Dharamshala is a city in Himachal Pradesh, India, that lies at the Himalayan foothills, surrounded by lush cedar forests. There is no need to search beyond this list of the top hostels in Dharamshala if you are seeking a place to stay.
From hostels that provide great value for the money to those that have superb amenities and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Dharamshala is the ideal destination to stay in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh if you’re looking for peace and beauty in your surroundings.
The city is well known for its stunning environment because it is home to the Dalai Lama and thousands of monks and nuns.
Check out the neighboring towns of McLeod Ganj and Chamba if you want to do something more exciting than relax in the hills during your vacation.
Both of these places offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, and both locations provide recreational opportunities, including skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Looking for your next travel destination? We have a comprehensive guide to the best hostels in India.
Our favorite hostels in Dharamshala are:
- The Hosteller Kareri - best for Female Solo Traveler
- Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj - best for Very Budget-friendly
- Hobo Hostel - best for backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. The Hosteller Kareri
2. Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj
3. Hobo Hostel
The top hostels in Dharamshala provide rooms at reasonable rates, are conveniently located in the city’s center, and are not far from a variety of local attractions.
They are also the ones we recommend, of course!
We have other hostel guides in India, from Delhi to Goa, so make sure to check them out if you’re traveling around.
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
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 Dharamshala
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Dharamshala cost $3 – $10 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $35 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.
Getting Around: Ensure that you have a detailed map of the surrounding region. The terrain is rugged, and many secret pathways and trails exist.
With a detailed map, it will be easier for you to navigate the area and stay on track.
Stay Hydrated: Make sure you always have enough water on you. If you do not accurately take precautions, you may get dehydrated very fast due to the hot and humid climate in the region.
Sun and Mosquitoes: Make sure to bring along some bug repellent and sunscreen since this region is notorious for its high mosquito population.
Also, wearing a hat to protect you against the sun in Dharamshala is a good idea.
Where to go: Before you come, do some research on the location. Be aware of which regions you may safely investigate and which ones you should avoid.
Cash vs. Card: Cash is still highly preferred over a card here. Be sure you bring along enough amount of money.
The Indian rupee (Rs) is the currency that is used here. You will need it to purchase transit tickets and food and drink.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Dharamshala are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Dharamshala.
- The Hosteller Kareri – best for Female Solo Traveler
- Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj – best for Very Budget-friendly
- Hobo Hostel – best for backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Dharamshala. 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. The Hosteller Kareri
2. Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj
3. Hobo Hostel
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Hosteller Kareri |
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | The Hosteller Kareri |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Hobo Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy: | Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj |
| 👫 For Socializing: | The Hosteller Kareri |
1. The Hosteller Kareri
If you’re traveling alone, the The Hosteller Kareri is probably the perfect place for you.
This attractive guest home offers a variety of comfortable rooms and suites, making it an ideal and safe lodging option for female visitors.
Here, the staff is kind and eager to assist, making this an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding region. In addition, there is a pool, many pleasant spaces to relax in, and a kitchen that travelers can use throughout their stay.
Since it opened its doors in 2009, the Kareri Guest House has been widely regarded as one of the best hostels in Dharamshala.
It provides its visitors with various activities and facilities, such as a spa and yoga sessions, ensuring that guests will always have something to do or participate in during their stay.
If you’re searching for a place to stay in Dharamshala that offers a high level of comfort, we think that The Kareri Guest House is a great option.
Location: Situated in the heart of Dharamshala. The hostel location places guests close to several well-known sights, including McLeod Ganj, Patan, and Zangtse Monastery.
It is also only a short distance on foot from both the bus stop and the train station. You’ll also find several good restaurants and opportunities for nightlife nearby.
The best choice in Dharamshala for
- Female Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj
Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj provides lodging at very reasonable rates and can be found in the middle of Mcleodganj.
This youth hostel has complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a front desk that opens around the clock. It has a garden and a terrace overlooking the old town. The amenities are a central air conditioning system, a computer nook, and a television lounge.
The Mitra Hostel in Mcleodganj is an excellent option for travelers on a limited budget seeking a place to stay in the Dharamshala area.
Here, the staff is kind and knowledgeable and provides guests with several services, and the stay comes with a complimentary breakfast.
