Tourist Attractions in Karakol, Kyrgystan
Issyk-Kol Lake
Issyk-Kol, which literally translates to “warm water lake,” is a lake that stretches all the way from Kungey Alatau in the north to Terskey Alatau in the south. The lake has been given the nickname “the Pearl of the Tian Shan” on occasion. This is the biggest lake in the nation, and it covers an area that is around 118 km long and 70 km wide. The deepest point of the lake is about 669 metre. The lake, although being encircled by snow-covered mountains, does not freeze over. The lake’s natural beauty is accentuated by the sandy beaches that surround it. Cholpan-Alta, Karakol, and Kungay Ala-Too are just a few of the settlements that can be found along the beaches of this beautiful lake in this region of the country.
Animal Market
The Karakol town Animal Market, also known as Mal Bazari by the locals, is consistently regarded as one of the top animal marketplaces in all of Central Asia. There are two distinct divisions within the market. Sheep and goats are maintained in the first area, while horses and camels are housed in the second half of the enclosure. The locals transport their animals to the market in lardas (which are vehicles). The price of an animal takes into account the animal’s age, gender, and size. A vehicle market that sells automobiles, lardas, and other automotive components can be found close by.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A yurt was the first building on the site of what is now Karakol’s stunning Holy Trinity Cathedral, and it was constructed there in the 19th century. A stone church was constructed a few years later, but it was eventually demolished in the year 1890. After a period of roughly five years, a building made of wood was built, but it, too, was eventually ruined. During the 1960s, there were a number of different plans floated for the renovation of this cathedral. During the 1990s, it underwent a re-celebration process not once but twice. The current building is well-known for the yellow domes that top it. This is the location for the Sunday morning services that begin at 7 am and continue until 11 am.
Chinese Mosque
The construction of this well-known landmark in Karakol began around the turn of the 20th century. Bektenov and Jusup Abdrakhmanov are the streets that intersect to form its location. A Chinese architect was responsible for the mosque’s design, which gives it the appearance of a Buddhist Temple. The members of the Dungan community in the area were the ones who constructed the mosque. The construction of this structure did not include the use of any nails. During the 1930s, the mosque did not reopen for close to a decade due to its closure. Every day, a sizable crowd of worshipers makes their way to this mosque.
Regional Museum
The Regional Museum is located in a historic brick structure that dates back to the colonial era. This structure was formerly the home of a wealthy landlord who owned the property. The structure has seven different rooms that house the various exhibitions. In this section you’ll find exhibits on the petroglyphs that were discovered in the region of Issyk-Kol Lake. Other displays include antiquities made of Scythian bronze, pictures of ancient Karakol, leather kumys containers and musical instruments, stuffed native animals, and a few works of art. The history of Kyrgyzstan’s union with Russia during the days of the USSR is also exhibited via images at this museum. These photographs were taken during that time period.
Pushkin Park
Pushkin Park is Karakol’s most extensive green space and can be found in close proximity to the city’s stadium. The park may be found around four blocks south of the central business district. It is a highly active location, and there is a large variety of flora to see here. The park contains the graves of Red Army troops who were murdered in 1919 during the pursuit of Basmachi by White Russians. These men were fighting against White Russians. In remembrance of those service members, a memorial made of stone was erected in the park. In addition, there is a monument in the park that is dedicated to the border patrol agents who gave their lives protecting the nation during a fight along the border in 1926.
Karakol Valley National Park
The gorgeous Karakol Valley may be found to the south of the town of Karakol, and it has the protection of a national park. This valley is a popular destination not just for visitors but also for hikers, photographers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Ala-Kol is a picturesque body of water that can be seen in this area. In order to reach this lake, a great number of people who like challenging hikes make their way across the rugged terrain of the area. June through October is the time of year when Karakol Valley is at its most beautiful. In the vicinity of the valley, there are camping amenities accessible.
