Elisha
Most people will travel from Bishkek to Karakol soon after arriving in Kyrgyzstan. Karakol is one of the most popular places to visit, not only because it’s located on the eastern side of Issyk Kul lake, but also because it’s the perfect base for hiking in the Tien Shan Mountains.
Travelling from Bishkek to Karakol is one of the most popular routes in the country. Whether you travel directly between the two destinations or stop along the way to explore the Issyk Kul region, it’s an incredibly beautiful part of Kyrgyzstan with a variety of landscapes.
There are several ways to get from Bishkek to Karakol: marshrutka/public bus, train, plane, taxi, and hired car. In this post, I’m going to break down all the options, as well as, worthwhile places to see along the way.
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the main entry point into the country. It’s also the biggest transport hub, with options to get almost anywhere. Most travellers spend as little time as possible in Bishkek, and typically move on pretty quickly to start exploring the country.
However, you can easily spend time in the city if you have a day or two. Osh Bazaar is the vibrant heart of the city centre, plus the Soviet architecture of Ala Too Square and its surrounding gardens and buildings stands out as important landmarks.
There’s a worthwhile day trip to Ala Archa National Park for those who want to stretch their legs and acclimatise to the mountainous terrain before heading to Karakol. I’d highly recommend heading out there for a day hike to get your fitness in check.
Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Bishkek
Where to Stay in Bishkek
You’ll find everything from hostels to luxury hotels in the centre of Bishkek, so there’s accommodation to suit everyone.
I stayed at Meeting Place Hostel, a friendly place with comfortable dorm rooms, a kitchen, and outdoor patio. It’s within walking distance of Osh Market and Ala Too Square, so an all round good value spot.
Here are my top picks for different budgets:
- Budget: Meeting Place Hostel
- Midrange: SilkRoad Guesthouse
- Luxury: Orion Hotel
Check Out My Kyrgyzstan Map & Guide on Rexby:
Why Visit Karakol
As the main base for exploring the Tian Shan mountains, it’s the town where backpackers and hikers tend to come and go from as they explore the landscapes around the eastern part of Issyk Kul lake. This means that there’s plenty of things to do in Karakol, along with treks and day trips into the surrounding region.
As one of the biggest towns in the country and main tourist destinations, it’s commonly the first place people head when arriving in Kyrgyzstan. It’s also easily reached from Bishkek, so those travelling for two weeks or less, mostly plan to spend their time around Issyk Kul and Karakol.
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When to Visit Karakol and Issyk Kul
It’s best to visit Karakol and Issyk Kul in the warmer summer months. Most travellers visit from May until September, for the best weather. Outside of these months, it’s cold and rainy/snowy in the city and it can be difficult to explore the surrounding mountains.
While winter is becoming a popular time in Karakol for skiing and other winter sports, most people visit the town for its access to alpine lakes, hiking trails, hot springs, and secluded villages; all of which are only accessible in the warm months without snow.
How To Travel to Karakol from Bishkek
If you want to get from Bishkek to Karakol, here are all of your options and what I recommend you do. Find the places I mention in this map:
By Plane
Manas International Airport is around 25km north of the city centre and can take around an hour to reach or more, depending on traffic. Domestic airline, TezJet, started direct flights between Bishkek and Karakol in 2025. They operate twice per week.
By Hire Car
Bishkek to Karakol: 405 km or 7 hours drive
It’s becoming more common for travellers to hire a car when visiting Kyrgyzstan. This provides complete freedom as to when and where you can travel, along with making it easier to visit places like Ak-Sai Canyon and Barskoon Waterfall without getting a taxi.
However, car rental is quite expensive in Kyrgyzstan and it’s not uncommon for prices to be over US$100 per day. But if you have an international driver’s license and keen to explore at your own pace, it’s definitely a good way to go.
By Marshrutka/Minivan
The New Bus Station or Bishkek Avtovokzal is now the main bus station in Bishkek (ignore anything on online that talks about the old Western Bus Station which is closed for now). This new bus station has marshrutkas and buses going to many destinations, including internationally to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
The station is north of the city centre and it costs about 300-400 som to reach it with a Yandex depending on where you are staying. Otherwise, public bus #13 connects the centre of Bishkek with the New Bus Station for 20 som (and also the old Western Bus Station, in case you end up there by mistake).
The marshrutkas to and from Karakol start from 7am and leave regularly. It costs 600 som with luggage, and the journey takes about 6-7 hours.
