Pokhara, located in the western region of Nepal, is a picturesque city known for its natural gems, adventure opportunities and rich cultural significance. Nestled at the base of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, the city offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Because of this, Pokhara has become a highly desired destination for hikers, mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts. The tranquil Phewa Lake, surrounded by mesmerising greenery and the Annapurna range in the background, is another major attraction of the city. However, Pokhara is not just about mountains and nature, it also offers a rich cultural heritage, delicious local cuisine and an array of activities that are sure to leave a memorable impression. Today, we’re going to show why Pokhara is an absolute must-visit, and we’re going to provide you with the best hostels in Pokhara for the ultimate travelling experience in Nepal.
Our favorite hostels in Pokhara are:
- Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel - best for Female Solo Travelers
- Pokhara Backpackers Hostel - best for Socializing
- Kiwi Backpackers Hostel - best for Solo Travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel
2. Pokhara Backpackers Hostel
3. Kiwi Backpackers Hostel
The city is highly popular for its adventurous activities. Pokhara is a great place for paragliding, rock climbing, bungee jumping and rafting. These activities are popular with both locals and tourists, meaning that you can always ask the reception staff about the best spots where you can do them. Furthermore, they offer a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty while also getting an adrenaline rush.
Pokhara has a rich cultural heritage, with many temples and monasteries that are absolutely worth visiting. The most famous of these is the Tal Barahi Temple, located on an island in Phewa Lake and dedicated to the Hindu goddess of power, Barahi. These temples and monasteries offer a glimpse into the religious and cultural traditions of the area and are a must-see for anyone visiting Pokhara. Additionally, the city is famous for its intricate artwork like the authentic Newari pottery, which is made using a variety of different techniques. Furthermore, you can find a wide variety of other handicrafts, like wood carvings and metalwork, which local artisans make.
Finally, foodies will find great pleasure in the city. Pokhara offers a wide variety of delicious local and international cuisine and is famous for its momos. This traditional Nepali dumpling can be found in both street vendors and restaurants. In addition, the Newari cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavours that is sure to tingle all your senses.
Whether you’re interested in adventure or just letting your hair down, there’s something for everyone’s enjoyment. For your convenience, we have carefully selected our choices for the best hostels in Pokhara, where your stay will be met with the utmost hospitality.
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 $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Pokhara
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Pokhara cost 4$ – 6$ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around 12$ – 30$ per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). 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.
Backpacking Tips for Pokhara: Here are some handy backpacking tips that will provide a memorable journey in Pokhara.
- If you’re new to trekking in the Himalayas, taking a guided trek is a good idea. This will ensure that you’re safe and get the most out of your experience. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, since the temperature significantly drops high up in the mountains.
- If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, Pokhara is the ultimate spot to find it. The city is known for its excellent paragliding opportunities. This can be a great date idea for couples, as you can have an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and cityscape.
- We have an activity not for the faintest of heart – visiting the Bat Cave, located on the outskirts of Pokhara. It is home to thousands of bats, and although it’s a bit creepy, it’s an experience you’ll remember forever!
- If you like to hike, you should consider going on a day trek. Some popular options include the Sarangkot Hike, the Peace Pagoda Hike and the World Peace Stupa Hike.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Pokhara are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Pokhara.
- Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel – best for Female Solo Travelers
- Pokhara Backpackers Hostel – best for Socializing
- Kiwi Backpackers Hostel – best for Solo Travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Pokhara. 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.
1. Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel
2. Pokhara Backpackers Hostel
3. Kiwi Backpackers Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Kiwi Backpackers Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Pokhara Backpackers Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Kiwi Backpackers Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Kiwi Backpackers Hostel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Pokhara Backpackers Hostel |
1. Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel
Forest Lake Backpakcers’ Hostel is located in front of the majestic Fewa Lake and is considered a backpacker’s haven. The accommodation boasts a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and while it’s not the most social spot, you’re bound to meet some amazing people during your stay.
There is a number of cafes in the surrounding area where you can enjoy a nice local breakfast with a delicious cup of coffee.
Forest Lake Backpackers offers a variety of room choices, from spacious dorms to neatly-decorated private rooms. The dorms feature wood-enclosed capsules with privacy screens, comfortable mattresses and mini fans. The accommodation also provides storage space for your luggage, free of charge. Additionally, previous travellers loved the security of this place, making it a safe space for all female solo travellers. There are plenty of restaurants in its area; however, if you opt for a quiet night in, head to the rooftop balcony to enjoy stellar lake views while swaying in the hammocks. Lastly, make sure to ask the staff for trekking advice, as they know the best trails in the area, and they might even suggest a few hidden gems as well!
