Understand

Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Przhevalsk, once known as Karakol. Situated at the edge of the magnificent Tian Shan mountains and nestled along the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, this town takes pride in being the capital of the Issyk Kul Oblast. Established as a military outpost by Russian Tsarist troops, it now stands as a historic symbol of exploration and nature preservation. Przhevalsk is the final resting place of the legendary Polish-Russian explorer and naturalist, Nikolai Przewalski. Roam through the captivating streets adorned with traditional Russian houses, as the stunning mountain landscape unfolds before you. Though maintaining its proud Slavic heritage, the town has faced challenges such as high unemployment and rising crime rates. However, with its breathtaking surroundings and rich history, Przhevalsk beckons adventurers from all corners of the globe, promising an unforgettable experience in the heart of Central Asia.

Get in

Traveling to this breathtaking lake is an adventure in itself! From Bishkek, you can catch a regular bus or Marshrutka at the West bus station, and embark on a scenic 56-hour drive. The bus fare is around 350 som and a seat in a taxi costs 500-800 som. If you're headed to Balykchy or the lake's northern shore, you might be lucky enough to score a reduced fare. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi from Tamchy Airport, which is approximately 23 hours away. Fly in style with SCAT airways during the summer travel season. Karakol also has its own airport, mainly used for charter flights. You can even fly from Bishkek to Karakol with Avia Traffic, although these flights are not currently operational. From Almaty, the road to this stunning lake is open from Spring to Autumn, but there are no public direct transportation options. You can take a local bus or shared taxi from Almaty to Kegen, the last Kazakh village, and then embark on a thrilling journey as you hike through the mountains to the Kyrgyz side. If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can always book a transfer through agencies. Just remember to check the border conditions before you go, especially if you're crossing from Kazakhstan at Kegen, as the pass may be closed in winter or snowy weather. Call the border control center in Karakol at +996 (0)3922 56122 to ensure a smooth journey.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Kyrgyzstan's national dish is called "Plov," also known as "Osh." It is a hearty traditional rice pilaf made with marinated beef, chickpeas, and various vegetables such as carrots, onions, and garlic. The ingredients are cooked together in a large pot until the rice is tender and fully absorbed the flavors of the other components. Plov is often served with additional meat on the side.

Another popular dish in Kyrgyzstan is "Kumis." This alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting horse milk and is typically consumed during special occasions or festivals. Kumis has a slightly sour taste and can vary in alcohol content depending on how long it has been fermented.

A favorite snack among Kyrgyz people is "Et Uch", which translates to "raw meat salad." This dish consists of finely minced raw beef seasoned with spices such as garlic, onion, and pepper. The meat mixture is then accompanied by diced onions, tomatoes, and peppers, which provide a vibrant medley of colors and textures alongside the meat. Et Uch is traditionally eaten with a type of flatbread called "non."

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing