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Hostels in Rishikesh, India

74 hostels in Rishikesh. Prices start from $1 for a dorm bed.Sorted by quality, not payments.

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#1 Top Rated
Adventure HostelsSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Accepted payment methods MastercardVisa Cash Joey?s Hostel Rishikesh accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival." …"…You can do this from multiple

from $1.65
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Youth Hostel

"…Payment upon arrival by cash, credit cards. Taxes not included - 12.00% Breakfast not included. No curfew. Pets Not Allowed." …"Our Place is located on Balaknath Temple street, Upper Tapovan,

from $2.41
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Bunk Stay

Laxman Jhula
Digital NomadsFemale Solo TravellerSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Summary This is probably the best hostel in Rishikesh due to its superior location, well-lit rooms, friendly staff members, and the restaurant on the roof. Everything is well-maintained and clean

from $2.70
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"…Parmarth Niketan Ashram is 10 km away and Rajaji National Park is 32 km from the hostel. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at the hostel. Rishikesh Railway Station is 5.1 km from

from $2.08
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Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…The hostel is set very close to all the cafes and restaurants, 2.6 km from Ram Jhula and 5 km from Triveni Ghat. The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport, 23 km from the property. Please ask us

from $1.99
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Solo Traveller

"…Live Free Hostels has many common spaces, each floor has a large outdoor terrace with chairs and there is a sun terrace on the roof (this is where yoga classes are held in the morning and at night

from $3.06
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Adventure HostelsSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Credit card is accepted. 5. Reception working hours 09:00-23:00. 6. Age Restriction:18+. 7. Taxes not included. 12%. 8. Breakfast not included. 9. No pets." …"…Airport: Nearest airport is Jolly

from $2.82
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Solo Traveller

Hotel Orange Classic Near Divya hotel

from $6.43
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Youth Hostel

"…6. Payment: All Standard bookings full balance must be paid in Online (UPI or Card) (INR) only upon checking in at the property. However, the property reserves the rights for advance payment via

from $2.13
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"…Please note that your booking may be cancelled if you make several separate bookings and the total number of the group is more than 4. 10. No Smoking: All rooms have a strict no-smoking policy

from $2.16
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Joey's Hostel

Laxman Jhula
Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Please leave your phone number (preferably WhatsApp number). And we are able to offer better service to you. * 1. Cancellation policy: 3 days before arrival. 2. Check in from 13:00 to 23:00. 3.

from $1.99
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The Sweven

Tapovan
Digital NomadsFemale Solo TravellerSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"Sweven: A vision or dream (archaic), The Sweven Rishikesh want to bring you an unforgettable experience. A lot of us have drawn a landscape painting in our childhood. The vision for so many of us

from $3.65
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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Come here with your friends or partner to reconnect with nature watch colourful birds, hike to underrated waterfalls, or just sip a drink in the pool at leisure. ***Property Policies*** - We

from $4.73
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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Check out - 11:00 UP-TOWN Cafe (not operated by The Hosteller) serves vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options. To maintain the backpacking culture and community spirit we promote self service

from $2.55
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Adventure HostelsDigital NomadsFemale Solo TravellerParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Check out before 10:30 am. 4. Payment upon arrival by cash & cards (Cards accepted with 3% additional bank charges.) 5. Reception working hours: 24 hours. 6. Age Restriction: 18+. 7. Taxes not

from $1.91
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Party HostelYouth Hostel

"…Merging the spiritual essence of Rishikesh with contemporary design, our hostel is an embodiment of modern comfort and local culture. The hostel boasts three distinct common areas: the indoor common

from $2.25
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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…While these rooms are simple and modest in their offerings, they provide a quiet, comfortable space for rest and relaxation. Both private rooms are ideal for solo travelers or couples seeking a

from $2.18
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Skyard Hostel

Laxman Jhula
Digital NomadsQuiet Rest

"…) offers a panoramic view from The rooftop of the flowing river that soothes the senses of travellers. You can choose to sip a free chai while relaxing on a hammock in our garden or spend some

from $2.22
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Adventure HostelsParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"Located right in the backpacking hub of Rishikesh, Zostel Rishikesh (Laxman Jhula) brings the towns finest experiences a lot closer. The hostel is only a 5-minute walk from Laxman Jhula and offers a

from $3.90
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Family-Friendly HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…The property is around 4.5 km from Triveni Ghat, 5.2 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and 600 m from Laxman Jhula. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. All

from $2.90

Explore Rishikesh

Discover the best hostels to suit every traveller type.

