The camera zooms in. It’s like you blinked and somehow ended up in the yoga capital of the world!
Welcome to Rishikesh, a stronghold for spiritualism, meditation, and of course, next level stretching. Built on the banks of the Ganges river, the city is home to a truthful truckload of sacred sites, religious retreats, and transcendent temples.
Looking to open up your third eye and let your chakra flow? Or maybe you’re passing through for a cheeky gawk at the hippy enclave.
Regardless of your reasons for visiting this awesome city, you will be needing a place to stay, and luckily, I have concocted this super useful guide to the best hostels in Rishikesh. Whether you’re after a couple nights’ chilled meditation, a blistering social life, or a brush with spiritual erudition, there are a ton of great hostels ready to look after you.
So let me dazzle you with the top Rishikesh Hostels!
Photo: Samantha Shea
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Rishikesh
- Best Overall Hostel in Rishikesh – Madpackers Rishikesh
- Best Hostel in Rishikesh for Solo Travelers – Joey’s Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Rishikesh – Skyard Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Rishikesh – Back Stayz Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rishikesh – Bunk Stay Rishikesh
The 5 Best Hostels in Rishikesh
Okay, enough messing around. Here are my picks for the top five hostels up for grabs in Rishikesh that will be perfect for your India trip.
1. Madpackers Rishikesh – Best Overall Hostel in Rishikesh
- Dorm (mixed): From $7
- Private Room: From $31
- Address: Near Madpackers Rishikesh Jaipur Inn, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, India
Madpackers is undoubtedly one of the top hostels in Rishikesh and one of my all-time favourite places to stay in Rishikesh. Whilst the rooms themselves aren’t anything super special, the unbelievable views from the roof terrace certainly are. Looking out over city lights, jagged hills and the bright blue river Ganges, this hostel cultures the perfect atmosphere for such a spiritual city.
The common room is large, spacious, and modern. There is a stocked bookshelf if you fancy kicking back for a little light reading, and a mega multi-tiered seating area for movie nights! This hostel also gets involved with activities, running river rafting, yoga classes, and trips to see some of Rishikesh’s coolest sights.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Top-tier communal spaces
- Hostel-led activities
- Great Vibe
There are fantastic opportunities to meet other backpackers here since the highlights of the stay are the communal areas and activities. Private rooms are available, and there are female only dorm rooms too.
The hostel has free wifi, adapters, air conditioning, and access to basic facilities like laundry. Hot showers, hairdryers and airport transfers are on offer too.
This hostel is situated across the bridge in Laxman Jhula, so it gets a slightly calmer atmosphere. However, it is within walking distance of lots of interesting things to do, and if you run out, you can always just cross the bridge!
2. Joey’s Hostel – Best Hostel in Rishikesh for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $4
- Private Room: From $18
- Address: Badrinath Marg, Opp. Balak Nath Mandir, Laxman Jhula, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
At this point it may be unsurprising that Joey’s has a fantastic roof terrace (unless you shot right down here). Well, on top of that, it has a cafe up there, so strap in for some awesome days spent meeting some brilliant backpackers while you’re traveling solo!
As part of a larger hospitality chain, Joey’s Hostel Rishikesh knows how to keep a good time going, and the hostel is kept in top condition. The hostel will help you book a bunch of different local adventures, and if you’re lucky, there’ll be troops of other travellers wanting to join you too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Rooftop cafe
- Amazing food
- Movie nights
This hostel is equipped with the epitome of modernity; Netflix. If you’re looking to kick back for an evening, perhaps because your chakra has been opened too wide, this is the place to do it.
Beds are kept in all of the latest in hostel gear, including reading lights, charging ports, and crucially, privacy curtains. This means that you should be able to get a great night’s sleep, ideal for making the most of Rishikesh in the morning.
Joey’s hostel offers locker access, free wifi, and air conditioning. The cafe also does great food, so if you’re looking for a quick meal, you can just hop upstairs!
3. Skyard Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Rishikesh
- Dorm (mixed): From $5
- Private Room: From $12
- Address: Near Little Budhha Cafe, Opp to, Dharm Raj temple, Laxman jhula, Rishikesh, India
You can’t expect to get totally trashed while travelling through this contemplative and religious city (because it is essentially alcohol-free), but that doesn’t mean you can’t party (although it kinda does). Well, whatever you can do, Skyard Hostel is a great pick for it, especially if you’re budget backpacking. The Hostel offers backpackers live music, stunning views of the city, and even a cafe with views of the river!
Once you have had your fill of reflecting on your spiritual journey with some hammock swinging, Skyard Hostel is a top base for the adrenaline junkies out there. With rafting, bungee jumping and trekking all on offer, every day will be a perfect mix of relaxation and heart-pumping action!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Unbelievable views
- Onsite cafe
- Fantastic activities
Skyard Hostel is a true hosteller’s hostel, opting for what I have coined as “the flag vibe” (which is a great choice). This often means that it is more of an internationally recognised place, and this is great if you’re looking to get to grips with other backpackers from a much wider range of travel backgrounds. And while it may be cheap, the incredible interior design makes it one of the best hostels in India!
There is free wifi, access to security lockers, book exchange and air conditioning. Food is available from the cafe, so if you don’t fancy going too far, you don’t have to leave the hostel.
