Karakol Gorge (Karakol National Park)
Каракол улуттук паркы
A Tian Shan gorge south of Karakol, with spruce forests and glacial valleys, serving as the classic starting point for hiking to Ala-Kul Lake and for camping.
Karakol Gorge lies within Karakol National Park. From the southern entrance, you follow the Karakol River upstream, with dense Tian Shan spruce forests and meadows on either side and the Karakol Peak rising above 5,000 metres in the distance. The gorge is one of the starting points for the Ala-Kul Lake loop (the other route runs via Altyn-Arashan). It is also suitable for day hikes and picnics. A national park ticket must be purchased at the entrance (confirm on site). For multi-day hikes, register at the Karakol Tourist Information Centre, bring warm gear and take care when crossing rivers.
Opening hours
All day (entrance fee)
Nearby sights
- Ala-Kul Lake
- Karakol Ski Base
- Altyn-Arashan
- Ak-Suu (Teploklyuchenka) Hot Springs
- Karakol Russian Colonial Quarter
- Holy Trinity Cathedral, Karakol
- Dungan Family Dinner & Ashlyan-fu
- Karakol Regional Museum