Base camp Karkara is located in the Central Tien Shan, about 470 km from Bishkek and 70 km from Karakol.

Ratsek cabin was originally a small stone building that served as a safe shelter for hikers and climbers on their way. Now it is a base camp.

At the foot of Lenin Peak there is a base camp for climbers. Its name is Achyk-Tash. The base camp is open during the warmer months, from June to September.