Where to stay in Rishikesh on a budget

Looking for budget stays in Rishikesh? This section is designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. We've got insider tips to help you find affordable hostels and the cheapest places to stay in Rishikesh.

Guess what? Rishikesh is also named Rishīkesh - It is the same destination. Goodbye confusion.
Where to stay in Rishikesh on a budget

Rishikesh, located in the idyllic foothills of the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is also known as the yoga capital of the world. It’s considered one of the holy cities in Hinduism as it is where the holy river Ganges flows out of the Himalayas onto the alluvial plain of northern India.

Take a bath in the Ganges where it is still clean and unpolluted, hike in the surrounding hills, go whitewater rafting or enjoy a yoga session while in Rishikesh. There is even an opportunity to try bungee jumping!

Rishikesh is an hour north from Haridwar, which can be reached by rail from Delhi. There are also buses connecting Rishikesh to various other cities in India. More about that below.

Be aware: Rishikesh is a holy city so meat, fish, eggs and alcohol are prohibited. These items will neither be served in any of the restaurants nor sold in any of the shops. Do the right thing and choose not to smuggle these items in when arriving from other parts of India.

There’s lots to cover to help you prepare for an awesome trip to Rishikesh. We cover:

Many travellers do not realise just how big Rishikesh is. Rather than stay in the main city area, we recommend choosing an accommodation between the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula Bridges - 10km from the centre and the main backpackers area and the most famous part.

Here is a handy map with the main backpacking area highlighted. All other useful places mentioned in this section are also pintpointed.

(open the full map version here)

Getting to Rishikesh

First and foremost, let’s look at your options for getting to Rishikesh safely. As it is a top tourist destination, there is no shortage of transport choices, depending on your preferred method.

Flights

The nearest airport to Rishikesh is in Dehradun, just 35 km down the road. The airport is called Jolly Grant and only national flights operate from here.

There are daily flights from Delhi which take around one hour. From Dehradun, local buses frequently head to Rishikesh and take around 2 hours.

By Bus

Travelling around India by bus is a common choice as it’s super cheap and there are regular buses leaving, especially between the larger cities.

The most common bus route is from New Delhi to Rishikesh - a 9 hour journey.

From Kashmere Gate IBST in New Delhi, buses depart for Rishikesh every morning and late evening each day. 

A great bus ticket booking service is redBus. There are also many transport booking shops in India. Just do your research beforehand and get an idea of what a ticket should cost to avoid being overcharged.

By Train

The nearest train station is in Haridwar, around 25 km away. In turn, Haridwar is connected to larger cities such as New Delhi, Varanasi, Lucklow and Mumbai. 

Our advice: get the train to Haridwar and then change to a bus which will take around 30 minutes to Rishikesh.

Popular train services include Shatabadi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express and Mussoorie Express.

MakeMyTrip and IRCTC are options for booking tickets. Local transport booking shops are also an option.

Which areas(s) to stay in Rishikesh

Let’s be clear: the main backpacker and tourist area of Rishikesh is between Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula bridges. Anywhere outside of this area is very local and pretty overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been in India for very long.

So, we recommend every traveller type to stay in this area to make the best of what Rishikesh has to offer.

It doesn’t matter too much which side of the river you stay on as the entire area is easily accessible by foot. Just we aware that the most popular area is Laxman Jhula, so if you decide to stay across the river in Tapovan, you will have to cross the bridge each time. This is often a slow, overcrowded and arduous crossing, so bare that in mind.

