We know all you yogis and meditators out there have been dreaming of a contemplative retreat to Rishikesh for awhile! Located on the bank of the Ganges River, Rishikesh’s importance can only be rivaled by that of the city of Varanasi. But even Varanasi can’t complete with the hiking and natural beauty of Rishikesh!
Looking to open up your third eye and let your chakra flow? Or maybe you are just passing through wanting to gawk at the hippie enclave.
Depending on why you are in Rishikesh, you probably want to find a hostel to cater to your needs. From meditating to yoga, you are sure to find a hostel that speaks your language!
Close your eyes and feel at peace! We did all the hard work for you so you can find all the best hostels on this side of the Ganges!
Get ready to roll out your yoga mats! You will be chanting “Om” in Rishikesh before you know it!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Rishikesh
- Best Overall Hostel in Rishikesh – Shiv Shakti Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Rishikesh – Skyard Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Rishikesh – Moustache Rishikesh
- Best Cheap Hostel in Rishikesh – Into The Unknown
- Best Hostel for Couples in Rishikesh – The Hosteller
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rishikesh – Bunk Stay Rishikesh
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Rishikesh – Live Free Hostel
Best Hostels in Rishikesh
Backpacking India and headed to Rishikesh? Then check out these top hostels.
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Best Overall Hostel in Rishikesh – Shiv Shakti
- $
- Nightly Yoga Classes
- Thursday Dinners
- Rooftop Lounge
Shiv Shakti is one of those India backpackers hostels that you will be recommending to other travelers you run into while traveling through India. It is not all the bells and whistles that make this one of the best places to stay in Rishikesh, but it is by far one of the most chill places to call home. (You can imagine a place in Rishikesh being chill, it is going to be extremely chill)
With a rooftop lounge where you will be sipping on that piping hot cup of milk tea and even nightly yoga classes so you can feel a sense of zen before hitting the hay, Shiv Shakti is all about soaking in all the relaxing atmosphere of the mystic Ganges!
Best Party Hostel in Rishikesh – Skyard Hostel
- $
- Yoga Classes
- Concerts
- Cafe
Rishikesh is a place tucked into the foothills of the Himalayas, located on the banks of the holy Ganges River. You can expect to get totally trashed while traveling through this contemplative and religious city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t party! Skyard Hostel offers backpackers live music, stunning views of the city, and even a cafe in view of the river!
Once you have had your fill moving to the music or swinging from a hammock, Skyard Hostel is your home base for all you adrenaline junkies out there! With rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking, every day will be a perfect mix of relaxation and heart-pumping action!
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Rishikesh – Moustache Rishikesh
- $
- Yoga Lessons
- Rafting
- Lounges
Wake up every morning with beautiful views of the nature surrounding Rishikesh with a free steaming cup of chai in hand! It’s not just the mountains and rivers you will get in touch with while staying at Moustache, but this backpackers hostel is all about kicking back, relaxing, and meeting other backpackers!
From the spacious lounges to the rooftop patio, there is more than one place to hang out and break the ice! With Moustache’s yoga classes, group treks, and even rafting, this backpackers hostel will have you making memories both within its doors and out!
Best Cheap Hostel in Rishikesh – Into The Unknown
- $
- Yoga Sessions
- Rooftop Lounge
- Games
Traveling on a budget through India is not that hard of a feat, but if you are truly looking to stretch out those last couple of rupees in Rishikesh then Into The Unknown will hook you up with some of the cheapest beds in (dare I say it?) the country!
Other than a place where you can travel on a shoestring, Into The Unknown will have you become a little more familiar with Rishikesh. With group hikes and city tours just scratching the surface of adventures around Rishikesh, you are sure to have the time of your life!
The fun isn’t just out in the city. Into The Unknown also has its very own rooftop lounge, gaming areas, and views which will make you feel like Rishikesh is your oyster!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether.
Want more deetz on why it’s so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel for Couples in Rishikesh – The Hosteller
- $
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Library
We all know the old saying: “The way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart is through the stomach”. For all those couples out there, prepare yourself for a romantic backpacking getaway like no other! At The Hosteller, they up the ante with balconies giving stunning views of Rishikesh and some of the best food you can find on this end of the Ganges!
