Karakol: A small Kyrgyz town big on nature

Apps

I would recommend downloading the following essential apps to help you in Karakol.

Type of information	Name	Additional information	Web/Download link
	2GIS	Offline navigation app that enables you to search for and use local public transport easily.
	Maps.me	Offline navigation app. Make sure to download the Kyrgyzstan map so you can actually use offline navigational maps.

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:

• Beeline
• MegaCom
• O!

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.

Learn more:
Scams in Kyrgyzstan