The real Himachal feel is in the people. Stay with travellers, eat with travellers, make music with travellers and you’ll become a traveller by heart. Hostels are the best place to meet free souls who will teach you how to live. Delhi can just climb onto an overnight bus and wake up in the mountains. Here’s a list of budget hostels which will keep you coming back.
1. Zostel, Bir
Bir is a small town in Kangra with the breath-taking views of the Dhauladhar Ranges and the emerald green Kangra valley. The budget hostel offers free parking, Wi-Fi, clean rooms and a very generous staff.
Cost: ₹499 onwards
2. The Hosteller, Kasol
Kadhai paneer at Bhoj, Nutella white chocolate pancakes and Shiv ji’s aashirvaad, that’s what Kasol is to us. This budget hostel with a marvellous view provides airport transportation services, Wi-Fi services and has a yummy restaurant for uncontrollable hunger.
Cost: ₹499 onwards
Also read: Go Backpacking In Himachal And Live In A Camp For Rs 899 Only!
3. Paul’s, Dharamkot
A 15-minute walk from McLeodGanj lies a small town, home to the best pizzas, hummus and shishbish. Vipassana and Tushita centres here draw a peaceful crowd. The budget hostel is in the middle of the town making it the most convenient. Down a few steps is Zula café where travellers meet and mingle to make lifelong bonds.
Cost: ₹699 onwards
4. The Bunker, Dharamshala
Shivji’s Bhagsunath, beautiful Bhagsu falls and Bhagsu cake are not even the highlight of this place. Dalai Lama himself has blessed this town in flesh. The monasteries here will leave your soul energised. This budget hostel has bunks and suites for every kind of traveller.
Cost: ₹699 onwards
5. goStops, Dalhousie
A beautiful white brick structure overlooking green mountains is a dream come true. This budget hostel is 30 minutes away from the hustle of the main city, preserving the sanctity people look for in Himachal. They organize bonfires for bonding in front of the snow-capped Pirpanjal range.
Cost: ₹699 onwards
6. Bros Hostel, Old Manali
Room service, terrace, ATM, and a seating area in every room, this budget hostel is luxury panache. For brownie points the area is a popular skiing spot! Old Manali is lined with great cafes with lots of Israeli food for visitors from the country and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Cost: ₹663 onwards
Also read: Cave-Themed Hotel Is Delhi’s First Burrow And We Can’t Wait To Hide Out
Himachal is India’s crown jewel. Everybody is welcome here; everybody is happy, and we credit the clean air. While Delhi’s pollution problem is being solved, we have some recluse at budget hostels we can rush to at any given day. All you have to do is make up your mind and you could be on a bus to paradise in less than 6 hours!