3 Best Hostels in Rishikesh – Welcome to the Yoga Capital of the World

3 Best Hostels in Rishikesh, India

Ahh yes, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the best hostels in Rishikesh!

We’ve handpicked a selection you’ll probably have difficulty choosing from. Sorry, not sorry.

The yoga capital of the world is most definitely going to attack your senses and leave you wondering “what the hell just happened”. Welcome to India, my friend. It’s gorgeously stunning.

This collection covers all of the favourite backpacker areas: Tapovan, Laxman Jhula and everywhere in between.

Good To Know: We have a detailed guide to the best yoga retreats in Rishikesh.

Looking for your next travel destination? We have a comprehensive guide to the best hostels in India.

Your shortcut:

  1. Soul Haven – top pick for solo travellers
  2. The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini – perfect for female solo travellers
  3. Skyard Hostel (Laxman Jhula) – ideal for backpackers

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This guide is perfect for YOU, when …

  • tired of bad and crappy hostels
  • want to avoid the “young party kids”
  • happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience

It’s very easy to spend weeks in Rishikesh, and these hostels offer a great opportunity for really getting to know this part of India well.

They’re sociable, affordable and surprisingly westernised!

What we cover in this article?

You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

Quick Introduction to Rishikesh

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Rishikesh cost 5€ – 10€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 19€ up to 35€ 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.

🎁 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 Rishikesh

Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Rishikesh.

  1. Soul Haven
  2. The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini
  3. Skyard Hostel

We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler: Soul Haven
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini
👫 For Socializing:Skyard Hostel
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel: Blue Jay Hostel
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: Live Free Hostel
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini
🎒 For Backpackers: Skyard Hostel

1. Soul Haven

Soul Haven has all bases covered, whether you’re a social butterfly or a lone wolf. It’s a great place for breathing space from crazy Rishikesh, and our top hostel choice!

When you step inside you may be surprised at just how modern and westernised this place is.

It’s a really nice transition for travellers new to hostels and those that like a balance between visiting somewhere new but with added home comforts.

Let’s see some of the highlights:

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Shared kitchen
  • Free Wifi
  • Outdoor courtyard w/ hammock

Honestly, in our opinion it’s the rooms that are the real highlight.

The beds are huge, the linen seriously fluffy and there is so much extra space in the dorm rooms for hanging out!

As for private rooms, these are some of the best we’ve come across in Rishikesh.

Various social activities are always happening here, too. Every few days you can join in on movie nights and outdoor bonfires with music and food.

Speak with staff about booking bike rentals, bungee jumping and river rafting in the area if you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

Check in is between 1pm to midnight which is super handy if you have an awkward flight/bus.

Location: An easy 6-minute walk from Patanjali International Yoga Foundation in Tapovan. This area of Rishikesh is less busy than the main area so it’s a good choice if you want to chill from the crowds.

This is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh for

  • Female solo travellers
  • Newbies to hostels
Book Soul Haven here

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

Soul Haven is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India Soul Haven is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India Soul Haven is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India Soul Haven is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India

2. The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini

The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini is another “western” style hostel that offers a peaceful stay in natural surroundings outside of Rishikesh central.

“Come, chill at the favorite backpacker hostel in Rishikesh to learn more about how one can calm & control the senses of all the materialistic things in the world.”

This is an ideal women’s hostel in Rishikesh, mainly because of the comfortable female dorms and modern design.

The design is just stunning. It might be that you forget you’re in India once you step inside!

We especially enjoy the bright yellow splashed around the place creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere in itself.

Other things we know you’re going to love:

  • Huge garden area + mountain views
  • Yoga area
  • Private bathroom in ALL rooms
  • No curfew

Alongside 4 and 10-bed mixed/female dorms, there are also gorgeous cottages on offer here.

Each cottage has a little balcony out the front and inside there is air conditioning and a TV… just some of the inclusions!

Opt for a dorm and you’ll be spoilt with a privacy curtain, light and small safe for your valuables. The rooms are seriously impressive, hats off Hosteller.

The undercover outdoor seating area is where you’ll no doubt make excellent new travelling buddies.

Bonus: The quiet atmosphere and good wifi makes this one of the best work from home hostels in Rishikesh.

Location: Situated a comfortable 10-15 minutes from the main bus stand and Rishikesh railway station. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by lush trees and mountain views.

This is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh for

  • Female solo travellers
  • Backpackers
  • Digital nomads
Book The Hosteller Mini here

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

The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India

3. Skyard Hostel

How does panoramic views from the rooftop sound?! Come on, let’s go and check out Skyard Hostel.

“You can choose to sip a free chai while relaxing on a hammock in our garden or spend some quality book reading time in the balcony admiring the beauty of nature Rishikesh offers. “

Sounds pretty good, right?

This happens to be the first activity theme hostel in India, with a focus on organising adrenaline-rich activities.

Actually, it’s balanced out nicely with the option to join their yoga classes if you prefer a less adventurous experience.

Other things to look forward to:

  • Free chai evenings
  • Music concerts
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Indoor social area

The design and decor is a little outdated, but it adds a unique character to the space.

Dorm rooms are kept cosy with either 4 or 6-beds per room. There’s a female dorm for the ladies and a privacy curtain on every bunk!

The added choice of private rooms is good if you want some added privacy.

Location: Right in amongst the most popular backpacker area of Rishikesh, next to amazing western food places and right by the Ganges.