Location: This hostel is located 10 m from Fewa Lake in Pokhara. World Peace Pagoda is 2.5 km from Hotel Forest Lake & Backpackers’ Hostel, while International Mountain Museum is 5 km from the property. Pokhara Airport is 3 km away.
The best choice in Pokhara for
- Female Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Pokhara Backpackers Hostel
Nestled in the heart of the city’s divine nature, the Pokhara Backpackers Hostel is one of the best-rated hostels in all of Nepal and has been heavily attracting casual travellers and backpackers from all across the globe. It is located just a few steps away from Fewa Lake, where you can start your adventures in Pokhara. Additionally, if you want to witness all of the famous sites of the city, the tourist bus park is within a 15-minute distance, making it quite easy to explore.
The rooms at Pokhara Backpackers hostel are nicely furbished and are equipped with all the necessary amenities, like bed curtains and storage spaces. Moreover, if you’re looking for more privacy, you’ll take great pleasure in the abundance of private rooms that feature big windows overlooking the majestic Annapurna mountain range and comfortable mattresses. You can start your morning by having a complimentary breakfast on the rooftop, where you can revel in the surrounding nature and start planning your activities for the day.
The biggest highlight of the Pokhara Backpackers Hostel is its social scene. The accommodation features a bar where most guests hang out at night, so remember that sometimes it can get a bit noisy. Furthermore, the staff at the hostel is exceptional and is ready to cater to your every need – make sure to ask them about picturesque hiking trails. Lastly, the hostel owner is actually a paragliding pilot with years of experience, so if you want to soar like a bird in the sky, you can book a ride with him right at the hostel!
Location: The hostel is set in Pokhara, 1.1 km from Fewa Lake, and close to several noted attractions, around 1.3 km from Pokhara Lakeside, 1.1 km from Tal Barahi Temple and 400 m from Baidam Temple.
A great choice for
- Socializing
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Kiwi Backpackers Hostel
Kiwi Backpackers Hostel is enriched with the friendliest and most welcoming vibe – it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best hostels in Pokhara. It is centred on the southern end of Fawa Lake, and it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In addition, you can find plenty of trekking gear shops, movie gardens and restaurants in the area as well. As an added amenity, the hostel offers free hour-long bike rentals, so you can explore the city’s most popular spots in a breeze.
There is a variety of room options, from deluxe dorms to luxurious private rooms. Couples have been impressed by the latter since the rooms were decorated in rustic sophistication and they offer splendid views. However, Kiwi Backpackers Hostel is a hotspot for all solo travellers! The accommodation features a number of common areas where you can meet tons of fellow backpackers! Our suggestion would be to start your day on the rooftop by having a delicious breakfast that changes every day, along with a cup of freshly-brewed organic coffee, free of charge. Furthermore, the hostel has a separate workspace for all digital nomads, where you can finish your work in peace. There’s also a hopping bar with a Happy Hour, and the hostel organises occasional entertaining nights, like impromptu BBQ parties or bonfires.
The staff at Kiwi Backpackers are really helpful, and they can provide info on all the best hiking trails in the area. You should know that they offer gear swaps for hiking as well, so you don’t need to spend extra money on certain tools that you might just use once. Overall, the hostel provides exceptional hospitality and extending your stay is highly probable here!
Location: This hostel is located 200 m from Fewa Lake. Tal Barahi Temple is 1 km away and the World Peace Pagoda is 6.5 km from Kiwi Backpackers Hostel Pokhara, while International Mountain Museum is 2.5 km away. The Pokhara Baglung Bus Station is 4 km and the Pokhara Airport is 3 km from the property.
This is one of the best hostels in Pokhara for
- Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Pokhara for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Pokhara is Kiwi Backpackers Hostel. You can read more about it just above.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
With this, we conclude our list of the best hostels in Pokhara. All of them will offer a memorable experience, and you’ll remember your journey in the city for years to come. The only thing left is to pack up your hiking gear and start exploring the wonders of this Nepali gem! We hope you have a fantastic time and end up with memorable tales to share!
What about the cheapest hostels in Pokhara?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Pokhara.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Pokhara
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
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.
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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 Pokhara 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.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Pokhara?
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Our Favorite Hostels in Pokhara put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Pokhara hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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FAQs
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Flights to Pokhara?
Pokhara Regional International Airport is the third largest international airport in Nepal. The airport has been in operation since January 1, 2023.
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.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Pokhara.
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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.
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 Pokhara 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
