Urban Monkey Tent Hostel & Bar in Karakol

We stayed here in October 2025. Unfortunately our plan to do a multi day hike cancelled and the owner was very accommodating and ensured we could stay the 3 nights we no longer had accommodation for. If you’re travelling on a budget and pass through Karakol, this is the place to stay

We had the loveliest stay here with the owner who was very accommodating, helped us with everything. We also washed and dried our clothes for a very good price. The place has a kitchen also. 10/10!

Absolutely recommended hostel!
We were allowed to pitch our tent in the courtyard, which was perfect. The bathrooms and kitchen were very clean, and we could wash all our clothes. It’s also a great place to meet other travelers and share experiences.
But the best part of our stay was spending time with Den, who works at the hostel and also organizes tours. He took us on an unforgettable trip from Karakol to Kong Sul and Kel Suu — and it was simply amazing! Den is super fun, kind, and helpful. He even brought his own kayak, and we got to paddle on Kel Suu lake — absolutely breathtaking!
We truly can’t recommend Den enough for any tours. He’s a wonderful person with a big heart and made our time in Kyrgyzstan incredibly special.

Unexpectedly exquisite. For the price, the overall value is exceptional. From the outside it looks like a regular semi-industrial building, however, once inside, there is a bar, a large kitchen/common area and ample space for cars and tents. You can in-fact stay in a tent for 200som per night or there are private rooms, a very cosy upstairs dormitory or the indoor tent space. They also rent hiking equipment should you wish. Beers were 150som and so was laundry. Everything is geared towards backpackers and the cleanliness is excellent. Would recommend 110%.

- The idea of the tent in a common room is great - it gives privacy while maintaining a social environment.
- It has also a common kitchen as well as common bathroom and showers (always clean and well maintained)
- Good place to meet other people and travelers and the owners are friendly and happy to recommend some hikes around the area
- Located very near from the bus station for and from Bishkek. Located 20 minutes walking from the city center and bazar (where the other minibuses are leaving)

Great hostel. Stayed in this hostel and was very pleased. Cleanliness - both in the rooms and in the common areas. Convenient and spacious kitchen. The staff is responsive and always ready to help. I especially liked that they can advise on trekking and hiking routes in the mountains.

I loved my stay at Urban Monkey hostel.
It is a very cosy place with a fun design, the space is very modern and super clean. It has a fully equipped kitchen (even a microwave), tents have thick mattresses and are very comfortable. There is lots of space for luggage too. You can also relax in the garden, or at the bar outside.
The location is good, it is a few minutes away from long distance busses, around 2km away from the bazaar and most restaurants.
I also loved the atmosphere of this place. Very social, people were very respectful and nice, Maxim, the manager of the hostel is such a kindhearted person, giving great recommendations and helping out whenever he can.
I felt very safe and welcome as a female solo traveller.
It's a great value for the price and I'd stay there again!