Within the parameters of these bridges you will find ashrams, good food, hostels and yoga teacher training places.

Toward the Beatles Ashram is also a good option. It’s quieter up this way, though there is less access to restaurants.

Here is an overview of your options of areas to stay:


* Between Beatles Ashram and Ram Jhula - Quieter, local vibe, many cheap ashrams (no hostels)
* Between Ram Jhula bridge and Laxman Jhula bridge - Busy, access to great food, few hostels
* Tapovan (north side of Ganga river) - Plenty of hostels, cafes, many more locals

Ashram vs Hostels

So, you’re aware that ashrams are popular in India. Let us break down the differences between ashrams and hostels in Rishikesh, including their pros and cons.

If you’re staying in the area for some time, we recommended splitting your time between both.

Stay in an Ashram

Many people who visit Rishikesh do so for spiritual reasons. Often, they decide to stay in an ashram, a place where one can stay to reflect and practice yoga and meditation.

Ashrams abound in the city of Rishikesh. They are open to anyone, whether for spiritual reasons, to retreat from busy modern life, or just out of plain interest in experiencing life in an ashram.

Though anyone is welcome to stay in an ashram, it is expected to respect the silence and serenity of the place. Alcohol and meat are not allowed.

Have a look at the map for the most well-known Ashrams in the area that you might consider. These include:

  • Parmarth Niketan Ashram
  • Gita Bhawan
  • The Beatles Ashram (aka Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram)
  • Baba Kali Kamli Vanprasth Ashram
  • Sivananda Ashram

* Pros: Free meditation & yoga sessions, super cheap, long stay available, Indian food (often) included.
* Cons: Very basic, dirty (no daily cleaning), curfew, strict rules, often full, no Wifi or A/C.

Stay in a Hostel

For those who don’t like the idea of waking up at 4 am to meditate, there is a range of hostels available.

Hostels are mainly located between the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula bridges, northeast of the center, near the river Ganga. Many hostels in Rishikesh offer free yoga lessons as well.

Top tip: Always check the location of your chosen hostel before booking.

Overall, hostels in Rishikesh are highly sociable, clean and modern. Of course, some are better than others so do your research.

* Pros: Social (events), modern amenities, knowledgeable & helpful staff, great locations, privacy curtains.
* Cons: Free breakfast isn’t ‘a thing’ in Rishikesh, taxes not always included.

All things Yoga

Rishikesh is also known as Tapo Bhumi which means “place for Yoga and Meditation of the Gods”.

It’s both the birthplace of yoga and the yoga capital of India. Whether you’re already a yoga freak or keen to get started, this is the perfect place for you.

Yoga opportunities are everywhere you look!

  1. Join free yoga classes at your hostel/ashram
  2. Sign up for 200/500hr Yoga Teacher Training
  3. Attend a local academy for weekly sessions

There are many, many academies in Rishikesh offering the 200hr Yoga Teacher Training.

Use Book Yoga Retreats as a useful comparison site.

Definitely worth checking out is the International Yoga Festival which takes place each year, usually in March.

Fun Things to do in Rishikesh

Never fear; there are more fun things to do in Rishikesh other than yoga and visiting an ashram.

Is it worth visiting Rishikesh if you’re not into yoga? Absolutely! Let us give you a few other reasons to visit:

1. Bungee Jumping - Jumpin Heights is the only place to try this. It’s run by ex-army officers and is incredibly safe. It’s the highest bungee in India at 83 metres!

2. Beatles Ashram - Rishikesh is the place where the Beatles got inspired by Indian culture to write many of their later songs. The ashram where the famous group stayed can still be visited, though in a state of deterioration.

3. River rafting - Fancy water rafting down none other than the river Ganges? There are few different companies offering this in the city.

4. Triveni Ghat - Most famous and biggest Ghat in Rishikesh. A wonderful place to observe devotees taking a ritual bath to cleanse their sins.