Private rooms are available for booking too.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Back Stayz Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Rishikesh
- Dorm (mixed): From $6
- Private Room: From $21
- Address: Badrinath Rd, near Gayatri Resort, Tapovan?Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
Back Stayz hostel is an excellently located hostel with clean, cosy rooms, and a modern setup. The common room is well set up and there is a massive roof terrace to hang out on. Most of the major cafes, yoga schools and ashrams in the area are a five to ten-minute walk away.
What makes this hostel such a great place for couples to come back to is its compactness, comfortability, and privacy. Whilst it is still a social hostel, there is definitely a little bit more space from others that you are able to garner.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Awesome sunsets from the roof terrace
- Extra privacy
The other big highlight is the table football table, for nurturing a little healthy competition. The hostel also runs activities, including live music. The hostel has female-only dorm rooms, free wifi, luggage storage and air conditioning.
This hostel is a perfect stop with a fab atmosphere and will make a stay in Rishikesh enjoyable and unique. The roof terrace is unreal.
5. Bunk Stay Rishikesh – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rishikesh
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $33
- Address: Neelkanth Road, Lakshman Jhula, Pauri Garhwal, Rishikesh, India
While travelling through India, it may be difficult to find enough wi-fi to live that digital nomad life. But at Bunk Stay Rishikesh, which is only five minutes from the Laxman Jhula Bridge, you won’t only have one 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!
Bunk Stay really starts to shine when you close that laptop. This hostel will probably have you stretched out in a yoga studio or white water rafting the Ganges River before you know it!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fast, reliable and secure WiFi
- Multiple work/hangout zones
- Awesome views
Sometimes this hostel does bonfires on the roof, which is an awesome opportunity to meet other travellers and enjoy the sensational Rishikesh views. The hangout areas are also fantastic catalysts for this.
Female dorm rooms are available, and a free breakfast is included with every stay. The hostel has air-conditioned rooms, security lockers, and even a jobs board if you’re looking to make some dough on the move.
Private rooms are available but they are significantly more expensive than dorms (like 4x the price), so if you’re looking for some you space, it’s likely you can get a much better deal at another hostel.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Rishikesh Hostels
Haven’t found a place that suits your needs yet? Never fear, our backup options are here. Whilst they might not have made our top five list, these hostels are still fantastic. Definitely take the time for a little scroll!
Live Free Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $6
- Private Room: From $24
- Address: Laxman Jhula Road, Near Anand Dham, Tapovan, Distt. Tehri Garhwal Uttarakhand, Rishikesh, India
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 with other solo travellers 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!
Shiv Shakti
- Dorm (mixed): From $4
- Private Room: From $22
- Address: Near Sant Sewa Ashram (other side of bridge ), Laxmanjhula, Rishikesh, India
Shiv Shakti is one of those Indian backpacker hostels that you will be recommending to other travellers you run into. It is not all the bells and whistles that make this one of the best places to stay in the yoga capital, 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 cafe where you will be sipping on that piping hot cup of milk tea and even nightly yoga sessions, 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, one of the most beautiful places in India!
Shalom Rishikesh
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Private Room: From $24
- Address: Laxman Jhula Paidal Marg, Tapovan, Near Anandham, Besides Beatles Cafe, Rishikesh, India
There are not many hostels in India that 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’re looking to become a yoga teacher, some of the best courses are available near the hostel (including an awesome one from the patanjali international yoga foundation).
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
- Dorm (mixed): From $5
- Private Room: From $24
- Address: Badrinath Road, Tapovan, 249137 Rish?kesh, India
goStops Rishikesh is a backpackers hostel that pulls out all the stops to make weary solo travellers 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 its 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!
The Hosteller Rishikesh
Sitting around 15 minutes from the main train station in Rishikesh, this hostel is a quiet option for travellers visiting one of the many yoga retreats in India. Or, simply for those wanting a little more greenery and outdoor space. This hostel has a variety of room options available including cottages and female dorm rooms.
This hostel excels in providing a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for fully realising Rishikesh. With great opportunities to meet cool people, and even more for finding spiritual enlightenment (although I’ve heard it is a slow process), this hostel is a top pick.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Rishikesh
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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FAQs about Hostels in Rishikesh
Here are the most popular questions I get asked about Rishikesh hostels:
What to Pack for your Rishikesh Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for India is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Rishikesh?
This all depends on whether you would prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom, or a bed in a shared dorm. Prices start at USD$3-8 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$15-45 for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Rishikesh for couples?
There are several fantastic options for couples to take advantage of in Rishikesh, but the one that stands out is the Back Stayz hostel. This modern and cosy hostel is social, excellently located, and has a great private room option if you want that extra seclusion 😉
What are the best hostels in Rishikesh near the airport?
The Hosteller Rishikesh is just a 40-minute drive from the airport. It’s just 15 minutes from the main train station in Rishikesh.
Final Thoughts on Rishikesh’s Hostels
Travelling to the yoga capital of the world, get ready for stunning views of the mountains, tranquil waters, and restoring your spirituality in the famous ashrams. 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 a bunch of hostels offering yoga and rooftop views, and that is it really, so we can understand if you are still a bit unsure about where to stay (but they are all nice so we also can’t). If that’s the case, I’d recommend taking a breath and having another look at my top hostel, Madpackers Rishikesh.
Get ready to say “namaste” to your new home away from home! Your spiritual journey is just a few clicks away!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in India for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the beautiful places to visit in India covered.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for India to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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