About 250 km (155 mi) from the national capital New Delhi is Rishikesh, touted to be the “Yoga Capital of the World”. The sacred city is both a spiritualist’s paradise and a thrill-seeker’s haven, offering plenty of activities to keep all sorts of travellers engrossed. While yoga definitely tops the list, the city is also famed for being an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and spiritual seekers, with sages calling Rishikesh their home. The Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh’s Triveni Ghat is an utterly amazing sight to behold. Add to that a wide range of things to do in Rishikesh, such as river rafting, kayaking, cliff jumping, camping, hot air ballooning, and more. Before exploring this beautiful city, book comfortable accommodation for yourself. There are plenty of yoga retreats, luxury hotels and leisure hotels in the city. If you prefer budget-friendly places to stay, here’s our list of the best backpacker hostels in Rishikesh, India.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Shalom Backpackers Rishikesh
Some 1.2 km (0.7 mi) away from Patanjali International Yoga Foundation is the adults-only Shalom Backpackers Rishikesh. This popular hotel offers comfortable dormitory-style rooms, as well as private rooms, with a selection of female-only dormitories too. Its bathrooms come with hot water for convenience. Lodging here is fronted by a shared patio area that guests can use to soak in Rishikesh’s tranquil air. Plus, continental breakfast is available for guests each morning. The hostel also offers free WiFi access, laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk with excellent service. Guests can use the communal outdoor pool for refreshing soaks.
Shalom Backpackers Rishikesh
Address: Laxman Jhula Paidal Marg Tapovan
5.29 km (3.3 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
2. goSTOPS Rishikesh
Affordable pricing with 24*7 cafe offering fresh and reasonably priced meals.
Vibrant ambiance with open gaming area, billiards, and live music. Well-maintained common areas for socializing.
Convenient location with easy access to nearby attractions and cafes. Safe and lively neighborhood.
Tasty and hygienic food options available at the 24*7 cafe, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
Complete with excellent on-site facilities and comfortable lodging is the pet-friendly goSTOPS Rishikesh on Badrinath Road. They offer both private rooms and mixed 4-, 6-, and 10-bed dormitory rooms. Some of their private rooms also have access to a private balcony. This cheap hotel also features an on-site restaurant, ATM, currency exchange, laundry service, and a 24-hour front desk. Access to a shared terrace and lounge is for all guests as well. There is a game room too, featuring a billiards table and a dart board for indoor entertainment. Guests interested in bringing pets can get in touch with the hostel directly for their pet policy and additional charges.
goSTOPS Rishikesh, Tapovan
Address: Badrinath Road, Tapovan
5.78 km (3.6 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
3. Shiv Shakti Hostel
Shiv Shakti Hostel offers mixed dormitories, as well as private room lodging, that can comfortably accommodate different kinds of travelers, even unmarried couples. Some of the rooms come with air conditioning, while others only have a fan. Clean bathrooms feature hot water. Apart from well-appointed accommodations, this 2-star hotel also offers currency exchange, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk with friendly staff. Several paid adventure activities such as cookery classes, bike tours, etc. are available for guests. The hostel also hosts an array of planned events and activities for guests’ entertainment. The tour desk here can help arrange local tours and activities like kayaking, rafting, etc. Plus, car rentals are available for local commutes.
Shiv Shakti Hostel
Address: Opp. Sood & Sood Travel Agency, Near Sant Sewa Ashram
5.01 km (3.2 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
4. Blue Jay Hostel Rishikesh (from USD 9)
Boasting a friendly staff and warm hospitality, Blue Jay Hostel on Badrinath Rd is another great adults-only backpacker accommodation you can consider. They offer air-conditioned private rooms, as well as mixed dormitory lodging. Plus, there’s complimentary Wi-Fi access, a 24-hour front desk, a communal lounge area, and a few entertainment options too. Parking facilities are also available on site. Location-wise, Laxman Jhula is about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) away, while Triveni Ghat is approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) from the hostel. The hostel offers a paid airport shuttle service too.
Blue Jay Hostel Rishikesh
Address: Blue Jay Hostel, Opposite Ayur Park, Near SBI Bank Jonk, Badrinath Road, Tapovan
5.76 km (3.6 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
5. Hostel Cozy Beds
Budget-friendly with competitive rates and value for money
Clean rooms, spacious rooftop, friendly and helpful staff, socializing opportunities
Prime location in Rishikesh, near Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, with amazing rooftop views
Cafe with delicious food, though some find the inside food expensive and the kitchen in need of improvement
Located at a distance of approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) from Laxman Jhula, Hostel Cozy Beds is one of the top budget hotels with impeccable service. This 2-star hotel offers access to a shared lounge and a terrace with picturesque views. A communal kitchen is also available to all guests. Plus, there is complimentary WiFi available throughout the property. Guests have the option of going in for the hostel’s dormitory lodging or checking into one of their private rooms. The hostel also offers continental and à la carte breakfast as well.
Hostel Cozy Beds
Address: 136, Near Inter College Tapovan
5.72 km (3.6 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
6. Backpacker Panda Rishikesh (from USD 151)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and good amenities, but additional charges for basic items like towels and limited breakfast options.
Well-maintained property with a pool, games area, and comfortable beds; however, some facilities like the gaming room and cleanliness need improvement.
Convenient location near restaurants, markets, and tourist attractions; however, the uphill location and noisy surroundings can be a downside for some guests.
