Karakol Lake, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Karakol Lake, China? If you're planning to go to Karakol Lake, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Karakol Lake
- Important essentials for Karakol Lake
- Activities for Karakol Lake
- Karakol Lake in January: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in February: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in March: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in April: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in May: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in June: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in July: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in August: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in September: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in October: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in November: weather and what to pack
- Karakol Lake in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Karakol Lake, China
Based on the climate and weather in Karakol Lake, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Karakol Lake, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Karakol Lake, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Karakol Lake is at a very high altitude, and may result in altitude sickness. For that reason, you will want to pack strong altitude sickness prevention products and treatments.
-
Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
- Consider asking your doctor about Diamox
-
Over-the-counter medicine
-
Oximeter to check blood oxygen
Like this
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Karakol Lake. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Karakol Lake, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Karakol Lake is unbearably cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a head warmer at night in this climate like this
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
February
February can be dangerously cold. Temperatures average in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Heated gloves
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear a head protector at night in this weather like this
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
March
March in this region is very cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Heated gloves
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a head warmer at night here like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
April
If you are traveling to Karakol Lake in April, you will notice that it is frigid. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
May can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
July
Traveling to Karakol Lake in July, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
August
August can be chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
September
September in Karakol Lake can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
October
October for Karakol Lake is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
November
November in Karakol Lake is biting cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Heated gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
December
December in Karakol Lake can be dangerously cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Thick pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Naarden, Netherlands, Ichinoseki, Japan, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, Kununurra, Western Australia, Australia, Madron and Sancreed, England, United Kingdom, Kota Division, India, Kyotanabe, Japan, Aegadian Islands, Italy, Lindi, Tanzania, Abaiang, Kiribati, and Kirov Oblast, Russia.