3 Best Hostels In Mukteshwar

3 Best Hostels In Mukteshwar

Situated in the Kumaon Hills in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar is a hamlet that is a sight for sore eyes with sky-kissing mountain tops and enchanting, scenic surroundings. It is the perfect destination for those who enjoy trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, and camping; and wish to reward themselves with the 180° view of the mighty Himalayan Peaks. Every year adventurers from across the country and the globe visit this gem of a village, and hostels are a popular choice of stay for many. So we bring you the best hostels in Mukteshwar to choose from for your next backpacking trip.

3 Best Hostels In Mukteshwar

  1. goSTOPS Mukteshwar
  2. Zostel Mukteshwar
  3. The Hosteller

1. goSTOPS Mukteshwar

goSTOPS Mukteshwar seems like a place straight out of a backpacker’s mountain dreams, surrounded by lush green oak, deodar, and pine forest. Located at a short distance from the famous town of Nainital, the hostel is nestled away from the usual hustle and bustle of the town. It offers a spectacular view of Himalayan ranges and green valleys from the open balcony. After an invigorating day exploring the scenic town and mountain slopes, the colorful and lively dorms of goSTOPS are the best place to recharge and socialize with fellow backpackers. It is an epicenter for funny anecdotes and bizarre stories that simply cannot be missed!

The property offers accommodation options like four-bed and six-bed mixed dorms, six-bed female dorms, and deluxe rooms. It has a vibrant and warm atmosphere, decked with yellow couches and seats, and colorful furniture. The rooms offer a breathtaking view of the mountains and are fully furnished. If you’re planning a workation, the hostel also provides a separate workspace for guests with free WiFi, long tables, and chairs. There is even a spacious lounge room, with a gaming area, a foosball, and a billiards table. The surrounding grounds have several bonfire pits, wooden swing sets, and an outdoor dining area.

Food Availability: The accommodation provides its guests with food throughout the day, at an extra charge. The menu is limited but the food is delicious. There are several cafés and restaurants that are located in the neighborhood, which serve a variety of cuisines and dishes.

Accessibility: The closest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is located 88.4 km from the hostel, while the nearest railway station is the Kathgodam Railway Station, which is 54.6 km away. Kathgodam Station is well-connected to major cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata; so if you can’t find direct trains you can try one of these alternatives and then switch trains to reach Kathgodam. From the station, a cab journey will take only about 2 hours. From the airport, you can hail a shared cab or a private taxi, and it will take about 3 hours to reach the hostel.

Ideal For: Working professionals, backpackers, and solo travelers. 

Rate: The rates at goSTOPS start at INR 499 per night.

Location: goSTOPS Mukteshwar, Gram-Gahanna Patti, Mukteshwar, 263132.

Also read: Skiing In Auli Uttarakhand - By Unstumbled

Blue peaks seen from Mukteshwar

2. Zostel Mukteshwar

Zostel Mukteshwar is a backpacking hostel that overlooks the expansive hills and is a rejuvenating hub for travelers who love the mountains. The hostel is situated on top of a hill slope and towers over the quaint town. It offers an unhindered view of the snowclad mountains, the mist rolling down their slopes, and spruces of pine trees dotting the slopes. Zostel is a two-storeyed, blue and white, cottage-style building that captures the essence of travel and the spirit of nature. The interiors and decor reflect the same and exude a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

You can picture the hostel with couches, big pillows, bean bags, and beautiful wooden furniture. The walls display amazing graffiti and murals depicting travel and abstract thought, which certainly adds to its charm. Each floor has a wrap-around terrace that overlooks the enchanting mountain view. The property offers eight-bed, six-bed, and four-bed mixed dorms, four-bed female dorms, and standard double rooms. The covered rooftop is converted into the lounge area, with a pseudo red brick wall, grass carpet, and oversized couches and bean bags. With carrom boards spread across the lounge, it’s also a great spot to unwind and relax after a hectic day of trekking or mountain climbing.

Food Availability: The establishment has an in-house café that prepares fresh home-cooked meals for its guests. The café has a detailed menu of a variety of cuisines and dishes. There are a handful of amazing cafés and restaurants located near the hostel as well.

Accessibility: The Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport and is 83.9 km away. You can hire a shared taxi or a private cab directly to the hostel, and it will take you about 3 hours to reach. If you’re planning to travel by train, the Kathgodam Railway Station is the closest station. If you can’t seem to find direct trains reaching Kathgodam, you can travel up to Delhi and then take a train to Kathgodam. From the station, the hostel is a 2-hour journey via cab.

Ideal For: Bachelors, unmarried couples, working professionals, backpackers, and solo travelers.

Rate: The rates at Zostel Mukteshwar start at INR 499 per night.

Location: Colonel's Cottage, Dhari Road, Village Gajar, Kasiyalekh Post, Mukteshwar 263136.