After having a couple of days of eating your body weight in delicious food, work off some of those calories with a hostel organized tour! From rafting to candlelit dinners, The Hosteller will give you and your boo a holiday to remember!
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rishikesh – Bunk Stay Rishikesh
- $
- Beanbag Chairs!
- Cafe
- Lounges
While traveling through India it may difficult to find that steady wi-fi connection to get that latest post up. At Bunk Stay Rishikesh you won’t only have some of the strongest internet connections in town, but you will also have loads of space to spread out in and get to work! With indoor and outdoor lounges, plus a rooftop terrace, finding that perfect spot to get down to work is a sinch!
After you close that laptop that is when the real fun begins! Bunk Stay will have you sitting cross-legged in a yoga studio or rafting down the Ganges before you know it!
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Rishikesh – Live Free Hostel
- $
- Rooftop
- Restaurant
- Yoga Classes
Needing an escape from all those smelly backpackers and hippies? Treat yourself to a couple of nights in Live Free Hostel’s private rooms! With some of the cheapest beds in town, you will feel refreshed and back out and socializing before you know it! It’s not only the single rooms where you can get some alone time, the dorm beds even come with their very own privacy curtains!
Just because you want some peace and quiet at night doesn’t mean you still can’t have a good time! Live Free Hostel also hosts its very own yoga classes and tours which will have you exploring each nook and cranny of Rishikesh!
More Best Hostels in Rishikesh
Zostel Rishikesh
- $
- Cafe
- Games
- Tours
Zostel is another one of those hostels that has an indescribable vibe that makes you keep extending your stay night after night! The lounges are the heart of the hostel. It is here where you will be meeting other backpackers, sharing stories, and listening to great music all night long!
Looking to take the party out of the hostel? Zostel can hook you and other travelers up with tours and treks taking you to all of the most beautiful places around Rishikesh!
Shalom Rishikesh
- $
- Swimming Pool
- Cafe
- Kitchen
There are not many hostels in India which can hold a lift to Shalom Rishikesh! Putting you right in the heart of Rishikesh, this backpackers hostel will have you within walking distance of all the best restaurants, bars, and yoga studios! If you trying to become a teacher, some of the best yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is close by.
With so much to do in the hostel, you may not even have time to go out and explore! With their very own swimming pool, restaurant, and kitchen, you will have everything you need to make Rishikesh your new home away from home!
Gostops Rishikesh
- $
- Yoga Sessions
- Patio
- Theatre
goStops Rishikesh is a backpackers hostel which pulls out all the stops to make weary travelers feel right at home. From the second you hit the door, the cute bright decor will have you shake off any preconceived stereotypes of a smelly youth hostel.
With their very own outdoor patio, lounges, and theatre, goStops is the perfect place to just hang out after a long day of exploring Rishikesh! Top it all off with musical instruments and even games, goStops will have you setting the bar a little higher for what a great backpackers hostel should be!
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What to Pack for your Rishikesh Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Rishikesh
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Rishikesh.
Travel Safety Tips for Rishikesh
It’s good to get lost sometimes, but it’s also good not to get too lost. There are people that want you home in one piece.
There’s one travel insurance provider The Broke Backpacker trusts for all his wildest shenanigans… World Nomads!
Click the button below to get a quote on your insurance or read our in-depth review of World Nomads’ coverage. And then… let the shenanigans begin. 😉
Conclusion
While in the yoga capital of the world, get ready for stunning views of the mountains, tranquil waters, and getting back in touch with nature. If opening your third eye doesn’t quite strike your fancy, you will still have a town with a rich history stretching from Lord Shiva to The Beatles to explore!
In Rishikesh, you have so many hostels offering yoga lessons and rooftop views, we can understand if you are still a bit unsure about where to stay in this holy city.
If you are wanting to experience all the culture and history of Rishikesh properly, you have to check-yourself into Shiv Shakti Hostel. Our pick for the best backpackers hostel in Rishikesh!
Get ready to say “namaste” to your new home away from home. Your spiritual journey is just a few clicks away!
Do you own or run a kick ass hostel? Want to be featured in this list? Get in touch at [email protected]
Thanks for reading – that was fun! 😀
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