Kathmandu ranks among the wildest cities I've ever visited, and if Nepal is on your itinerary, you'll almost certainly pass through it. With more than 300 accommodations listed, figuring out where to stay in Kathmandu can feel overwhelming.
That's why I've put together this selection of the top hostels in Kathmandu. The guide groups options by what you're looking for, so you can book with confidence and spend your energy on experiencing this incredible city.
To truly get a feel for this chaotic city and all it offers, you'll want a hostel that combines a good location, solid facilities, and—most importantly—a fair price.
Quick answer: The best hostels in Kathmandu
What to consider when choosing a hostel in Kathmandu
Of course, 'best' is entirely subjective, but a few key factors matter when picking a hostel.
- Location – Kathmandu is a sprawling city with limited public transport. If you have a specific goal (trekking, temple visits), stay near that activity. I'd suggest a hostel near Thamel. Yes, it's touristy, noisy, and hectic, but you'll be centrally located and able to get around more easily. Otherwise, planning your Kathmandu trip becomes a logistical headache.
- Price – By backpacker standards, Kathmandu is very cheap, which helps make Nepal one of the best value destinations. While some expensive options exist, you won't need to worry much about accommodation costs anywhere in Nepal (which is why splurging a little here isn't always a bad idea).
- Amenities – With prices so low across Nepal, pinching pennies isn't as necessary as in, say, Japan. The good news is that most hostels in Kathmandu offer some form of free Nepalese breakfast. Unfortunately, WiFi connections tend to be unreliable.
The Best Hostels in Kathmandu
Backpacking Kathmandu is only fun when you find the right place to stay. Check out these highly reviewed hostels in Kathmandu. I've separated them into categories so you can see which cater to your specific needs and travel to Kathmandu with confidence.
Alobar1000 – Best Overall Hostel in Kathmandu
Hip and fun. Alobar1000 is a top hostel in Nepal
- Price: $$
- Free locker
- No free breakfast
While it lacks some freebies, Alobar1000 is without a doubt one of the best hostels in Kathmandu because of one factor—its atmosphere. If you feel Kathmandu is missing a proper hostel vibe, Alobar1000 fills that void. With a rooftop bar, it attracts many travelers, making it one of the best hostels for solo travelers in Kathmandu.
Yakety Yak Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Kathmandu
Good beds. Clean. Good food. Yakety Yak Hostel has it all!
- Price: $
- Lots of activities
- Free WiFi
A sweet little hostel in Thamel, Kathmandu, basically designed for solo travelers. Yakety Yak has an on-site restaurant and rooftop area. The location means easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, plus plenty of trekking providers and gear shops. Historical city sites such as Durbar Square are around 15–20 minutes' walk away.
Wander Thirst Backpacker Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Kathmandu
Cool beds for a low price! Wander Thirst Backpacker Hostel is a great cheap hostel in Nepal
- Price: $
- Lots of activities
- No free breakfast
Well reviewed and a ton of fun, Wander Thirst Backpacker Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for solo travelers. This is because of their long list of activities offered, from yoga, meditation, and fire dancing to camping trips—they have it all! Meeting people and having a good time is super easy, and the dorms are modern and clean. Highly recommended.
Hotel Ganesh Himal – Best Hostel for Couples in Kathmandu
Nice bed. One of the best hostels for couples in Kathmandu.
- Price: $$$
- Stellar reviews
- No freebies
Yes, technically it's a hotel and it's a bit expensive, but it's also really, really, really nice. A staple feature in Lonely Planet, Hotel Ganesh Himal brings a bit of Western decadence to Nepalese accommodation, at a price that is relatively affordable. Centrally located and impeccably reviewed, it's one of the best hotels in Kathmandu for couples. Hotel Ganesh Himal is also a great option for digital nomads looking to get some work done.
Shangrila Boutique Hotel – Best Digital Nomad Hostel in Kathmandu
Shangrila Boutique hotel offers some good value for Digital Nomads
- Price: $$$
- Free breakfast
- Free towels
The good thing about 'high-end' hostels in Kathmandu is that they are still relatively cheap. So if you're traveling solo and looking for a nice bed and shower, or with friends and want to split the cost of a nicer room—look no further than Shangrila Boutique Hotel. Good for digital nomads due to decent WiFi reviews, and desks in bedrooms and around the property.
More of the Best Hostels in Kathmandu
Some neighborhoods are more fun than others—discover which are the best areas to stay in Kathmandu and then book the right hostel!
Sara’s Backpacker Hostel
Sara’s backpacker hostel has some n
- Price: $
- Breakfast not included
- Free tea
Family run and family owned, Sara’s Backpacker Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for good reason. The hostel is actually on the bottom floor of their family’s home, which provides a very authentic feel to your stay. Home cooked meals are available, but unfortunately no free breakfast.
Shantipur Kathmandu Hotel
Shantipur Kathmandu Hotel offers a ton of value for money
- Price: $
- Free towel
- No free breakfast
Shantipur Kathmandu is located a bit outside the city centre—which depending on what you want can be a good thing or a bad thing. No breakfast, but there is a restaurant on site that offers Nepalese, continental, and Israeli food. Also, with fiber optic wifi, the connectivity here is much better than other options in Kathmandu.
