Karakol National Nature Park
The park was established in accordance with the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated April 15, 1997, No. 225 “On the Organization of the National Nature Park ‘Karakol’ in the Ak-Suu District of the Issyk-Kul Region” for the purpose of preserving the unique natural complexes of the Karakol Gorge over a total area of 38,256 hectares. Forested lands comprise 7,688 hectares, with forest cover amounting to 4,767 hectares, including forest plantations of 1,324 hectares, non-forest lands of 30,568 hectares, including arable land of 22 hectares and pastures of 9,393 hectares.
The Karakol Canyon Gorge is located near the city of Karakol. The branched valley deeply penetrates the slopes of the Terskey Alatoo for 40 km, after which it reaches the glacial belt of the ridge. The main peaks are clearly visible from the city: Karakol (5,280 m), Djigit (5,130 m), and Przhevalsky (4,283 m). During the summer, a mountaineering camp operates at their foot. This area is home to numerous peaks that rise above the snow line.
In addition to those already mentioned, the most famous peaks include: Zhukov (4,450 m), Telman (4,460 m), Dimitrov (4,450 m), Fuchik (4,219 m), Gastello (4,350 m), and others. Tourist attractions also include: a complex of cascading waterfalls located in the juniper thickets in the Kurghan-Tor Gorge; the powerful On-Tor waterfall, split in two by a rock outcrop, located in the gorge of the On-Tor River (a left tributary of the Karakol River); the cascade of waterfalls Sharkyratma - in the gorge of the same name, a right tributary of the Kely-Tor River (a right tributary of the Karakol River), and numerous glacial lakes.
The main forest-forming species are conifers - pine (166 ha), Tien Shan spruce (3,341 ha), larch (62 ha). There are no hardwood species. Softwood species occupy 38 ha, including birch (38 ha). Other tree species account for 12 ha, and shrubs cover 1,148 ha. The total timber stock is 495.3 thousand m³. The plant world is represented by more than 700 species of plants, of which 80 species are woody and shrubby.
The animal world includes roe deer, ibex, wolf, fox, marten, stoat, and among birds - the snowcock and rock partridge. Among the representatives of the Red Book, the snow leopard, golden eagle, kumai, saker falcon, and bearded vulture inhabit this area.
The landscape of the Karakol Gorge is very picturesque, with the mountain lake Ala-Kul and Peak Karakol being particularly attractive. The national park has developed hiking, horseback riding, and automobile routes. There are facilities for dining and overnight stays in yurts. In the city of Karakol, there are several hotels, dining establishments, and cultural institutions. It is possible to combine nature and educational types of tourism. The service sector is at a good level.
