About
Karakol is a historic city at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul, at the foot of the Terskey Ala-Too mountains. As the most important hub of eastern Kyrgyzstan, Karakol is a rich mosaic where different cultures live together.
The city's most famous building is the Dungan Mosque, built in 1907 from wooden parts brought from China and assembled without a single nail. Resembling traditional Chinese pagoda architecture, the mosque is one of the most unusual places of worship in Kyrgyzstan. The Karakol Orthodox Cathedral is a dazzling example of woodwork and colourful icons. The city is also the starting point for tours to Jeti-Oguz, Ala-Kul and Altyn Arashan, and is famous for restaurants serving the best of Kyrgyz cuisine.