The Happily Ever After Hostel
Happily Ever After – One of the better cheap hostels in Kathmandu
- Price: $
- Free Brekkie
- Free towels
The Happily Ever After Hostel is locally run and well reviewed. Decent beds and good wifi, you’ll end up saving extra money due to their free breakfast and free towels. Centrally located, this is one of the best cheap hostels in Kathmandu.
Avalon House KTM
Technically a hotel – Avalon House KTM is pricey but nice
- Price: $$
- Free brekkie
- Free towels
Not technically a hostel, and a bit pricier, I recommend Avalon House KTM for when you are traveling with friends. Splitting the cost of a room will get you your own twin bed for an affordable price. Plus, when you add in the free breakfast and free towels, you get a decent bang for your buck.
Flock Hostel
- Price: $
- Bakery on-site
- Travel and tours desk
Flock Hostel in Kathmandu is an epic spot to perch up during your stay. The beds are comfy, the on-site cafe is delicious and they have a travel desk on-site to help you bring all your travel dreams to life! There are loads of hang-out spaces, however overall, it’s not the most social of hostels.
Elbrus Home
Good vibes. Good price.
- Price: $$
- Free breakfast
Nothing super fancy here, which is exactly why Elbrus Home is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for couples. The property is very clean, very quiet, and very well reviewed. The beds are comfortable, and the staff is very helpful. All of this for an affordable price and breakfast included makes Elbrus Home a top choice.
Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse
- Price: $$
- Free breakfast
- Free towels
Less of a hostel and more of a guesthouse, Kathmandu Madhuban is one of the best options for couples traveling to Kathmandu. It’s very well reviewed, and very clean. The beds are comfortable, and the wifi is quite good. Add in a free breakfast and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the top-rated accommodations in Kathmandu.
Kwabahal Boutique Hostel
- Price: $
- Free Breakfast
- Great Location
- Outdoor Seating Area
Kwabahal Boutique Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for travellers. It’s in a bangin’ location in the centre of Katmandu (just 1km from Hanuman Dhoka). The hostel has a gorgeous outdoor terrace/ garden area where you can relax and chat with fellow travellers. The hosts here make you feel right at home <3 Plus, there is free breakfast!!
Birds Nest Hostel
- Price: $
- Open Garden Space
- Chill vibes
- Cafe and bar on-site
If you’re looking for the chillest hostel in Kathmandu, the search is over. This hostel is an absolute dream – with a cafe on-site and an open garden area there are loads of places to chill, read or journey. Soak in the beautiful views across the city and mountains. It’s the perfect home away from home during your stay in Kathmandu.
Hostel One96
Hostel One96 is a great choice for vegetarian travelers.
- Price: $
- Free towels
- No free breakfast
Hostel One96 is one of the best hostels for solo travelers in Kathmandu. Boasting a social environment and rooftop bar, Hostel One96 aims to connect their guests to Nepal, and are involved with a ton of local volunteering. This is a GREAT stay for vegetarians, as family-style optional dinners are held every night. Also there’s a cat on location, which is awesome.
Zen Bed and Breakfast
Well reviewed. Zen Bed and Breakfast is one of the best hostels in Nepal
- Price: $
- No freebies
Zen is a bed and breakfast and a hostel – best of both worlds! With a well reviewed staff, and rooftop access, Zen Bed and Breakfast gives decent bang for your buck. Unfortunately, breakfast is not included, but there is a restaurant on site and they offer to refill water bottles (which can add up in savings!).
Shree Tibet Family Guest House
Shee Tibet – A taste of Tibet in Kathmandu
- Price: $
- No freebies
Opened and run by a Tibetan family since 1992, this is one of the longest running and best hostels in Kathmandu. The rooftop is nice and has an ‘exotic’ garden, but the real value is it’s location, customer service, and cleanliness. This is a quiet hostel, and good if you are looking for a good rest at a good price.
Sweet Dreams Hostel
Sweet Dreams Hostel is a nice quiet hostel in Kathmandu
- Price: $$
- Free brekkie
Boasting free breakfast, a bar and music – what’s not to love about Sweet Dreams Hostel? Centrally located, this hostel is well reviewed and has advertises a large free breakfast. This is a quieter hostel, not as ideal for socializing, but a great way to get a good night’s rest for a decent price.
Why you should travel to Kathmandu
While there are a ton of cool hostels in Kathmandu, Alobar1000 is a fantastic choice for a decent price.
Alobar1000 – our top pick
Travel Safety Tips for Kathmandu
If want to learn more about staying safe in Nepal, then check out our comprehensive security guide here.
More Epic Hostels in Nepal and Asia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Kathmandu.
Planning an epic trip all across Nepal or even Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Asia, check out:
- Best hostels in Sri Lanka
- Best hostels in Delhi
- Best hostels in Beijing
- Best hostels in Yangon
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Kathmandu has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
