Earlybird Sale - now extended

Book your 2025 or 2026 tour now and you could save up to £1,000pp! Find out more

The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
Celebrating 25 Years of tour excellence
Close

With a population of nearly 70,000 Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s fourth largest city.

Located near Lake Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan mountains it is a good starting point for exploring some of the country’s natural beauty. It is also culturally rich, with several different ethnic groups such as Dungan, Uighur, Kalmak, Uzbek, Russians and of course Kyrgyz all living in the city or nearby.

For many visitors to Karakol a key attraction is the nearby Sunday Animal Market. This is one of the largest of its kind in Central Asia, with local farmers and nomads travelling in from afar to buy or sell sheep, goats, cows and even thoroughbred horses against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Travel Expert

How can we help?

For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

Call 0808 274 8594

Things To See In Karakol

No trip to Karakol would be complete without seeing one of the wonders listed below.

From our Blog

Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours

5
Jun

Kyrgyzstan – Land of the Nomads

Kyrgyzstan is a land of pristine mountains, spectacular glaciers and dramatic gorges that form the dramatic backdrop to lonely yurts, remote villages and a traditional way of life that has been unchanged for centuries.
5
Feb

Follow in Joanna Lumley’s Footsteps

Given the wanderlust by Joanna Lumley’s Unseen adventures on ITV? Here’s how to re-enact them for yourself.
25
Jun

Central Asia Q&A

We talked to Bradley Mayhew, co-author of the Odyssey Guide to Uzbekistan, as well as the Lonely Planet guide to Central Asia and the Insight Guide to the Silk Road, on why this region is so close to his heart.
12
Jun

Brilliant Experiences to Break the Ice

If you’re thinking of travelling solo and joining a group tour, here are some of the brilliant experiences we include which will help to break the ice with your fellow explorers!
Read more Kyrgyzstan blogs