How to Get to Jyrgalan From Karakol

Getting from Jyrgalan from Karakol can be done in two ways, taxi or marshrutka. The distance is 47 kilometers and takes roughly an hour and a half by marshrutka.

By taxi, it will cost around 1,300 soms. You can have your hotel book the taxi for the best rate.

To get to Jyrgalan from Karakol by marshrutka you’ll need to head to the Ak-Tilek Market (the Big Bazaar) bus station, which is located at the intersection of Bektenova and Zhamansariev streets.

There are 3 buses per day. In the summer, buses leave at 8:30, 13:30 and 17:30, and in the winter, 8:30, 13:30, and 16:30.

Take marshrutka 331, which costs 80 soms.

Accommodation here is limited, so it’s best to book early. Visit Jyrgalan.com to see all the options available.

I stayed in a private room at Rahat Guesthouse, which felt no different than your typical American home. Very cozy and the host is extremely kind.

The town itself is pretty small and you can navigate it by foot. There isn’t much to do but walk around. I spent the afternoon just talking to some local kids who spoke pretty good English.

If you’re in Jyrgalan, you’re most likely here to go trekking. You can set this up from any guest house. Check out my three-day, 2 night trek review here.