Geography
Climate
Karakol features a humid continental climate (Dfb) according to the Köppen climate classification.
Symbols of Karakol
thumb|170px|Coat of arms of Przhevalsk 1908
The coat of arms of the city of Przhevalsk was approved by the highest on March 19, 1908 —
The modern coat of arms and flag of the city of Karakol were approved as a result of the competition for the creation of symbols of the city (coat of arms, flag and anthem), organized in March 2007 by the city council and the mayor's office of the city. The main composition of the coat of arms and the flag consists of elements of the sun and the head of a deer with horns (symbols of the Buğu tribe).
Sights
thumb|Teskei Alatoo
thumb|right|Karakol gorge
Karakol is one of Kyrgyzstan's major tourist hubs, serving as a starting point for the hiking, trekking, skiing and mountaineering groups of the high central Tian Shan to the south and east. Additionally, the city is quite culturally-rich, with several distinct ethnic groups present, such as Dungans, Kalmyks, Russians, Uyghurs, Uzbeks, and of course the local Kyrgyz.
Przhevalsky’s Grave is a memorial park and small museum dedicated to Przhevalsky and others’ Russian explorations in Central Asia, located about north of Karakol at Pristan'-Przheval'sk, overlooking the Mikhailovka Inlet of Issyk Kul lake. This is also where former Soviet torpedo testing facilities are located. Facilities themselves are a closed, government-accessible only area.
Karakol has Central Asia's highest ski resort, with 20 km of slopes, situated about 20 minutes from the town. Unlike Shymbulak resort, the riding at Karakol includes forest areas as well as cleared trails.
Russian Orthodox cathedral
thumb|Karakol Russian Orthodox church
The cathedral was originally built of stone, in 1872, Ingenious techniques allowed the builders to construct the mosque without using nails.
Sister cities
- Asheville, North Carolina, United States
- Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey