3 Best Hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal – Rooftop Hammocks and Morning Yoga, Anyone?

3 Best Hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal
Photo by Zostel Kathmandu

Namaste! To ensure your venture to a city of 1 million is safe, fun and memorable, we’ve put together this epic guide to the 3 best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal.

This is the land of incredible hiking opportunities, stunning architecture and the goddess of Kumari. And of course great hostels. No doubt you saw that one coming!

Our favorite hostels in Kathmandu are:

  1. Flock Hostel Kathmandu - best for Digital Nomads
  2. Yakety Yak Hostel - best for Solo Travelers
  3. Yog Hostel - best for Couples

Any questions about hostels in Kathmandu?

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We’ve collected fun hostels in Kathmandu to suit design lovers and solo travellers that love a cosy shared dorm.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

  • are tired of crappy hostels!
  • want a social Hostel to actually meet people
  • are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

Looking for a party hostel to create memories? You needn’t search anywhere else – we’ve found the coolest party hostel in Kathmandu just for you.

What do we cover in this article?
  • Cheapest hostels in Kathmandu
  • Best Hostels in Kathmandu for Solo Travellers
  • Party Hostels in Kathmandu
  • More Kathmandu Hostels Worth a Mention
  • How to book
  • Discounts and Promos
  • All 3 Hostels put on a map + sights
  • FAQ
  • Flights to Kathmandu
  • You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

    Quick Introduction to Kathmandu

    Average price for a bed: Hostels in Kathmandu cost 2€ – 8€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 9€ up to 30€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.

    Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

    Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

    Student Hostels in Kathmandu: It’s helpful to know that there is a wide range of private boys and girls hostels spread across Kathmandu. These are designed for students or young working people looking for shared accommodation.

    Luckily for you, most of these ‘hostels’ have the word Boys or Girls included, so it should be quite obvious which ones to avoid.

    Best to opt for one of the great hostels in Kathmandu mentioned in this article. That way you can’t go wrong!

    🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

    The 3 Best Hostels in Kathmandu are …

    Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Kathmandu.

    1. Flock Hostel Kathmandu – best for Digital Nomads
    2. Yakety Yak Hostel – best for Solo Travelers
    3. Yog Hostel – best for Couples

    These are our favorite hostels in Kathmandu. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.

    Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

    🦸 Solo Traveler: Yakety Yak Hostel
    🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: Yakety Yak Hostel
    🥳 Party Hostel:WanderThirst Hostels
    👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel: Yog Hostel
    👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: Yog Hostel
    👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: Flock Hostel Kathmandu
    🧘 Cozy Hostel: Elbrus Home
    🎒 For Backpackers:Flock Hostel Kathmandu

    1. Flock Hostel Kathmandu

    Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu, Flock Hostel Kathmandu is an ideal choice for backpackers seeking a blend of comfort, culture, and adventure. It offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s need. The air-conditioned dorms are designed for comfort, featuring privacy curtains and modern sockets, while the luxury private rooms provide a more secluded retreat. The hostel’s amenities include a communal lounge, a library, a workspace, and a travel desk, all complemented by super-fast Wi-Fi and 24-hour security. The smart RFID room access and storage lockers for luggage add an extra layer of convenience and safety.

    For those looking to relax, the rooftop cocktail bar, ‘NECTAR’, is the perfect spot to unwind with signature drinks and stunning views. The hostel’s in-house restaurant, ‘CARPEDIEM LOUNGE & BAKERY’, is a culinary delight, offering a variety of scrumptious foods and drinks that appeal to both locals and tourists.

    Active travelers will appreciate the hostel’s proximity to popular cycling routes, with bike and car rental services readily available. And with the nearest airport, Tribhuvan International, just 3.7 miles away, Flock Hostel is easily accessible for international visitors.

    Experience the legendary traditions of Nepalese hospitality at Flock Hostel Kathmandu, where every smile and every service speaks of a commitment to making your Himalayan journey unforgettable.

    Location: This hostel, located just 2 miles from the iconic Swayambhunath Temple and within easy reach of Pashupatinath (3.2 miles) and Boudhanath Stupa (3.7 miles), serves as a perfect base to explore the rich heritage of Nepal.

    The best choice in Kathmandu for

    • Digital Nomads
    Book Flock Hostel Kathmandu here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Flock Hostel Kathmandu Place for Reading

    Flock Hostel Kathmandu Dorm

    Flock Hostel Kathmandu Room

    Flock Hostel Kathmandu Terrace Bar

    2. Yakety Yak Hostel

    Yakety Yak Hostel is certainly our favourite purpose-built hostel in the city. So much planning and dedication has gone in to the spaces here, it’s obvious.

    No matter if you choose a mixed, female dorm or a private room, you’ll have tons of space and sturdy beds.

    Each room has sound insulation to restrict outside noise. Rest easy, no problem.

    These guys tested 8 different mattresses before deciding on one. That tells us that they really care about your comfort!

    But let’s focus a bit more on the social spaces, because this is where the heart of Yakety really lies.

    Although it’s only big enough to hold 72 beds, there is plenty of shared space for all traveller types.

    We’re pretty sure the staff know you’re going to love the:

    • Huge lounge area
    • Sunny terrace
    • Coolest bar in town
    • On-site restuarant

    If the hostel restuarant menu doesn’t quite cut it, never fear; there are 3 other restaurants in the complex to choose from.

    What about the staff? They have that genuine Nepalese hospitality that will have you feeling at home in no time.

    On Sundays they offer a walking tour which is a must do if you’re feeling sociable. They’re also at hand 24/7 – find them at reception if you need anything.

    Location: is top notch! From here everything you need is within minutes of the property. It’s also located in an area of Thamel Kathmandu that allows traffic so your taxi can pull up right outside.

    This is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for

    • Solo travellers
    Book Yakety Yak Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Yakety Yak Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal Yakety Yak Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal Yakety Yak Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal

    3. Yog Hostel

    Yoga in the morning, a rooftop to chill and super friendly staff. Come on in and discover Yog Hostel!

    This is no doubt a home-from-home in Nepal, created by mature staff that know what it is travellers are looking for when they choose a hostel.

    Firstly, you have to decide between the spacious private rooms and cosy shared dorms.

    Dorms come with 6 beds, linen, a light and a cute little fan to help regulate your preferred temperature. Don’t you just love details such as this!

    There’s a seating area in the rooms, and some of them come with a balcony space. The free Wi-Fi also reaches here if you’re looking for some private time.

    Fancy a local Asian dish, or perhaps are in the mood to cook?

    Well at Yog Hostel it’s possible to do both thanks to the restaurant and shared kitchen.

    Alongside yoga in the morning, there are also evening activities that you can join.

    The friendly staff, at hand on reception 24 hours a day, will happily fill you in on the happenings during your stay.

    There’s a real backpacker atmosphere to the place here, full of positive vibes. The pool table, music and comfy cushions really add the the relaxed spirit.

    From here, Kathmandu Durbar Square is just over 2km away from the hostel. Local transport is aplenty and the lovely staff will happily help with that.

    This is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for

    • Couples
    Book Yog Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Yog Hostel is one of the best hostel in Kathmandu, Nepal Yog Hostel is one of the best hostel in Kathmandu, Nepal Yog Hostel is one of the best hostel in Kathmandu, Nepal

    What about cheapest hostels in Kathmandu?

    Looking for budget accommodation in Nepal Kathmandu? If you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find budget accommodation Kathmandu has to offer.

    1. Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Kathmandu
    2. Order the listing by price

    Simple as that.

    Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels

    Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price.

    Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.

    Best Hostels in Kathmandu for Solo Travellers?

    What is seriously the best hostel in Kathmandu for solo-travellers?

    We’re easily going to stick by our favourite and #1 hostel in the city, Yakety Yak Hostel.

    Sure, it’s well designed and welcoming, but it’s also perfectly suited to solo travellers.

    Solo ladies can enjoy a beautiful female dorm, and sociable travellers have the on-site bar and rooftop as means of making new like-minded friends.

    If you’re unsure of exploring Kathmandu, speak to the awesome staff that are on hand 24/7.

    Book Yakety Yak Hostel here

    Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

    Yakety Yak Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal

    Party Hostels in Kathmandu

    Although not strictly a party hostel, WanderThirst Hostels is a great place if you want to meet people, have fun and feel at home.

