arakol-ski
Karakol
Karakol is a city in Kyrgyzstan, the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul Region. It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul at the foot of the Terskey-Ala-Too Range. Karakol is considered an important tourist and cultural center of the region due to its unique location, rich history, and access to natural attractions.
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Story:
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The city was founded in 1869 as a military settlement of the Russian Empire. It was originally called Przhevalsk in honor of the famous traveler Nikolai Przhevalsky, who died here during an expedition. During the Soviet era, the city bore the name Przhevalsk until 1991, after which it was given back its historical name of Karakol.
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The Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum is located here, and his grave is located nearby.
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Population:
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The city's population is about 70,000 people. It is a multinational city, home to Kyrgyz, Russians, Uighurs, Dungans and other peoples.
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Attractions:
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Holy Trinity Cathedral: one of the main architectural landmarks of the city is a wooden Orthodox church built at the end of the 19th century.
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Dungan Mosque: a unique mosque built by Chinese craftsmen without a single nail, reflecting the synthesis of Islamic and Chinese architecture.
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Przhevalsky Museum: a museum dedicated to the life and expeditions of the great Russian traveler.
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Nature and tourism:
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Karakol is a starting point for many tourist routes. The city is surrounded by mountains, making it a popular place for hiking, mountaineering and skiing.
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Near the city is the Karakol Gorge, which attracts tourists with its hot springs, waterfalls and magnificent mountain views.
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In winter, Karakol becomes a center of alpine skiing thanks to the famous Karakol ski resort, one of the best in Central Asia.
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Economy:
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The city's economy is mainly focused on tourism, agriculture and livestock farming. The development of tourism infrastructure makes Karakol an important center for visitors who explore Lake Issyk-Kul and the surrounding mountains.
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Karakol is a place where you can experience a rich historical heritage and enjoy unique nature, which makes it popular among both locals and foreign tourists.
Ski resort Karakol
Karakar Ski Base is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan, located near the city of Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region. This resort attracts both local and international tourists thanks to its diverse slopes, natural landscapes, and quality infrastructure.
Main Features of the Resort:
Location: The resort is situated 7 km from the city of Karakol, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the Terskey Alatoo mountain range, which is part of the Tien Shan.
Slopes:
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Total length of the slopes: approximately 20 km
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The resort offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels—from beginners to experienced athletes.
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The highest point of the slopes is 3,040 meters above sea level, allowing for magnificent views of the mountains and valleys.
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There are trails for both classic alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Lifts:
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The resort features modern cable cars and lifts. There are a total of 5 lifts: chair lifts and T-bar lifts, providing access to all slopes.
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The lift system services several elevation levels, including the highest trails.
Ski Season:
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The ski season at the Karakol resort lasts from December to April, depending on weather conditions.
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The snow cover usually reaches 1.5-2 meters, creating excellent skiing conditions.
Services and Infrastructure:
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Karakol base offers everything necessary for a comfortable stay: rental points for equipment, cafes and restaurants, schools for beginners, and instructors for learning to ski and snowboard.
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Accommodation options include hotels and cottages near the base, as well as various lodging options in the city of Karakol.
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The resort is actively developing and provides a variety of activities, including night skiing on illuminated slopes.
International Popularity:
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Due to its features and convenient logistics, the Karakol resort attracts tourists from the CIS countries and beyond. It is considered one of the best ski resorts in Central Asia.
The Karakar Ski Base is an ideal destination for winter recreation, combining stunning mountain landscapes, comfortable infrastructure, and a variety of sports activities.
Freeride in Karakol
Freeriding in the Karakol area and its surroundings is very popular among extreme skiing enthusiasts, thanks to the unique nature and diverse routes. The region offers many opportunities for freeriding, including snowmobile, snowcat and even horseback riding, making it attractive for both experienced athletes and beginners.
Freeride in Jyrgalan: This small village, located 60 km east of Karakol, has become a popular destination for freeriders in recent years. Here you can find ideal conditions for riding in deep powder. The area is characterized by wide snow fields, steep slopes and excellent opportunities for riding away from the tourist routes.
Freeriding in Karakol and its surroundings is not just about skiing on untouched slopes, it is an opportunity to test yourself in the wild nature using a variety of means of transport. Whether riding on snowcats, snowmobiles or even horses, this region offers a unique freeride experience that combines extreme sports with the magnificent nature of Kyrgyzstan.
