Karakol city is waiting for you

Karakol is my hometown, and I know it well it’s a wonderful place for a relaxing vacation with plenty to see and do.

One of the best spots to visit is the beach on Lake Issyk-Kul, only about 15–20 minutes by minibus from downtown. The water is clear, there’s a lifeguard on duty, and since it’s a public beach, you don’t need to pay anything unless you want to rent an umbrella.

In the evenings, when it gets cooler, head to the City Square named after Chyngyz Aitmatov in the center of town. It’s a lively place where you can roller skate, skateboard, or even rent small electric cars to ride around for about 150 KGS per 15 minutes (prices are negotiable).

For food, you can try local pizza places like Imperia Pizza, where the taste is very similar to Western-style pizza. If you enjoy coffee, there are many local coffee booths and cafes spread around the city.

Getting around is easy and inexpensive public transportation costs only 20–30 KGS per ride. To make things smoother, I recommend having a translation app on your phone and learning a few basic phrases in the local language.

Karakol has a mix of beautiful nature, cozy food spots, and affordable activities. If you’re planning a trip, I really recommend spending some time here.

Post by aliona_pi | Aug 20, 2025