    There is an on-site restaurant and bar, but like we said there are no party activities arranged here. Instead, head out in to Thamel and enjoy the backpacker vibe.

    If you’re feeling crazy, why not get a tattoo whilst you’re there? Yep, there is a tattoo studio at WanderThirst Hostel Kathmandu!

    There’s also a games room, coffee shop and open garden movie theatre.

    The rooms are gorgeously designed, spacious and come in all shapes and sizes for all traveller types.

    Book WanderThirst Hostels here

    Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

    WanderThirst Hostels is one of the best party hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal

    More Hostels worth a mention

    Kathmandu Kathmandu Kathmandu! Still thinking the best accommodation Nepal Kathmandu has to offer?

    We suggest that if you found the place for you, it is time to check availability right away and book it now!

    We provided great places to stay in Kathmandu Nepal but if you are looking for more we have more hostels for you. Well, what can we say we just wanna give and show you the best accommodation in Kathmandu Nepal.

    • Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel
    • Shangrila Boutique Hotel Kathmandu
    • Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse
    • Avalon House KTM
    • Elbrus Home Kathmandu

    Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel

    Sparkling Turtle Backpackers has a nice balcony to relax or enjoy the view on monkey temple. The staff at this hostel make the whole experience! They are very friendly and accommodating.

    There are a lot of activities you can do in the hostel like joining the morning joggers, laughing yogis, and sleeping monkeys at Swayambhu/Buddha Park.

    The beds are comfy and the rooms are spacious. The common areas are really great for meeting new fellows.

    Perks at Sparkling Turtle Backpackers:

    • Airport shuttle
    • Non-smoking rooms
    • Room service
    • Free parking
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
    • Fabulous breakfast

    Location: Located 7 km from Tribhuvan International Airport and just 1 km from Swayambhunath Temple. The property is 4 km from Gangapur Bus Stand and just 200 m from Buddha Park. Pashupatinath Temple is 6 km away. 3.6 km away from Everest Base Camp.

    Book Sparkling Turtle Backpackers here

    Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

    The Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel

    Shangrila Boutique Hotel Kathmandu

    Shangrila Boutique Hotel offers a  sociable yet chilled atmosphere. The hostel is close to tourist hot spots and several multicultural restaurants which is pretty great.

    After a long day of doing some tours, you can relax at the rooftop while drinking your cold beer. If you are not into beers, they have serves wide range of drinks and cocktails.

    It is a bit pricey compared to other hostels but we think that if you want to experience a bit of luxury, this is the place to be.

    Perks at Shangrila Boutique Backpacker Hotel:

    • Airport shuttle
    • Non-smoking roomshos
    • Family rooms
    • Room service
    • Free parking
    • Bar
    • Very good breakfast

    Location: Located in the city centre of Kathmandu. The property is located 6 km from Tribhuvan International Airport. Kantipath Bus Stand is 200 m away. The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is 1 km away and The Pashupatinath Temple is situated 5 km away.

    Book Shangrila Boutique Hotel here

    Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

    Shangrila Boutique Hotel

    Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse

    Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse is an excellent option offering great value for the price. Rooms are clean and spacious.

    This is not a dingy hipster hostel with beds on pallets and 20 people sharing one bathroom, but a proper guesthouse with ensuite bathrooms.

    They have restaurant and they serve a variety of local and international dishes. In-room dining is possible with room service.

    Perks at Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse:

    • Airport shuttle
    • Non-smoking rooms
    • Family rooms
    • Room service
    • Free parking
    • Restaurant
    • Free breakfast
    • Free wifi

    Location: Kathmandu Madhuban Guest House is located in Chhetrapati, just 2.5 km from Kathmandu Royal Palace Museum. Madhuban Guest House is 6.5 km from Tribhuvan International Airport. It is 5.4 km away from Book At Home Nepal Guest House Kathmandu.

    Book Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse here

    Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

    Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse

    Avalon House KTM

    Avalon House in Kathmandu is close to Thamel and other sightseeing places. Walking distance from a lot of great restaurants as well as a lot of the tourist destinations.

    The rooftop is an awesome place to relax and chill. Staff try to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

    Their private rooms are a great value for money. It is also comfy and clean with balcony.