5. Neer Garh Waterfall - A gorgeous hike. The waterfall is around 1.5 miles from Laxman Jhula bridge.

6. Rajaji National Park - halfway between Rishikesh and Haridwar

Adventure activities are huge in Rishikesh. Try out cliff jumping, rock climbing and kayaking. Cafe hopping Rishikesh is also a popular activity and a great way to escape the crowds and wind down.

All of the Rishikesh things to do are highlighted on the map.

Useful and Important Info

Here is some useful and important information you need to know before visiting Rishikesh.

It’s always a good idea to be well-prepared for destinations such as India, especially because the culture is so different from most other places in the world.

Currency: Indian Rupee (sign: ₹; currency code: INR).

Best time to visit: Early March to early May. June is very hot, reaching 35 degrees. The best time for river rafting is late September to mid November.

How long to stay: Minimal of 3 days, up to 6 weeks (for yoga training).

Getting around: Walk! Everything is accessible by foot. You have to walk across the bridges. Rickshaws are useful for visiting nearby areas. Expect to pay around ₹15/km.

Tax: For some hostels you can expect to pay 1000-2499 INR, 12% tax; 2500-7499 INR, 18% tax; over 7500 INR, 28% tax. Always check this before booking.

Cows & Monkeys & Mopeds, Oh my! Something to be aware of is the amount of wildlife and animals wandering the streets of Rishikesh. Keep an eye out for monkeys - they are not shy and will run by and steal your fruit if you’re not careful. Cows are sacred and spend much of their time in the same areas as humans. Bulls can be aggressive so don’t get too close. And mopeds? They are everywhere and you’ll be forever dodging them.

Curfew: A typical curfew when staying at an ashram is 10pm. They have large lockable gates, so make sure you’re back in time!

Day trips from Rishikesh

If you’re planning on staying in Rishikesh for some time, you might fancy exploring the immediate area.

Destinations that are close-by and worth visiting include Haridwar, Chamba and Dehradun.

Haridwar is definitely worth visiting in the evening. Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) where thousands of people gather to float little flickering lamps off the steps, swim and gather Ganga water. 40 minutes from Rishikesh.

Chamba, also known as Land of Lord Shiva, is the place to head if you like trekking. It’s 12 hours from Rishikesh so 1-2 nights is advised. It’s right in the very north of the country and is a wilder part of India.

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. It’s a great place for religious attractions, wildlife havens and as a stop off on route to bigger cities. 1 hour from Rishikesh.

What Traveler-types visit Rishikesh?

Due to the chaotic and adventurous nature of Rishikesh, we recommend this destination for solo travellers (including female solo travellers), backpackers, couples and friends.

Families may not enjoy the sociable nature of hostels and some of them do not accept children.

Safety in Rishikesh

Is it safe in Rishikesh? The main answer to this is yes.

HOWEVER! Like with all other tourist destinations in the world, you still need to have your wits about you and be careful.

Common sense precautions include:

1. Keeping your belongings on your person
2. Put your valuables in a hostel locker
3. Don’t carry around a high amount of money
4. Don’t hand over your phone to a stranger to take a ‘selfie’
5. Don’t walk on your own after dark

Scams

Ah India, a hotbed for scammers. If there has to be a dark side to Rishikesh, it would be the potential scams.

Yet that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen to you, or that you need to be fearful of everyone that approaches you!

To help you prepare, here is a list of the common scams in India. As they target backpackers and young people, it’s possible that you may come across them in Rishikesh.

1. Hostel is closed down: your driver tells you your hostel is closed and will take you to his friends/families hotel instead. Your hostel isn’t really closed and he gains commission. Don’t fall for it! Double check online that your hostel is open.

2. Currency switcharoo: A vendor will drop a few notes you’ve handed over and ask you to make up the difference. They are very quick and practised in this. Count out your money as you hand it over. Also be wary of them swapping large notes for smaller ones.

