Karakol Regional Museum is housed in a handsome old wooden house in the centre of town. The building began as the summer home of a merchant family, later served the revolutionary authorities, and now gives a compact introduction to Karakol's Russian, Kyrgyz, and Dungan history.
The collection is modest but useful before heading into the surrounding mountains. Combine it with the nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral and Dungan Mosque for an easy circuit through Karakol's historic core.