Good quality food and friendly staff, but limited breakfast options, high food prices, and slow restaurant service can be areas for improvement.
If you’re looking for a heavy dose of pampering, book a room at Backpacker Panda Rishikesh. It comes with amenities similar to that of a 5-star hotel, such as a swimming pool, spa and wellness centre (separate charges for treatments), yoga studio and fitness centre. It also offers private rooms with up to quadruple occupancy and dormitory-style accommodations too. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed. This clean hotel also has a great selection of female-only dormitories. Guests have access to a communal lounge, games room, and terrace with picturesque views. The 24-hour front desk can assist guests with planning local tours and hikes. Bicycle rentals are also available. Additionally, the hostel offers on-site yoga sessions at an extra charge. Airport pick-up and drop-off can also be arranged at an additional cost.
Moustache Rishikesh Luxuria
Address: Tapovan, Next to Deecon Valley apartment
5.91 km (3.7 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
7. Live Free Hostel Rishikesh (from USD 9)
Affordable rates for solo travelers, good value for money in private rooms
Clean, comfortable rooms with AC, laundry service, motorbike hire, spacious dining hall, and rooftop terrace
Convenient location with easy access to shops, cafes, and major tourist spots like Triveni Ghat and Ram Jhula
Excellent cafe food, live music, and complimentary dinner on select days, with good variety and affordable pricing
Live Free Hostel provides dormitory-style and private room accommodations. They have females-only dormitories and welcome kids too. Pets are also allowed here at an additional charge. Hot water is available in bathrooms. Breakfast is provided on-site, plus there are several eateries nearby. This budget hotel offers 24-hour front desk assistance, WiFi access, private parking facilities, a game room, and a sun terrace. This property is ideal for those interested in river rafting since River Ganges is only about 0.4 km (0.2 mi) away.
Live Free Hostel Rishikesh
Address: Laxman Jhula Road, Near Anand dham, Tapovan, Tehri Garhwal Welcome Hotel Location
5.39 km (3.4 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
8. Hashtag Hostel
Affordable pricing for spacious and clean rooms, with value for money
Rooftop area, laundry facilities, water dispenser, and helpful staff for arranging tours and scooters
Superb location near cafes, restaurants, and main attractions like Laxman Jhula and Beatles Ashram
Delicious and reasonably priced food at the rooftop restaurant, with a relaxed vibe
Hashtag Hostel is an adults-only, three-star accommodation, offering a selection of private rooms, family rooms, as well as mixed and females-only dormitories. They allow pets, too, at an additional charge. On-site activities, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and access to shared areas such as a terrace, garden and lounge are some of the other highlights of this budget hotel. This budget hotel is conveniently located near several local attractions. Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, Himalayan Yoga Ashram, and Laxman Jhula are all less than 1 km (0.6 mi) away from the property, while Triveni Ghat is about 4 km (2.5 mi) from the hostel.
Hashtag Hostel
Address: Yoga Street Tapovan
5.6 km (3.5 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
9. Indian Culture (from USD 7)
Great value for money with clean and comfortable rooms.
Lovely garden, AC, hot water, and convenient location for yoga and exploring local restaurants and shops.
Perfectly situated near Sai Ghat, Laxman Jhula, and the Ganga river, with easy access to attractions.
Delicious and affordable dining options, with a peaceful and lively atmosphere.
Offering excellent dormitory-style lodging and private rooms, Indian Culture is a pretty awesome bet if you’re looking for budget-friendly yet well-appointed accommodation. The property offers several on-site activities such as live performances, movie nights, sports equipment, etc. for guests’ entertainment, in addition to 24-hour room service. For outdoor relaxation, guests can head to the sun terrace and admire panoramic views. There is a game room and a children’s playground here, and guests can rent bicycles (additional charges apply) from this family-friendly hotel to tour the vicinity. Airport pick-up and drop-off can also be arranged at an additional charge.
Indian Culture
Address: In front of Laxman Temple, Laxman Jhula Road
5.26 km (3.3 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
10. Bunk Stay Rishikesh (from USD 9)
Enjoying panoramic views and an excellent location, about 200 m (655 ft) from Laxman Jhula, is the adults-only Bunk Stay Rishikesh. It is a cheap hotel that offers both dormitory and private room accommodations, plus several shared facilities, such as access to the games room, on-site entertainment, restaurant, and yoga classes, among others. Guests can also enjoy the hostel’s barbecue facilities at an extra charge. Airport pick-up and drop-off can be arranged at an additional cost. The hostel offers assistance with booking local tours as well.
Bunkstay Coworking Hostel & Glamping
Address: Neelkanth Road, Laxman Jhula, Distt. Pauri Garhwal
5.1 km (3.2 mi) from Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The holy city of Rishikesh
While Rishikesh enjoys direct connectivity via trains and roadways, air travel is possible to the nearby city of Dehradun, which houses the Jolly Grant Airport. From there, travellers can hire a taxi or hitch a bus ride. The best time to travel to this sacred city is March - April and October - November since that is when maximum activities are operational and the weather is perfect, especially for adventure enthusiasts.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you're hitting up Rishikesh, don't miss out on the camping experience at Shivpuri. It's my favorite escape to connect with nature and chill with friends. Picture this: you're gathered around a bonfire, the night sky above you, and the soothing sounds of the river nearby. It's pure bliss. Each campsite has its own vibe, so you can pick what suits you best. My tip? Bring marshmallows for roasting, and your favorite playlist, and get ready for an unforgettable night.
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