3. Unofficial SIM card: It’s difficult to find official sources for this kind of purchase. Unofficial sellers will often hand out dufunkt or almost expired SIM cards. Make sure you buy directly from Vodafone or Bharti Airtel. Better still, sort out your international SIM before arriving in India.

4. Milk beggars: Women will often rent babies or use their own to beg for milk powder. It’s a heart-breaking thought that there is a hungry baby and desperate mother, yet this is a common scam in India. They want you to go to a store and buy at an extorted price, only to return (once you’ve left) to receive the difference in cash.

5. Duty free gemstone import: A friendly stranger will ask you to be a part of ‘legally’ importing gemstones, using your duty free allowance, to your home country. They offer to pay for flights and a hefty sum of money upon completion. Something happens with (fake) customs and you’re asked to pay money upfront to avoid charges. Kindly refuse to take part in any sort of request like this.

Delhi Belly

Food poisoning and an upset stomach is highly likely if you’re not accustomed to India. To be honest, you’re likely to get sick at least once even if you are.

Sanitation and general health and safety isn’t a big priority in India. The food laws aren’t as strict as in the West.

Tips to help keep you off the toilet are:

1. Avoid salads as much as possible (usually washed in unsafe water)
2. Order food from your hostel and/or cook in the common kitchen
3. Be more vigilant with hand washing
4. Only drink bottled or filtered water
5. Eat at western-style restaurants

Luckily for you, Rishikesh is full of western restaurants following western food standards.

Some great places to be aware of are pinpointed on the map. This includes a German bakery and a health-focused restaurant serving up avocado and smoothies.

Cultural Differences

Something to be aware of is that you’re likely to attract attention, especially if you are white with fair hair. This is not necessarily a safety issue, but it can be distressing if you’re not used to it or do not particularly like to be in the limelight.

Locals love their mobile phones, and will often request travellers to take a selfie with them, their families and children. It can sometimes cause a domino effect and can have you keeping up a smile for the whole neighborhood.

It’s fun and a great way to meet locals. Yet, learn how to say no and don’t be afraid to use it.

Written by Travel Expert Rishikesh

Written by Travel Expert RishikeshKelly

Affordable Hostel Prices in Rishikesh

Wondering about hostel prices in Rishikesh? Here's everything you need to know.

Prices for hostels in Rishikesh start at just $4 per night. Based on our latest data, Hola Hostel is currently the most affordable hostel to stay in Rishikesh.

On average, hostels in Rishikesh cost around $2 per dorm bed and $23 per private room per night. Compare prices from every major booking site at once on Hostelz.com and always get the best deal. Whether you're a student, a backpacker, or looking for a budget-friendly private room, Rishikesh has options for every budget.

Want to compare hostels side-by-side? Use our Hostel Comparison Tool to check prices, amenities, and locations—so you can make the smartest choice.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Rishikesh? Many cheap hostels in Rishikesh are located in Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, Upper Tapovan, offering easy access to the city's top attractions and public transport.

Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in Rishikesh

Total number of hostels 74
Typical dorm bed prices in Rishikesh $2
Private room costs in Rishikesh $23
Cheapest hostel in RishikeshHola Hostel for only $4
Popular Party Hostel in RishikeshJoey's Hostel
(21 hostels for partying in total)
Where to stay in Rishikesh on a budget? Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, Upper Tapovan

For students and budget-conscious travelers, Rishikesh hostels provide great value. Many hostels include free breakfast, shared kitchens, and social spaces perfect for meeting other travelers — everything you need for a fun and easy stay.

Ready to go on an adventure in Rishikesh? Add your travel dates and start comparing prices, amenities, and availability. At Hostelz, we help you find all available hostels at the best prices.

FAQ about Rishikesh Hostels

Other Nearby Cities

Narendranagar (6 Km / 4 mi.)
Haridwar (22 Km / 14 mi.)
Chamba (28 Km / 17 mi.)
Dehradun (35 Km / 22 mi.)
Kaudia Range (35 Km / 22 mi.)
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