Most marhsrutkas take the northern route around Issyk Kul because it’s slightly quicker. However, if you want to take the southern route to get off somewhere along the way (to visit Aksay Canyon or Fairytale Canyon for example), then ask at the bus station for the right marshrutka, as they are less frequent.
Tip: Ensure you purchase bus tickets from the ticket offices in the terminal rather than directly with the drivers (who may overcharge you). The terminal has public bathrooms (10 som) and a few snack shops.
By Overnight Bus
There is a company called GoBus that operate an overnight coach service from Bishkek to Karakol and return. There are two buses per day, one going via northern route and one on the southern route.
The journey takes about 7-8 hours overnight. It costs 600-650 som depending on which route you select. It’s recommended to book in advance in summer. You can find the schedule and book online here.
By Train & Marshrutka
The option that I most recommend is to take the combined journey of train and marshrutka. While train travel is very limited in Kyrgyzstan, the train journey from Bishkek to Balykchy is a very scenic ride that is definitely worth doing.
The train only runs during the summer months, so if you’re travelling outside of peak season this option is not available. The train departs once a day from Bishkek Railway Station in the city to Balykchy. It takes around 4 hours one way.
In particular, the VIP class is the most comfortable of the ticket options and it has become a must do while travelling in the country, due to its beautiful interior décor and large panoramic windows. A VIP seat costs 800 som per person.
Once in Balykchy, you’ll have to walk to the bus station and take marshrutka #300 to Karakol, which takes about 4.5 hours and costs 350 som. This marshrutka travels along the northern road along Issyk Kul, so it’s not ideal for those wanting to stop somewhere on the southern shore.
Read more: How to Take the Bishkek to Balykchy Train
By Shared Taxi
There’s always the option of shared taxis to travel between destinations, but they’re generally more expensive. You can find shared taxis located at the bus stations in Bishkek, Balykchy and Karakol. This will be quicker than the marshrutka, so if you’re travelling in a group then it can be more comfortable and convenient.
If you arrive in Balykchy off the train and would like to travel along the southern shore of Issyk Kul, shared taxis will be your only option as the marshrutkas via the south road finish at midday.
By Private Transfer or Tour
For the ultimate form of comfort and timeliness, then booking a direct transfer or tour will be the most convenient. This will mean you’ll be transported door to door, and won’t have to worry about navigating the bus stations. Plus, you’ll have the option to stop at sights along the way.
Check out these top day trips and tours:
Things to Do Around Issyk Kul Lake
If you have more time, it’s worth exploring places on the way between Bishkek and Karakol. Issyk Kul is one of the largest lakes in the world, and has many beautiful landscapes around the lake’s shore that are worth checking out.
Once you reach the western edge of the lake, you’ll have the choice to take either the northern or southern roads to reach Karakol. The northern road is quicker and has more resort-style towns, while the southern route has more interesting landscapes and cultural experiences.
I recommend taking the northern road to get to Karakol, and then taking the southern road back to Balykchy on your return to experience both.
Here are the places you can stop at around Issyk Kul:
Cholpon Ata
Cholpon Ata is one of the biggest resort towns on the northern shore of Issyk Kul. It has become the go-to hotspot for Russian, Kyrgyz and Kazak tourists on holidays, as it’s the closest thing they have to a “beach”.
There are plenty of places to stay in Cholpon Ata where you can join summer parties or relax on the lake. However, there’s not too much to do in town, so I wouldn’t recommend hanging around too long.
Where to Stay in Cholpon Ata:
Ak-Sai Canyon
As one of the most incredibly unique places in Kyrgyzstan, Ak-Sai Canyon is definitely a must-see. However, it’s far less visited than you might think because it’s not accessible by public transport.
The best way to reach the canyon is getting down from a marshrutka in Ak-Sai Village, which is on the main road between Bishkek and Karakol. From there, the canyon is an 11km walk or drive along a dirt road to the shore of Issyk Kul.
You can find a taxi in Ak-Sai Village to take you to the canyon and back. Otherwise, you can also walk, but be aware that it’s very exposed to the sun, so allow plenty of time and carry water.
You can stay in Feel Nomad yurt camp at the end of the canyon on Issyk Kul shore or return to Ak-Sai Village to stay there the night in a local guesthouse.
We chose to stay in ABATAY Guesthouse in Ak-Sai Village and I can highly recommend it. It was one of my favourite experiences in Kyrgyzstan, as the family is beautiful and we spent an amazing time exploring their garden and farm. They can also drive you to the canyon and back for an extra fee.
