Bishkek to Karakol: Kyrgyzstan Route, 10 Stops

This 104.9 km route through Bishkek and northern Kyrgyzstan connects the capital's cultural landmarks including Ala-Too Square and Bishkek Central Mosque with natural attractions like Ala Archa National Park and the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, passing through Cholpon-Ata Resort Town and Karakol City.

Distance
104.9 km
Duration
20 h 59 min
Mode
route
Start
Bishkek Central Mosque
End
Chon-Kemin Canyon
Stops
10
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Bishkek Central Mosque — One of the largest mosques in Central Asia
  2. Ala Archa National Park
  3. Cholpon-Ata Resort Town — Resort town with 14,000 people on Lake Issyk-Kul shores
  4. Lake Issyk-Kul — Largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, never freezes despite high altitude
  5. Issyk-Kul
  6. Karakol City — Fourth largest city with 84,000 people, gateway to Tian-Shan hiking and skiing
  7. Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve — National park in Tian-Shan mountains, exemplifying why Kyrgyzstan is called the Switzerland of Asia
  8. Ala-Too Square — Main square in Bishkek built in 1984
  9. Oak Park — Green recreational park in Bishkek
  10. Chon-Kemin Canyon — Red sandy rock formation and popular hiking destination

Useful for your trip

Transport
Gas prices are almost twice higher than in neighboring Kazakhstan. Consider switching to gas fuel (LPG) which is 40% cheaper than petrol.
Food
Try shush kebabs (small grilled meat pieces on skewers) at local roadside food stops, a specialty dish throughout the country.
Food
Visit local bazaars to buy meat: yak meat 500 SS/kg, horse meat 500 SS/kg, high-quality beef 550 SS/kg.
Food
Try Ashlin F, a spicy cold noodle soup, the most famous Dungan dish, available at local Dungan restaurants.
Transport
Ala Archa National Park is just 40 minutes driving from Bishkek for a mountain escape.
Where to stay
Book boat rides on Lake Issyk-Kul for 70 USD per hour.
Tip
Hire a 4x4 vehicle if you want to visit remote, off-the-beaten-path locations beyond main attractions.
Timing
Spring offers greener Alpine meadow scenery than autumn; October marks the end of peak lake season.
Save money
Average salaries are low ($375/month nationally, $500/month in Bishkek), so expect very budget-friendly accommodation and food prices.
Transport
Grigorievka Gorge (Chon-Kemin Canyon) is 60 km from Cholpon-Ata resort town with a crystal-clear river and unique Tienan pine trees.
Food
Kyrgyz cuisine is heavily meat-based. Try dried yak, horse meat, and lamb stomach at traditional restaurants.
Tip
Bishkek and many other cities have no skyscrapers due to earthquake zone restrictions.

Video on this route

Kyrgyzstan: the Real Central Asia Adventure!

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