We also like the fact that the Mitra Hostel in Mcleodganj is situated right adjacent to Tiger Hill National Park makes it a fantastic option for vacationers interested in seeing the surrounding region.
Location: The Mitra Hostel McLeodganj can be accessed by traveling from Manali along the major route that leads to Dharamshala from Manali. The town center of McLeod Ganj is about five minutes away from the hostel.
Because there are signs for the Mitra Hostel all along the route, finding it is easy.
In addition, the airport may be reached in approximately ten minutes by car. Both the airport and the bus station are easily accessible through the free shuttle service provided by the hostel. In addition, there are several grocery shops, restaurants, and places to go out for the night, all within walking distance.
A great choice for
- Travelers looking for a very budget-friendly option
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Hobo Hostel
At Hobo Hostel, you will get to meet a lot of fellow travelers, so you can expect the environment to be quite vibrant.
The dormitories are spotless and comfortable, and there is even a communal kitchen for those who prefer to prepare their own meals.
Overall, Hobo Hostel is the best option to consider if you are searching for a good location to stay in Dharamshala while you are touring the city.
If you’re searching for a place that’s great for having fun and relaxing, this hostel has fantastic amenities like an outdoor pool and spa.
There is also an activity desk on site that can arrange a variety of exciting outdoor activities like bicycle trips and hikes throughout the region.
Location: The Hobo Hostel is just a three-minute walk away from the bus station that will take you directly into the city’s center. There is also the option of taking one of the frequent shuttle buses between the hostel and Dharamshala’s most popular tourist destinations.
If you are looking for a decent restaurant or a nightlife scene, you will be pleased to hear that Hobo Hostel is just a short taxi ride from several top-notch clubs and restaurants.
You may also reach these locations by using the public transportation system or by hopping on one of the numerous shuttles that operate continually between the Hobo Hostel and various renowned tourist spots in Dharamshala.
This is one of the best hostels in Dharamshala for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Dharamshala for Solo Travelers?
The best hostel in Dharamshala for solo travelers is definitely The Hosteller Kareri, as they provide travelers with a beautiful and safe space to unwind in.
Their rooms are very comfortable, so you won’t have to worry about the quality of the rest you’re getting here.
We also love how accommodating their staff is, which will come in handy if you’re traveling alone since you’ll have people you can count on to help you out if anything happens.
The overall environment is also quite laid-back and promotes easy and familiar social interactions, which will help if you want to meet new people.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Dharamshala?
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 Dharamshala.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Dharamshala
- 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?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
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.
I 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.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Dharamshala 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.
My Best Hostels in Dharamshala for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Location is an essential factor to take into account when picking a Dharamshala hostel.
This is why we’ve put all our hostel picks on a map to help you figure out whether it is located near the places you want to see.
We’ve also added some of our favorite sights around the region and hope you have an incredible trip!
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Is Dharamshala safe for traveling?
Dharamshala is a safe region to travel to in India. Of course, you should always be a little cautious, so, for example, we don't recommend venturing out alone at night here.
What is the best hostel in Dharamshala for female solo travelers?
The best hostel in Dharamshala for female solo travelers is:
The Hosteller Kareri
What are the best hostels in Dharamshala?
The best hostels in Dharamshala are:
- The Hosteller Kareri – best for Female Solo Traveler
- Mitra Hostel Mcleodganj – best for Very Budget-friendly
- Hobo Hostel – best for backpackers
Are hostels in Dharamshala safe?
Not all hostels in Dharamshala are necessarily safe, especially the ones that offer cheap prices in sketchy areas. They might be illegal hostels or ones without the proper licenses and safety measures put in place.
In all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Dharamshala. You can find backpacker hostels with top ratings here! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
More handmade Guides for you
We spent a full month in India and fell in love with the culture, the food, and the incredible nature – and of course, the hostels.
Here are some of our in-depth guides for India to help you out with your travels:
- best hostels in Jaipur
- best hostels in Delhi
- best hostels in Mumbai
- best hostels in Goa
- best backpacker hostels in Goa
- best hostels in Chennai
- best hostels in Rishikesh
- backpacker hostels in Goa
- best hostels in Pondicherry
Find all the best hostels in Asia here.
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels 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.
