Karkara Valley is located near the village of Tup, roughly one hundred kilometers east of Lake Issyk Kul. It is crossed by the Karkara River, which serves as a natural border with Kazakhstan.

The region boasts striking alpine meadows at an altitude of approximately 2200 meters. Karkara Valley has always been ranching country, and it is here that you can observe vast herds of horses, sheep and cattle. Local commerce thrives in the area, since beyond livestock, it is possible to purchase handcrafted items and luxury yurts.

This place is also celebrated for its mare's milk, "kumiss", (a traditional beverage of Central Asian peoples). This drink is known for its healing properties: it is an effective remedy for tuberculosis, anemia, gastrointestinal tract diseases, scurvy and many others.

Today, the Karkara River attracts outdoor enthusiasts with various activities on offer, such as rafting and trout fishing. The Kazakh stretch of the river is equally renowned internationally for mountaineering, as is the Khan Tengri massif at the far east of Kyrgyzstan.