Karakol city
In Soviet times it was called Prezhevalsk after the Russian explorer who made several journeys into Central Asia and almost reached the gates of Lhasa in Tibet, but who contracted an illness - TB (Consumption) or Typhoid, there seems to be some confusion - and settled in the area over looking the lake to die. There is a museum dedicated to him on the site of the house that he had built.
Originally named Karakol - then in 1886 renamed Prezhervalsk - Lenin gave it back it"s original name in 1926 only to have Stalin renamne it Prezhevalsk again in 1935 - Finaly in 1991 it was renamed Karakol once more.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is a fine example of a Russian Orthodox Church which served as a dance hall under the Soviets, it is now being renovated. There is also a Dungan (Chinese) mosque in the town that actually predates the Church. There is the Regional Museum with a fine collection of musical instruments and the Sunday Animal Market attracts a large number of visitors. With its large number of colonial style buildings ("chocolate box cottages"); shady, poplar lined streets; lively market; the oldest hippodrome in Central Asia. and overlooked by the Terksey ("Shady") Ala-Too Mountains it can give an impression of a Nineteenth Century Russian Village.
However, Karakol is perhaps best known these days as a center for trekking with a large number of well established routes in the valleys nearby. Nearest to the city are Djety Orguz with the Seven Bulls rock formation and the Valley of Flowers. Many trekkers visit the Ak-Suu (Tepliyekluchenki), Altyn Arashan and Karakol valleys. Karakol is also the last city on the way to Enchilek and the mountains Khan Tengri and Peak Pobeda.
There are a number of small guesthouses and hotels in Karakol and several local companies can offer services in and around Karakol. Ask for details.
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