Karakol administrative center of Issyk-Kul region, and Ak-Suu area. Located in the eastern region, the coast of Lake Issyk-Kul at an altitude of 1690-1850 meters above sea level at the foot of the ridge-Alatoo Teskey, in the lower reaches of the river Karakol. The city was founded in 1869 as a military and administrative center on the caravan route from the Chui Valley in Kashgar staff captain Baron Kaulbars, who was given the task to choose a convenient place for the new city. And so first in July 1869 the streets, squares and Guest house were laid. This date was considered the birthday of the town of Karakol, so named by the same name of the river on which it is located. The city has a strict rectangular layout, is surrounded by green gardens, as before each developer were required to plant a garden and avenue in front of the house. It was decided to build a garden city. Somewhat differently than in other cities of Central Asia themselves and look of the structure. Prior to 1887 were built in the adobe house. But after a strong earthquake in 1887, the city was built mostly wooden houses with porches decorated with rich intricate carvings. By 1872, in Karakol was ranked 132 of the yard. By 1897 the population was 8108 inhabitants. Currently, the city is home to 65,443 people. City several times changed its name: to 1889 he was called Caracol, was later renamed by the decree of the king in the city Przhevalsk, after the famous Russian explorer Przewalski, NM, which is on the way to his 5th trip dies in Karakol. In his request he was buried on the shore of Issyk-Kul.