#karakol

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Walking west from #Karakol in #Kyrgyzstan for two hours along the mountain road, you will reach a small mountain town called Jyrgalan. We asked at the bus station in Karakol if there was a bus to this place. Even the bus drivers forgot about this place. They said they didn't know there was such a place and there were no buses going there. It took me more than an hour to find a driver and find out how to get there. You can hire his car, it's not expensive, about HK$200. This mountain town is being developed into a new ski resort. So a five-star resort is being built on the top of the mountain. Summer is a green hillside. You can hike, ride horses, and have a picnic on the grass. Although it is not a tourist hotspot yet, it is still worth a visit! #karakol #kyrgyzstan #CentralAsia #FiveCentralAsianCountries #Gyrgalan #FreeTravel

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 #Altyn #Arashan in #Kyrgyzstan Altai Arashan is located in a high mountain canyon at an altitude of 3,000 meters and is the most popular scenic spot in #Karakol #karakol. You can hike into the mountain in 5 hours, and anyone with outdoor experience can easily reach it. There were no supplies along the way. The climate in the plateau changes quickly, so bring a raincoat, umbrella and jacket. Don't worry about accommodation, there are many yurts, there will be a place to stay even in the peak season, and the hosts can speak some English so communication is not a problem. I bargained down the price from 1500 som per person to 1400, including dinner and breakfast. There are 5 people in a room, and if there are fewer guests, they can stay alone. The quilt was thick and I didn't feel cold. Dinner includes a small plate of pilaf, a bowl of noodle soup and a small plate of salad. It is enough to fill you up. Hot tea and hot water are provided. Natural hot springs: Not every hotel has them, but the ones at the innermost ones have them. Even if you don't live there, you can still pay to take a bath in a small house. It costs 250 soms per person, and renting a towel is 100 soms for 30 minutes. The conditions are simple but the water temperature is quite high. It is the best way to relax after hiking. #Kyrgyzstan #karakolriver #CentralAsia #FiveCentralAsianCountries #FreeTravel

Karakol, located in eastern Kyrgyzstan, is a charming city known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Nestled at the foot of the Terskey Alatau mountain range, Karakol serves as a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers looking to explore the breathtaking scenery of the region. Getting There: Karakol is easily accessible by road from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by car or bus, offering scenic views along the way. 📍Address:Karakol, Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 💰Average Price per Person: Traveling in Karakol is quite affordable. Budget accommodations start at around $10 per night, while mid-range hotels range from $30 to $60. Meals at local cafes typically cost between $3 and $10. Many outdoor activities, such as hiking and horseback riding, are also reasonably priced. 💞Reasons to Recommend: 1. Natural Beauty: Karakol is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including pristine lakes like Ala-Kul and picturesque valleys such as Jeti-Oguz, famous for its red rock formations. 2. Adventure Activities: The region offers a variety of outdoor activities, including trekking, skiing in winter at the nearby Karakol Ski Resort, and exploring the beautiful Ala Archa National Park. 3. Cultural Heritage: Visit the Dungan Mosque, a unique wooden structure built without nails, and the Russian Orthodox Church to experience the city's diverse cultural influences. 4. Local Markets: Explore the vibrant bazaars where you can find local handicrafts, fresh produce, and traditional Kyrgyz food. 😏 Curiosities: - Karakol was historically known as a major stop on the Silk Road and has a rich history influenced by various cultures. - The city is home to the famous "Seven Bulls" (Jeti-Oguz) rock formation, which legend says represents seven warriors turned to stone. - Karakol is also known for its delicious local dishes, such as laghman (noodle soup) and plov (rice pilaf). 💡 Tips or Advices: - Visit during summer (June to September) for ideal hiking conditions or winter (December to March) for skiing. - Consider hiring a local guide for trekking excursions to enhance your experience and ensure safety. - Don’t miss trying local dishes at family-run cafes for an authentic taste of Kyrgyz cuisine. 😅 Finally: Karakol is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. With its affordable travel options and diverse attractions, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan while immersing yourself in its vibrant traditions. #internationaltravel #karakol #kyrgyzstan #100waysoftravel #nature #church

