Karakol

Zoo

The The Karakol zoo has many native species native to Kyrgyzstan such as bears, wolves, camels, and various hoofed creatures.

Dungan Mosque

This is one of the few mosques that dodged Soviet destruction. It was built in 1910 by the local Dungan community that escaped Chinese oppresion as a house of worship. Completely of wood without nails, it is painted in numerous colors. It is still used as a house of worship, are tourists are gladly welcomed.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

This traditional Russian wooden cathedral with an onion dome has recently undergone extensive restoration work, payed for by the local Slavic community.

Regional Museum

This museum hosts numerous archeological bits from the Scythian era and many stuffed animals, culled from the mountains. While there is much to see, little of the information available is in English, and the staff do not speak English. Still, the place is worth a visit.

Przevalski Museum and Memorial

Set a few miles outside the city, the museum hosts the life story of one of the world's great explorers, who died in Karakol in 1888. It is a true testimonial to Russian colonization of Central Asia. The staff here speak English.

To the rear of his resting place lies the remnants of a Soviet torpedo testing facility.