Karakol

With a population of nearly 70,000 Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s fourth largest city.

Located near Lake Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan mountains it is a good starting point for exploring some of the country’s natural beauty. It is also culturally rich, with several different ethnic groups such as Dungan, Uighur, Kalmak, Uzbek, Russians and of course Kyrgyz all living in the city or nearby.

For many visitors to Karakol a key attraction is the nearby Sunday Animal Market. This is one of the largest of its kind in Central Asia, with local farmers and nomads travelling in from afar to buy or sell sheep, goats, cows and even thoroughbred horses against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.