Probably the most famous lake and hike in all of Kyrgyzstan. To get here, it sure can be tough, but well worth it in the end. 🏠 Where to stay? Karakol is the second biggest city in Kyrgyzstan, and is the best base of the Ala Kul Hike. 🥾 The Hike It can easily be done in 3 days Day 1: Karakol National Park to Sirota Camp Distance: 14km with 905m elevation gain Difficulty: Easy to moderate. To get to the starting point, you can either get a Matshruka (which will drop you off 2 hour walk away from the “broken bridge”) or organise a taxi (2000soms) to take you all the way to the broken bridge. Walking along Karakol Valley is so beautiful, straight out of the stock photos! The last hour is probably the toughest, where the majority of elevation gain is here. Day 2: Sirota Camp to Atlyn Arshan Distance: 19km with 1125m elevation gain Difficulty: Hard to moderate hard. Start your day early after eating breakfast for the initial 3km incline to the Lake. You will be walking along the waterfall so you can fill up your waterbottle along the way. Once you reach the lake and for a few photo ops, continue along the side of the mountain until Ala Kul pass. This is the highest point of elevation you will reach at 3920m. Oxygen does definitely get a bit thin up there. Once you pass the Ala Kul pass, that is where the real fun begins. 1000m descend over 1km, very very steep slope to come down. We recommend hiking poles! And taking it slow after the steep slope, it is quite a nice but very long walk down the Atlyn Arshan river valley to Atlyn Arshan. Day 3: Atlyn Arshan to Ak Suy Distance: 19km with 182m incline Difficulty: easy to moderate After 2 days of hiking and the the beautiful sights already seen, day 3 was a bit of a drag. Although the sites were just as beautiful, it was a long slow 19km down to the bus stop. 🏕️ Tent or Yurt Camp? There was a lot of people that did both. But due to the steep incline and decline and elevation, why not just go as light as possible! 🦮 Do I need a guide? No! This is one of the most popular hikes in Kyrgyzstan , and you’ll definitely see people along the way. Download offline maps.me and follow the trail. Although it is not exactly “marked” the path will take you to the right place. 🏕️ Sirota Camp Camp at 3300m, was more on the expensive side. I would advise you to book in town at one of the tour agencies. Different tour agencies will have connections of the different tents - all 4000 soms pp. Will be shared yurts and sleeping on the floor - but enough bedding to keep you warm. Includes simple breakfast and dinner. But you’ll definitely make a few friends at the campfire. 🏕️ Atlyn Arashan There are a few yurt camps around the area, so. I would say no need to prebook. We rocked up and got a private room for 1800 soms pp + 700 soms for dinner. Included breakfast and natural hot spring. #kyrgyzstan #karakol #AlaKulLake #AlaKul #travelguide #traveldiaries

#myhiddengems Located at the crossroads of Central Asia, the city of Karakol in eastern Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating gateway to the region's diverse history, cuisine, and nature. Many unique cultures contribute to the town's culinary history and cultural heritage: Kyrgyz, Tatar, Russian, Dungan, Uyghur, Kalmyk, Uzbek, and more. And 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. Ashlan Fu must try food my favorites. ##kyrgzstsn #karakol #iphone #Gowithtrip.com

I am a food lover and I have eaten many foods from many countries but my favorite food is Ashlan-fu (Ashly am-fu is a cold soup which arrived to Kyrgyzstan from Dungan cuisine in the mid-18th century. Its name is a derivative of "ash" and "liang-fen"; "ash" means “food” in Kyrgyz, and in Chinese, which is widely spoken by Dungans, "lian-fen" is the name of a cold noodle dish.) I love it please try if you travel to Kyrgyzstan if need authentic try from karakol village ##gowithtrip.com #kyrgyzstan #karakol #Trip.com