Bokonbayevo (or Bokonbaevo)
As one of the largest towns on the southern of Issyk Kul, it’s at the heart of the local nomadic culture. From here, you can arrange a tour or taxi to Ak-Say Canyon and Fairytale Canyon from a guesthouse. However, the main purpose people visit Bokonbaevo is to explore the traditions of the nomadic people.
This is the place to see the famous eagle hunters and witness an eagle hunting demonstration. The ancient tradition is far less used in practical terms now, but a few families in the village continue to pass down the skills to keep the tradition alive.
You must book a demonstration to see the eagle hunters. The best way to do this is either through a guesthouse in Bokonbaevo or through the local CBT office. It’s purely set up for tourists, so don’t expect a completely authentic experience, but it’s the best way to learn about this ancient Kyrgyz tradition.
There are also nomadic festivals held in Bokonbaevo every year where you can also see the eagle hunting demonstrations, but you have to time your visit right.
Prices for a demonstration are around 3500 som.
Where to Stay in Bokonbaevo:
Fairytale Canyon/Skazka
The otherworldly Skazka Canyon or Fairytale Canyon has emerged as one of the most visited places in Kyrgyzstan. This incredible geological formation, with a rainbow of colours appearing in the rocky layers, is an outstanding sight (especially at sunset or sunrise).
It’s found near the village of Tosor, just 30 minutes east of Bokonbaevo. You can get off a marshrutka at the canyon entrance or get off in Tosor Village to stay a night there and take a round trip in a taxi to the canyon. There’s also a yurt camp at the canyon entrance, if you want to splurge on a night there.
Either way, once you enter the canyon and pay the small entrance fee (50 som), you can explore the various trails and lookouts on your own. It’s particularly beautiful when the sun is shining and you can admire the brilliant shades of oranges, reds, and yellows in the rock.
Be aware that it does get very busy so be prepared to be around a lot of tourists.
Where to Stay in Tosor:
Barskoon Waterfall
Just a further 10-minute drive east of Tosor, you’ll come to the village of Barskoon. From here, you can take another side trip to Barskoon Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kyrgyzstan.
However, similarly to Ak-Say Canyon, there’s no public transport to the canyon, so you’ll have to hire a taxi or attemp to hitchhike. While we didn’t make it to the waterfall, it’s definitely on my list for my next trip to Kyrgyzstan.
It costs around 1700 som for a car to and from Barskoon Village and the start of the hiking trail, about 17km south of the village. The hike up to the viewpoint is nearly 2km and takes over an hour one way, so allow enough time to return.
It is a skinny trail over rocks towards the end, so be careful and ensure you have good walking shoes. You can decide how far you go, as there are several viewpoints along the way.
Where to Stay in Barskoon:
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Finally, Karakol! From Barskoon village, it’s about 80km to reach Karakol. This mountain town has expanded rapidly in size with the rise of tourism, as people visit to explore the surrounding mountains and hot springs.
I recommend spending at least a few days in the area around Karakol, with day trips and hikes to keep you busy for a while. Plus, there’s a range of good accommodation and cafes to chill out in between.
Where to Stay in Karakol:
Things to Do in Karakol
- Holy Trinity Church
- Try ashlan-fu soup
- Seven Bulls and Broken Heart Rock Formations in Jeti Oguz
- Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
- Overnight stay in Jyrgalan Village
- 4 Day Ala Kul Trek
Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Karakol
Exploring More of Kyrgyzstan?
- Song Kul: Complete Guide to Horse Trekking to Song Kul
- Kol Ukok: Essential Guide to Kol Ukok Near Kochkor
- Bishkek: 10 Best Things to Do in Bishkek
- Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before Travelling Kyrgyzstan
- Sary Mogul: Guide to Hiking Travellers Pass and Tulpar Lakes
- Bishkek: 10 Best Things to Do in Bishkek
- Karakol: 15 Best Things to Do in Karakol
- Train Travel: How to Take the Train From Bishkek to Issyk Kul
- Ala Kul Trek: Complete Guide to the Ala Kul Trek
- Jyrgalan: Essential Guide to Visiting Jyrgalan Valley
- Arslanbob: Essential Guide for Visiting Arslanbob and the Walnut Forest
- SIM Cards: Which SIM Card Should You Buy for Kyrgyzstan?
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