This was 19 years ago, so remember that.
Since then everything has changed.
Being stuck at KaraKol airport because the Russians
stopped the fuel and wanted hard currency.
Then a Russian Army brass chap, needed to
get to Moscow in a hurry so the plane was fueled.
Watching the fantastic view below of the lake, then
after circling Bishkek Airport for 20 mins
we had to fly back to KaraKol because of bad
snow at the airport.
We landed and I was happy to be on the ground.
I was very jumpy just being stuck in the air.
Finally 2 hrs later we got the green light and
returned and landed in Bishkek.
We then boarded a flight to St.Petersburg
and 8 hours later we were home again!
They didn't accept hard currency in Kyrgyzstan
back then and my whole 2 flights cost me about 15 USD.
Written Oct 19, 2010
Guys, be careful when you hit on local girls in the disco techs because drunk boyfriends, or otherwise just jealous locals often like to start fights. In general, always be wary of locals at the disco.... many of my friends have been attacked for no apparent reason.
Written Jun 22, 2005
Please be careful at night while you are walking around Karakol. Crime is rampant and it's better to travel in groups of 3 or 4 people or just take a taxi. I never go outside alone after dark and neither do most locals - especially if they are female.
Written May 13, 2005
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Reviews and photos of Karakol attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Karakol sightseeing.

Please be careful at night while you are walking around Karakol. Crime is rampant and it's better to travel in groups of 3 or 4 people or just take a taxi. I...
1 member lives in Karakol
Q: I am planning to spend 2 months in karakol this summer...but i after some scary reviews over there...i feel like i am visiting...
A: Don't go out at night and you'll be fine. If you have Kyrgyz friends have them go with you if you're out in the dark. Even groups of foreigners have been attacked so be...
Read 2 Replies
1
Living between the Tian-Shan and Issyk-Kul Lake

Wow, summer here is beautiful! I work all the time with tourists so I meet crazy travelers [like you!] amost every day, but once in a while I get to escape with some local friends to the lake for some...
2

No worries, though, as I went up to their camp at Altyn-Arashan. On a terrible jeep track, we bashed and banged up to 2900m, encountering nomads and following a wild, rushing river. Altyn-Arashan is a...
3
Kara-Kol or Karakol or Karakol' Make yer mind up

There was no places listed apart from 5 places when I joined VT, but now there are 3 Kara-Kol's???---Huh --It was called Preszevalsk when we visited back in 1991 and were the FIRST...
5

Take time if you can to visit the animal market (we missed it) then a detour through the town to visit the Russian church:
Build your own Karakol page