniently located along the Ala-Kul hiking trail. Hostels, yurts, food (250-300 SOM for lunch/dinner) available.
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Chon-Kyzyl-Suu – Karakol Gorge – Ala-Kul – Altyn Arashan – Ak-Suu village (orange)
Highest point: 3,820 m. Lowest point: 2,176 m. Total elevation gain: 1,644 m. Total elevation loss: 1,830 m. Level of difficulty: difficult. Total hours hiking: ~26 hr. Average amount of trekking days: 4-7. Approximate trekking distance: ~80 km. Download the coordinates of the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu–Jeti-Ögüz part: GPX, KML. And, instead of heading into Jeti-Ögüz, just continue the path to Karakol Gorge, Ala-Kul, Altyn Arashan and Ak-Suu village as with the previous trails. Note, an alternative to the first part of this trail, is taking the (more official) Archa Tor Pass Trail (gray): GPX, KML.
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Issyk-Kul lake sunset cruise
Can be booked at the Destination Karakol office (near the church, signposted).
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Jeti-Ögüz – Karakol Gorge – Ala-Kul – Altyn Arashan – Ak-Suu village (blue)
Highest point: 3,820 m. Lowest point: 2,286 m. Total elevation gain: 1,534 m. Total elevation loss: 2,160 m. Level of difficulty: medium/difficult. Total hours hiking: ~22 hr. Avg number of trekking days: 3-5. Trekking distance: ~62 km. Be aware that the Ala-Kul pass is very steep with many loose rocks and can be dangerous. Download the coordinates of the Jeti-Ögüz–Ala-Kul part: GPX, KML. Otherwise, from Ala-Kul follow the same path down to Altyn Arashan and Ak-Suu village as with the first trail (green).
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Karakol Gorge Circuit (red)
This trail follows down the Karakol Gorge and then heads west to circle at 4,000 m, to return to the gorge. Highest point: ~4,000 m, lowest point: 1,750 m, total elevation gain: 2,793 m. Level of difficulty: medium. Total hours hiking: ~20 hr. Avg number of trekking days: 2-4. Trekking distance: ~56 km. Download the coordinates of the circuit part: GPX, KML. Otherwise, just follow Karakol Gorge south from the last bus stop, as with the previous trail.
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Karakol Gorge – Ala-Kul – Altyn Arashan – Ak-Suu village (green)
This is the most popular trail near Karakol, with the beautiful Karakol Canyon, the impressive Ala-Kul lake and glacier, and refreshing hot springs near Altyn Arashan. There are yurts along the way, but it is best to reserve them before. There are also 3-4 official camp sites, which can be used for free. Doable in 2-4 days. Be aware that the Ala-Kul pass is very steep with many loose rocks and can be dangerous. Also, the weather changes fast. The best direction is Karakol Gorge to Ak-Suu village, because this way allows you to "slide down" the Ala-Kul pass on its steep northern side. Information/maps/tours is available at local tour offices. Highest point: 3,860 m, lowest point: 1,750 m, total elevation gain: 2,200 m, total elevation loss: 2,200 m. Level of difficulty: medium. Total hiking time: ~17 hr. Approximate trekking distance: ~50 km. Download coordinates: GPX, KML.
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Rent a bike
Local tour companies rent mountain bikes which are good for exploring the area.
500-600 som/day
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commercial
200 som
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free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Karakol (CC BY-SA 4.0).