Karakol started out as a Russian military outpost in the 19th century, and is now Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city. There are a few interesting sights located in the city itself such as the striking Orthodox Cathedral and the brightly coloured Chinese Dungan Mosque, which was built entirely without nails. However, the main draw for travellers here is to use it as a base from which to explore the nearby countryside. There is some stunning scenery and excellent hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. For a unique local experience, on Sundays one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest animal markets takes place just outside the city.
Experiences to Inspire in Karakol
