goSTOPS Rishikesh is a hostel-style stay in the Laxman Jhula area, the part of town where most backpackers, yoga students and independent travellers congregate. The neighbourhood is lined with cafes, bookshops, yoga studios, rooftop restaurants and small shops, and you can reach the river on foot in a few minutes. Hostels of this kind typically offer a choice of dorm beds and private rooms, shared lounges and a social atmosphere, which makes them a good fit for solo travellers who want to meet others and share rafting or trekking plans. In a town where many rooms are tied to an ashram or a simple guesthouse, a hostel offers flexibility, modern basics and an easy way to find companions. The trade-off is noise and lower privacy than a hotel, though private rooms help. Prices are generally among the lowest in the area, which leaves more of the budget for activities such as rafting, the cooking class and day trips.
Location and getting around
The Laxman Jhula and Tapovan area sits on the east bank of the Ganges and is a lively but walkable zone. Access to the old Laxman Jhula bridge has been restricted at times in recent years, so ask the hostel how guests cross the river. Many activity operators and taxis can collect you at the door, and the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan is a short ride away. Hills behind the hostel mean some lanes are steep, so pack light.
Rooms and the rest
Expect dorms with bunk beds and lockers, private rooms for couples and small groups, and a shared common area for meals, games and events. Hostels in Rishikesh often arrange yoga sessions, movie nights, treks and group activities, though schedules differ, so check what is on while you are there. Food in town is vegetarian, and alcohol is limited, so the social side tends to revolve around chai, music and cafes. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
Who it suits and what to know: it is ideal for solo travellers, backpackers on a budget and groups of friends who want a lively base. Families and travellers who want quiet may prefer a private hotel. Book early in the busy months of October to March and around festival weekends, check the cancellation policy, and confirm the check-in time if you arrive on an overnight bus from Delhi. Women travelling alone can ask about female dorms. Verify current facilities and rates before you book.
Making the most of it
Use the hostel's common spaces to find rafting partners and trekking companions, and ask the staff for current tips on cafes, classes and quiet corners. Keep your passport and valuables in a locker, and carry a padlock if one is not supplied. Early starts for rafting or Kunjapuri are easy to arrange from here, which makes this a handy base for adventure days.
Why stay here
- ✓Dorm beds and private rooms
- ✓Social lounge
- ✓Walk to cafes and yoga studios
- ✓Near the Laxman Jhula riverside
- ✓Group activities and treks
- ✓Lockers for belongings
- ✓Vegetarian food nearby
- ✓Tour and rafting pickups
Good questions
Is it good for solo travellers?+
Yes. Hostels like this are built for meeting people and sharing activities, and private rooms are an option if you want quiet.
Is it near the river?+
It is in the Laxman Jhula area, a short walk from the Ganges and the riverside cafes.
Is alcohol allowed?+
Alcohol is restricted in much of Rishikesh, so do not expect a bar scene. Check the hostel's rules.