    Perks at Avalon House:

    • Airport shuttle
    • Non-smoking rooms
    • Room service
    • Free parking
    • Restaurant
    • WiFi available in all areas
    • Bar
    • Fabulous breakfast

    Location: Avalon House is located in Kathmandu. The significant Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath is 4 km away while the Kathmandu Durbar Square and the century old National Museum of Nepal are 5 km away. The Gongabu Bus Station is 2 km and the Tribhuvan International Airport is 5 km.

    Book Avalon House here

    Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

    Avalon House

    Elbrus Home Kathmandu

    Elbrus Home offers private and dorm rooms. The rooms are spacious and most have balcony which is really nice. The windows are big for natural light and for fresh air.

    The open area is good for chilling and actually the idea of serving the free breakfast in the garden is good.

    The hostel provides a children’s playground and a 24-hour front desk.

    Perks at Elbrus Home:

    • Airport shuttle
    • Free parking
    • Free WiFi
    • 24-hour front desk
    • Fabulous breakfast

    Location: Set in Kathmandu, within 2.9 km of Hanuman Dhoka and 2.9 km of Swayambhu. Kathmandu Durbar Square is 3.2 km from Elbrus Home, while Swayambhunath Temple is 3.5 km from the property.

    Book Elbrus Home Kathmandu here

    Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

    Elbrus Home

    Any Discounts?

    You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.

    It is completely free to join!

    How to book?

    The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

    We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

    Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

    We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Kathmandu best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

    The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.

    Download the Hostelworld App here

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    Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

    The best way to find hostels: Hostelgeeks website and Hostelworld App

    Our Favorite Hostels in Kathmandu put on a map + sights

    Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Kathmandu hostels on a map.

    Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.

    We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:

    • Swayambhunath Stupa
    • Shree Pashupatinath Temple
    • Kathmandu Durbar Square
    • Thamel
    • Garden of Dreams
    • Narayanhiti Palace Museum
    • Ratna Park

    Check out these unique activities and tours you can do in Kathmandu:

    Any questions about hostels in Kathmandu? 🤔

    Join our Facebook Group!

    Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥

    FAQ

    Found the perfect backpacker hostel Kathmandu has to offer? We hope, you did.

    Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

    Flights to Kathmandu?

    We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

    Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.

    Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

    review of Skyscanner flight searches

    More guides

    Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Kathmandu.

    We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:

    You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.

    We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.

    Also watch out for our guides for hostel in Putalisadak, hostel in Bagbazar, hostel in New Baneshwor Kathmandu.

    Over to you

    Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

    Your question will help us to improve this Kathmandu guide.

    Last note: Our commitment

    This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

    Safe travels,
    The Hostelgeeks

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    The complete guide and overview of the absolutely best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal

    CLOSED: Zostel Kathmandu

    Update: This hostel has permanently closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.

    Get ready for a lively and hip backpacker hostel in the centre of Kathmandu. We love it, and no doubt you will too.

    The one and only Zostel Kathmandu is located in the Thamel region and captures the true essence of the city.

    That is of course made easier when you can venture up to the rooftop bar and peer down on the city below!

    Don’t be fooled though as this is no party hostel. Instead the staff encourage a quiet drink to appreciate great views and an exchange of epic travel stories.

    Yet the rooftop is not the only place to do so. There’s also:

    • A garden cafe
    • A hammock in the sun
    • FREE changing daily tours

    It always helps to get a better sense of a place when you have local, friendly staff at hand to help. That’s exactly what Zostel offer.

    Alongside tips, these guys hand out doses of laughter and epic experiences by the bunch.

    As for the rooms, dear readers, you’re going to be blown away by the comfort and design.

    There’s quite a lot to choose from, from 4-bed female and mixed en-suite to private twin and deluxe double rooms.

    Little perks you can expect include:

    • Air-conditioning
    • Mountains views
    • Lockers
    • Bedside lamp
    • Free Wi-Fi

    And as for the overall design of this hostel, it’s pretty cool. Marvel at impressive paintings as you walk up the stairs or sit on the rooftop.

    This is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for

    • Backpackers

    Zostel Kathmandu is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal Zostel Kathmandu is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal Zostel Kathmandu is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal Zostel Kathmandu is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal

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