Karakol is a small town in Kyrgyzstan and it’s popular with locals and tourists alike thanks to the idyllic location where amazing nature is prominent. The nearby mountains provide great hiking opportunities during summer (both one day hikes and multi-day hikes), along with snow sports like skiing and snowboarding during winter. Love relaxing hot springs? You’ll find them around Karakol!
It’s not the most exciting place to be as it doesn’t have a lot to see or do but it has enough to occupy you for around two to three days, depending on what you are interested in. You’ll find fantastic and affordable cultural food here (especially ashlan-fu!) and friendly locals. Exploring Karakol is an affordable experience for every kind of traveller.
Walking around is a great way to explore this Kyrgyz town so let’s get out there and explore Karakol!
Key Information
Apps
I would recommend downloading the following essential apps to help you in Karakol.
Use coordinates in 2GIS
A lot of places on 2GIS maps are not easily found using English words. To get around this, copy the latitude and longitude coordinates (select an area near the destination if required) from another map navigation app (such as Google Maps) and paste it into 2GIS. This will allow you to search in 2GIS for public transport options nearby and available.
I would recommend:
Exchanging your foreign currency to Kyrgyz currency (if you could not in the previous destination)
There aren’t many foreign exchange places to readily change cash but there are numerous ATMs widely available, especially inside supermarkets. Be aware some ATMs may not accept certain cards (such as Visa or Mastercard). There are many ATMs and banks along Toktogula road.
Getting a local SIM card
Mobile data is affordable here and having a sim card with mobile data available can be life-saving, especially if you are visiting rural areas or hiking in the wilderness.
Main carriers are:
Marshrutkas are the primary form of public transportation in Karakol.
Marshrutkas are mini buses/vans servicing local and regional areas in and around Karakol.
They are flexible in passenger pick up and drop-off; they don’t just stop/pick up at designated bus stops. Marshrutka drivers can pick you up anywhere on the side of the road and drop you off anywhere, as long as it is on their route and if you ask them in advance.
If you’re claustrophobic, you won’t like marshrutkas. They tend to be overstuffed with people (especially during rush hour to/from work) and it can be incredibly awkward trying to get out of the marshrutka if you’re squeezed in at the back and wanting to get out!
A marshrutka bus fare in Karakol costs 10 som (2019 fare; subject to yearly changes). Marshrutkas typically start running around 07:00. Use the app 2GIS to get scheduled times.
Public Transport Etiquette
Priority seating should be given to elderly people, pregnant women, disabled people, and young mothers with infants. If you see any of these people enter the bus or marshrutka, act like a local and kindly give up your seat for them.
Be aware of pickpocketers
Public buses can be hunting grounds for pickpockets so stay vigilant. Keep valuables out of sight, zip up pockets, and hold your backpack in front of you.
Taxis
You can find metered taxis for hire (they also have fixed fares for certain local stops). There are also private taxis that may not be properly licensed so exercise caution. Note Yandex taxi services don’t currently operate in Karakol (not yet).
There is a strong Dungan presence and culture in Karakol, notably in food where you’ll find countless eateries serving tasty ashlan-fu – a cold yet spicy and flavoursome bowl of noodles!
The Dungan are a group of Muslim people of Hui origin and migrated from China over 140 years ago. Kyrgyzstan has the biggest group of Dungan people in Asia.
The tour company Destination Karakol offer a local Dungan village visit and family dinner experience where you can interact with friendly Dungan people and experience some delicious Dungan cuisine that will leave your stomach more than full!
Learn more about the Dungan village visit and family dinner experience
The table below represents the average temperature in Karakol. As it is higher in sea level and close to mountains, winter comes early and hard, often rather brutal – dress accordingly.
| Season | Average Max temp (°C) | Average Min temp (°C) | General clothing information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24°C | 11°C | The days are hot and nights are warm so thin layers are recommended. Always take a jacket for those unexpected cooler nights. If you’re going hiking, bring extra layers in case of unexpected cooler weather. | |
| 18°C | 4°C | The days are cooler and nights can be unexpectedly cool so bring a warm jacket with you; The weather can be unpredictable. Hiking in early autumn is still okay. Bring additional layers in case of unexpected cooler weather while hiking or camping. | |
| -5°C | -15°C | It is best to pack thick clothing and hooded jackets (puffer or insulated), along with warm gloves, thermal undergarments, beanie and scarf. Wear thick socks (or wear two pairs of socks) with waterproof boots that are well insulated, especially for those days where snow covers the pavement. | |
| 1°C | -9°C | It is still cold with snow still prevalent in some areas in the early months of spring. It is still recommended to wear layered clothing. |
Learn more:
Weather in Karakol
Always be vigilant but not paranoid or naive regarding scams. Scams are less likely in smaller towns like Karakol but it is always best to stay cautious.
It is highly recommended you have travel insurance to cover any potential loss in your personal belongings and safety.
| Scam/Crime | Method/Behaviour | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Drink spiking | Food or drinks are spiked that places the victim at greater risk of robbery or assault. This can be common in Bishkek. | Do not accept drinks from strangers or drinks that you have not seen made in front of your eyes. Do not leave any drinks unattended.
Do not accept “free” food from strangers on public transport. |
| Fake police |
Fake police officers approach you and ask to check your passport or ID and even ask to search your belongings. They can accuse you of a crime and ‘charge’ you a fine, or steal something from your belongings.
This scam is common in Bishkek. |
Ask to verify their police badges and threaten to call the police hotline. Never surrender your physical passport and only show a photocopy of it.
Always keep your valuables out of sight. |
| Overcharging taxis |
Some rogue and unlicensed taxi drivers may charge inflated fares, especially when they know they are your only option. They may double down by stating that their meter is broken.
Alternatively, the taxi meter has been rigged where it can be switched off and then back on again to re-appear with an inflated fare. |
Avoid taxis at tourist hotspots.
Check online taxi fare estimators, taxi booking apps, or ask hotel/hostel staff for a fare estimate. You can use this information to negotiate a reasonable fare price if appropriate. Use a map app on your smartphone (GPS) to check the distance and the average time between the airport and your destination, along with seeing if you are being driven in the correct direction. Use public transport – It’s cheaper. If you arrive at the main bus station in Karakol, you can get marshrutka #109 to get into the centre of town. |
| Pickpocketing |
Working as a single person: he or she will quickly grab an item from your pocket or slowly unzip your bag to grab the contents inside. This person can pick-pocket you from behind or by bumping into you.
Working as a gang: one person targets you, another distracts, one grabs your possession and passes it to another to escape with, often under a cover. This is most common in Bishkek, particularly Osh Bazaar. Be aware of being ambushed and targeted from left and right sides. |
Leave valuables in a locked place at your accommodation or keep valuables hidden out of sight. Keep a printed hardcopy of your passport on hand.
Do not carry excess cash and credit cards. Zip up and lock the pockets of your daypack/bag. You can carry your bag in front. Never leave your bag unattended or out of sight. If you’re in a restaurant or cafe, put your bag on your lap or in front and between your feet with a strap around a foot. Keep a hand on your front pocket where your valuables could be stored (such as smartphone). |
Learn more:
Scams in Kyrgyzstan