Sandwiched between Kyrgyzstan's most spectacular mountains and Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world, Karakol makes the perfect base from which to delve into an unique range of exciting day trips. Blood-red cliffs, hot springs, Scythian burial mounds, nomad camps and sandy beaches thousands of miles from the sea are all within easy reach. Activities
Fishing Karakol area, Issyk-Kul lake and
surrounding rivers and ponds are the great places to have a perfect fishing. You
should ask the local people to suggest you the best place for fishing for this
season, take a car and drive to the closest fishing place. More
information and photos about fishing in Issyk-Kul Lake, rivers and ponds.
Walking Walking and day-hiking possibilities around Karakol invite nothing but superlatives. The town is ideally placed to cater for visitors who want to walk but not to camp. With Karakol Canyon, Lake Issyk-Kul, Djety-Oguz and Altyn Arashan Gorge (amongst innumerable other lesser known but no less spectacular valleys and gorges) all within easy reach, walkers could spend weeks rambling on day trips alone. Turkestan's expert local guides are all adept at tailoring walks to your requirements and level of fitness. Whether you are after a one-hour stroll in easily accessible, spectacular surroundings or an eight-hour hike with panoramic mountain views, Turkestan will show you the most quietly impressive parts of our dramatic region. See our
'trekking' section for information about longer hikes involving camping
or find a lot of pictures, reports and
articles about Karakol valley trekkings, Kyrgyzstan and Issyk-Kul Lake, Peak
Karakol, Djigit, Prjevalsky.
Horse
Riding A Turkestan speciality. Horse riding can be arranged anywhere, although Karakol Canyon, Djety-Oguz and Altyn Arashan Gorge (above) are the most popular locations. See our
'horseback treks' section for details of longer rides. Kyrgyz horses are shorter, sturdier and more wiry than their European and American counterparts - ideally adapted to life in the mountains and the harsh Central Asian climate. As the price of petrol spirals upwards, horses are becoming an increasingly important form of transport in Kyrgyzstan. It is impossible to drive for more than a few minutes without coming across horseback shepherds or a horsedrawn wooden cart with a whole family bundled up and bumping along in the back. The horses used in our horse rides and horseback treks are all working farm animals (but are used to being ridden). Prices therefore increase slightly for last-minute bookings to cover the extra work and costs involved in finding horses at short notice (their owners may have had other work planned for them!). Local people do not use riding hats and visitors should bring their own if planning to ride.
Climbing Our climbing wall at the Turkestan Yurt Camp is the only one in the region. Constructed in winter 2000/2001 the wall is 10m high with a wooden 'rock face' and footholds. An instructor is recommended for those with no previous experience of climbing. An ideal place to brush up on your climbing skills. The hills and mountains around Karakol are one big climbers paradise, with too many crags and faces to mention. Turkestan can provide qualified instructors, transport and a limited amount of climbing equipment. Downhill
Skiing Karakol's ski run (ski-baza) is 12km from the town, in beautiful Kashka-Suu Valley. With a 1km drag lift the run itself drops 1km from 3,000 to 2,000m. A picnic lunch and guided excursions around Karakol Canyon are the perfect complement to a morning of powder and adrenalin.
Cross Country Skiing The flat fields which surround Karakol and lead down to Lake Issyk Kul form the ideal environment for a half day of beginner's cross country skiing. Those with a little experience might prefer to take a whole day and ski in Altyn Arashan Valley - perfect terrain and spectacular surroundings.
Skating Karakol has two outdoor skating rinks, the best of which is a frozen-over basketball court and has skate hire. Skating is possible from December to February. One hour advance notice needed to find a slot that does not clash with school ice hockey lessons.
Karakol's History
| What to see in Karakol | Day trips from Karakol | 
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