How to Travel Independently from Bishkek to Karakol
Many trekking routes in Kyrgyzstan start from the city of Karakol. Situated 400 kilometers east of Bishkek on the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours. Here's a travel hack: if you book a tour from Karakol and make your own way there, your tour will be significantly cheaper. In this article, we'll share some ways to independently travel from Bishkek to Karakol.
By Public Transport
Microbuses, locally known as "marshrutka", depart daily from the western bus station in Bishkek to Karakol. Bishkek has two bus stations – western and eastern, so make sure not to confuse them. The microbuses travel along the northern and southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. It's advisable to choose those heading north as the road conditions are better, allowing for a quicker journey to Karakol. You can inquire about the route with the driver.
If you don't speak Russian, use Google Translate to write: "1. Bishkek - Cholpon-Ata - Karakol? 2. Bishkek - Bokonbaevo - Karakol?". The driver will be able to provide an answer.
Important note: if you're traveling with several people and large backpacks, you may need to pay extra for luggage space inside the microbus.
In terms of cost, the ticket to Karakol is approximately 500 som (~$6) + taxi cost from the hotel to the western bus station 400 som ($4) + taxi cost from the bus station in Karakol to the hotel 200-600 som ($2-$6). You don't need to buy the ticket at the bus station counter; the driver accepts payment for the fare.
It's also possible to take a bus from Bishkek to Karakol, but this option is time-consuming and not significantly cheaper than the marshrutka, so we do not recommend it.
If you don't speak Russian, use Google Translate to write: "1. Bishkek - Cholpon-Ata - Karakol? 2. Bishkek - Bokonbaevo - Karakol?". The driver will be able to provide an answer.
Important note: if you're traveling with several people and large backpacks, you may need to pay extra for luggage space inside the microbus.
In terms of cost, the ticket to Karakol is approximately 500 som (~$6) + taxi cost from the hotel to the western bus station 400 som ($4) + taxi cost from the bus station in Karakol to the hotel 200-600 som ($2-$6). You don't need to buy the ticket at the bus station counter; the driver accepts payment for the fare.
It's also possible to take a bus from Bishkek to Karakol, but this option is time-consuming and not significantly cheaper than the marshrutka, so we do not recommend it.
Road form Bishkek to Karakol, picture from silkadv.com
By Taxi from the Western Bus Station
At the western bus station in Bishkek, there are taxis that operate on the Bishkek - Karakol route. The cost per passenger is approximately 1000 som (~$12). Drivers depart when all seats in the car are sold. You can purchase multiple seats to expedite your journey. Typically, drivers reach the bus station in Karakol and charge an additional fee to take you to a specific address.
Private Transfer Bishkek - Karakol
This is the most expensive but interesting option if you want to see various Kyrgyzstan landmarks on your way to Karakol. The trip costs around $200 for a car accommodating up to 4 passengers. The driver picks you up from your hotel in Bishkek and can take you to Karakol via the northern or southern shore of Issyk-Kul, making stops along the way wherever you'd like. This is a significant advantage over the first two options as you can visit places like the Burana Tower (a UNESCO World Heritage site), hot springs, Skazka Canyon, Barskaun Gorge, have lunch in a café, or experience a yurt stay. All additional expenses (entrance fees, meals) are paid separately, and the route is pre-arranged with the driver.
You can book a private transfer from Bishkek to Karakol through us by contacting us on WhatsApp or email. We believe this option will be appealing to those traveling in a group of 3-4 people who want additional experiences from their trip, all for $50-$70 per person.
If you're traveling to Karakol alone or on an extremely limited budget, the first two options would be more suitable.
You can book a private transfer from Bishkek to Karakol through us by contacting us on WhatsApp or email. We believe this option will be appealing to those traveling in a group of 3-4 people who want additional experiences from their trip, all for $50-$70 per person.
If you're traveling to Karakol alone or on an extremely limited budget, the first two options would be more suitable.