Also read: The Mesmerizing Valley Of Flowers Trek In Uttarakhand

A rustic cottage in Mukteshwar

3. The Hosteller

The Hosteller Mukteshwar is an escape from the monotonous routine of city life with rustic, homely, and cozy cottage units. Perched on the mountainside, it overlooks the majestic Himalayan mountains, snow-capped peaks, lush green conifers, and a thick blanket of mist. The hostel has several common areas like the terraces, the lounge room, the outdoor seating area, and the games room. Each of these is decked with comfy and colorful chairs and oversized pillows that offer a laidback charm to the property. The Hosteller, being a backpacking hostel chain, is a popular choice of stay for travelers and trekkers across the country. So, you’re in for amazing backpacking stories and a lifetime of memories during your stay here!

You’ll have three cozy private rooms and three spacious dorms at the hostel to choose from, making it the perfect getaway for your squad. It is also equipped with a big common room, an in-house kitchen, and two spread-out garden areas for those late afternoon walks to soak up the sun. The decor is simple and rustic with all-wood furnishings that seamlessly blend with the natural beauty surrounding it. The rooms are compact with all necessary amenities and minimal decor and are rather cozy and home-like. With the yellow and gray theme that goes well with the rustic wooden interiors, the rooms truly seem like a cabin in the mountains!

Food Availability: The in-house restaurant provides its guests with an all-Indian menu. The hostel provides delicious and healthy meals throughout the day on an à la carte basis. You can also find numerous cafés and restaurants in the vicinity if you’re in the mood for fast food or quick snacks. 

Accessibility: If you’re traveling by air, the Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to The Hosteller, which is 85.8 km away. From the airport, you can hail a private or shared cab to reach the hostel, and the journey would take about 3 hours. If you’re planning to travel via train, the closest railway station is the Kathgodam Railway Station, which is 52 km away. To reach Kathgodam, you can either check for direct trains or take a train from Delhi. From the station, the hostel is about 2 hours away via a cab ride.

Ideal For: Solo travelers, backpackers, professionals on a workation, unmarried couples, and bachelors.

Rate: The rates at The Hosteller start at INR 499 per night.

Location: Ghosla Resort, Sunderkhaal, Mukteshwar, 263132

Also read: Traveling To Uttarakhand During Covid

Summing Up

Mukteshwar is blessed with a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas, lush forests with rare flora and fauna, and tranquil solitude. And its location makes it a haven for adventurers and backpackers. Solidarity is surely a perk of traveling alone, but if you’re looking for some warm camaraderie then the various backpacker's hostels are the perfect place to get your healthy dose of lively conversations and quirky anecdotes from!

An enchanting view of the mountains from Mukteshwar

FAQs

Why Is Mukteshwar Famous?

Mukteshwar is one of the best hill stations near Nainital. It has numerous fruit orchards, coniferous forests, lush green trails, and narrow lanes that make Mukteshwar a special destination for trekking. Apart from trekking, camping, and paragliding, Mukteshwar is also known for rock climbing and rappelling, and hence is a famous tourist destination for adventure seekers.

How Many Days Are Sufficient For Mukteshwar?

Ideally, 2-3 days are enough to explore Mukteshwar, as it is a small hill station. But if you’re looking to disconnect from the world for some time, a week in Mukteshwar will do you wonders! Many travelers visit Mukteshwar, spend 2 days here and then move to explore Nainital, which is another famous tourist destination in Uttarakhand.

How Do You Travel Around Mukteshwar?

Mukteshwar is well-connected by road. Buses are easily available from ISBT to Haldwani, Nainital, Almora, and Mukteshwar. Taxis are also easily available to reach and travel around Mukteshwar. Many private buses also run from the neighboring cities to reach the village in Kumaon.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Mukteshwar?

The weather in Mukteshwar remains pleasant all through the year, so the best time to visit Mukteshwar is any time of the year. The period from the month of March to May marks the summer season in this town. The days are warm and the nights are pretty cool. You can enjoy numerous festivals, paragliding, trekking tours, and rock climbing during this time.

Does Mukteshwar Have Snowfall?

Mukteshwar experiences snowfall from December to late February. Winters can be very cold as the town experiences heavy snowfall. The mountains are laden with snow during this time of the year, making it a perfect time for those who want to explore Mukteshwar in all its winter glory.

Is Mukteshwar Worth Visiting?

Mukteshwar is one of the best hill stations near Nainital. Located just 51 km from Nainital, this amazing hill station is a famous tourist destination for adventure seekers. Trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding are some of the thrilling activities for you to explore in Mukteshwar.

How Is The Road From Nainital To Mukteshwar?

The road from Nainital to Mukteshwar is very good and is two-laned. The best route runs from Nainital-Bhowali-Ramgarh-Mukteshwar, as there is very less traffic on this road and the drive is smooth.

How Do I Get To Mukteshwar?

You can reach Mukteshwar either by road or rail. You can either hire a taxi or can travel by bus to reach Mukteshwar from Delhi. Trains are also available to reach Mukteshwar from Delhi. You can go by train to Kathgodam, which is 61 km away, and from there you can board a bus or taxi to reach Mukteshwar.