This is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh for

  • Backpackers
Book Skyard Hostel here

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

Skyard Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India Skyard Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India Skyard Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India Skyard Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India

What about cheapest hostels in Rishikesh?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. Forget hotels!

We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.

Why?

The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.

However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Rishikesh.

  1. Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Rishikesh
  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.

There are also a few hostels that are highly searched for, yet we wouldn’t recommend them due to low ratings. These hostels include:

  1. Zostel Rishikesh
  2. goSTOPS Rishikesh Tapovan
  3. goSTOPS Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula
  4. Shiv Shakti Hostel

Note: We’ve included links so you can have a look for yourself and make an informed decision.

Best Hostels in Rishikesh for Solo Travellers?

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

Luckily for you, it’s difficult to rule out an hostel in Rishikesh… they’re all good for solo travellers in one way or another!

Here’s a quick overview:

Each hostel offers spaces for socialising, such as a rooftop, restaurant and indoor chill area. When you’ve had enough the privacy curtains come in super handy.

It’s easy enough to wander the area and meet other backpackers in Rishikesh, so you don’t need to stay indoors the whole time!

Party Hostels in Rishikesh

Looking to party in Rishikesh?

During out time here we did not come across a party hostel. In fact, it’s not so easy to come by alcohol in this holy city!

This is the yoga captial of India and not really a place to go to if you want crazy all night parties.

Instead we recommend enjoying the social atmosphere that is alive at almost every hostel here. Hang out on the balcony, enjoy good Indian food and explore the area with new found friends.

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, stay at Skyard Hostel in Laxman Jhula.

They have regular free chai events and live music so you can still enjoy that “party” vibe minus the headache.

Skyard Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India

More Hostels

Rishikesh is home to a surprising amount of hostels. Just to make sure you don’t miss out on the possiblities, here are some more we recommend considering.

Blue Jay Hostel Rishikesh

Blue Jay Hostel is run by a group of young and enthusiastic travellers, set in the quiet and serene area of Tapovan.

Whilst it’s a budget hostel, they do not let you down when it comes to great facilities:

  • Rooftop cafe serving food
  • Hangout lobbies on each floor
  • 24/7 reception & CCTV

The hostel is exceptionally clean and there are privacy curtains in the dorms, woohoo!

Book Blue Jay Rishikesh here

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

Blue Jay Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India

Live Free Hostel

Live Free Hostel is perfectly designed to make it super easy to relax and meet lots of cool people!

Sunbathe on the rooftop, admire the Ganges as you do some yoga and fill up your belly with yummy food from the hostel restaurant.

Daily professional yoga classes are an awesome way to enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

Once again you’re treated to privacy curtains and huge under-bed lockers for your backpacks. The 4-bed female only dorm here is excellent.

Book Live Free Hostel here

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

Live Free Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India Live Free Hostel is one of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India

How to book?

We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.

Hostelworld is the most popular website when it comes to hostel bookings.

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

On both platforms your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

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

Here is the overview:

  1. Soul Haven: Booking.com | Hostelworld
  2. The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini: Booking.com | Hostelworld
  3. Skyard Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld

We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!

All of Rishikesh best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

Any Discounts?

Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Rishikesh. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.

Our Favorite Hostels in Rishikesh put on a map + sights

Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Rishikesh 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:

  • Parmarth Niketan Ashram
  • Baba Kali kamali vanpras aashram
  • Rafting In Rishikesh
  • Ganga Beach
  • Shree Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
  • Little Buddha Cafe
  • Pumpernickel German Bakery
  • Lakshman Jhula

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Join our Facebook Group!

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

Flights to Rishikesh?

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

FAQs

Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

What are the best places to stay in Rishikesh?

Welcome to the only guide you need for finding the best hostels in Rishikesh! The top 3 hostels we recommend are:

  1. Soul Haven – top pick for solo travellers
  2. The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini – perfect for female solo travellers
  3. Skyard Hostel (Laxman Jhula) – ideal for backpackers

Which is the best area to stay in Rishikesh?

Definitely Laxman Jhula if you want to be close to the backpacker area with great eateries and yoga events.

Tapovan offers a quieter vibe and is more “local”. It’s on the other side of the Ganges.

We couldn’t recommend staying in the city centre as this is not well adjusted to travellers.

Is Rishikesh safe for couples?

Absolutely! Many of the hostels offer private rooms and we travelled to Rishikesh as a couple. In some ways you could say it’s even better to travel as a couple as it can be a little overwhelming if it’s your first stop in India.

Where can I stay in Rishikesh for free?

There are many Ashrams in Rishikesh which offer very cheap accommodation that includes food and sometimes yoga classes. When we say cheap we’re talking around 3-5 EUROS a night.

If you are a devotee it is possible to stay for free at what is called a Gita Bhawan. These house around 1000 rooms which are basic and there is usually access to food for a small fee.

What are the best activities in Rishikesh?

Two of the top activities in Rishikesh are yoga (classes and training) and rafting down the Ganges. Once you’ve ticked these off your list then we suggest spend your days wandering the streets, people watching and filling up on amazing Indian food!

More guides

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

We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to other 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.

Over to you

Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?

Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Rishikesh hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.

Your question will help me to understand what I have missed to mention.

Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!

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 ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.

At Hostelgeeks we will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. Our promise is to only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!

Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.

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A complete guide and overview of the best hostels in Rishikesh, India for solo travellers and backpackers

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