Karakol (Каракол) lies on the eastern shores of Lake Issyk Kul and is surrounded by mountains so high they almost seem to touch the sky. A city along the Silk Road, where the kumis flows richly and life is good. Also base of operations for Ryce Travel: the place where it all began. You understand that this city has a special place in our hearts.
Karakol is the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, after Bishkek, Osh and Dzhalal-Abad. The city is just 150 km from the Chinese border, naturally formed by the Tian Shan mountain range(celestial mountains in most Chinese languages). Issyk Kul (also Yssykköl) is the second largest mountain lake in the world. In Kyrgyz, it means warm lake because it never freezes even during the harshest winters.
Karakol effervesces and brings tranquility. And is therefore the perfect starting and ending point for hikes in summer and ski tours in winter. Karakol Gorge, Jeti Oguz, Ak Suu valley, and many more beauties are easily accessible by cab or marsjroetka.
The Russian Orthodox Church
Karakol was long a garrison town on the outskirts of the Russian Tsarist Empire. Consequently, a church could not be missing, of course, and was originally built in stone in 1872. An earthquake destroyed most of the structure and later rebuilt it in wood.
Fact: during reconstruction, church services were held in a yurt. Original.
Dungan Mosque
In short, Dungan Muslims are of Chinese origin. Many Dungan people live in Kyrgyzstan, so there are now more than 65,000 Dungan people. Especially in Karakol, the number is very high. The mosque was built at the beginning of the last century. The well-known architect Chou Seu was hired for the design.
Fun fact: The entire mosque was built without a single nail. Strong piece of architecture.
Animal market, every Sunday in Karakol
Sunday’s cattle market is a true tragicomic spectacle. The loading and unloading of all sorts of cooing, bleating and squawking animals, sheep being stuffed into the back seats and trunks of old Ladas, loudly negotiating Kyrgyz people that leave you duly impressed. With all these circumstances, you would almost say that you are short of eyes.
Be there early; the first sheep and horses arrive by sunrise. After about 10 hours, there is no chicken to be seen.
Fun fact: A used car market can also be found next to the cattle market. So looking for another nice lada or a slightly older UAZ? Then this is your chance!
