Kars Hostel & Backpackers is located on İnönü Caddesi in the city centre of Kars, within walking distance of the train station, the Kars Museum, and the covered bazaar. Kars is a frontier city in northeastern Turkey whose grid-pattern streets and stone buildings reflect decades of Russian administrative control (1878–1920), and the hostel is housed in one of the more modest structures from that era — a three-storey building with high ceilings and thick walls that retain warmth through the province's severe winters.
Accommodation options span 4-bed dormitories, 6-bed dormitories, and a private double room. Dormitory beds are fitted with individual reading lights, power sockets, and personal lockers; mattresses are standard hostel grade and linen is provided. The private double is a self-contained room on the upper floor with a small window overlooking İnönü Caddesi. All guests share bathrooms on each floor, which are cleaned twice daily.
The communal kitchen is fully equipped with a gas hob, refrigerator, kettle, and basic utensils — useful for self-catering given that Kars has a good fresh produce market within a 10-minute walk. A common room with cushioned seating and a map wall serves as a gathering point; the notice board tracks current dolmuş timetables to Ani and Sarıkamış, which management updates seasonally.
Heating is central and reliable, a practical priority given that Kars temperatures routinely fall below −15 °C in mid-winter. The hostel attracts solo travellers, cyclists crossing the Turkey–Georgia border route (Kars is on a popular Caucasus circuit), and budget hikers heading to the nearby Çıldır Lake plateau. Staff speak basic English and are familiar with independent travel logistics in this part of eastern Anatolia.
| Price | ₺200–₺350/bed/night (~$6–$11) dormitory; ₺400–₺600/private room (~$13–$19) |
|---|---|
| Address | İnönü Caddesi No:3, Kars 36000 |
Room types
- 6-bed dormitory
- 4-bed dormitory
- Private Double
Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Communal kitchen
- Lockers
- Common room
- Heating
Location
İnönü Caddesi No:3, Kars 36000
40.6060, 43.0945 View on map
Highlights
- Central location on İnönü Caddesi — walking distance from Kars Museum, train station, and bazaar
- Communal kitchen with full equipment for self-catering
- Notice board with current dolmuş timetables to Ani ruins and Sarıkamış ski area
- Individual lockers and power sockets in all dormitory beds
- Popular staging point for cyclists on the Turkey–Georgia Caucasus border route
Tips for visiting
- Book the private double at least a week ahead in summer (July–August) when the Trans-Caucasus cycling circuit brings long-haul cyclists through Kars.
- The fresh produce market on Faikbey Caddesi is a 10-minute walk and has local cheeses, honey, and vegetables — well worth a morning visit if you're self-catering.
- Temperatures in January and February can drop to −25 °C; bring a sleeping bag liner for the dormitories even though central heating is available.
- The notice board at reception lists licensed guides for Ani day trips — cheaper to arrange here than through agencies in Erzurum.
- Lockers require a padlock; bring your own or purchase one at the bazaar nearby, as the hostel does not supply them.