Karakol

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

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!

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.

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.

Issyk-Kul lake sunset cruise

Can be booked at the Destination Karakol office (near the church, signposted).

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).

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.

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.

Rent a bike

Local tour companies rent mountain bikes which are good for exploring the area.

500-600 som/day

commercial

200 som

free