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Written by Finn Weber, Karen Price, Rahul Sharma
10/08/2025
Srikanth M, Pexels
Manali offers a lively backpacking scene with numerous hostels and guesthouses providing affordable stays and vibrant social opportunities.
1. The Social Stays Manali (formerly ArtBuzz)
Type: Hostel
This hostel offers a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for meeting fellow travelers. Guests frequently commend the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming environment. It features cozy rooms and inviting common areas perfect for relaxation and social interaction, often with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Zostel Old Manali
Type: Hostel
Known for its energetic social spaces, this hostel encourages interaction among guests. It provides clean and comfortable dorms, along with an on-site cafe serving food. The staff are generally welcoming and helpful, and the hostel often organizes daily activities like bonfires, fostering a sense of community.
3. goSTOPS Manali
Type: Hostel
Situated in Old Manali, this hostel is praised for its attentive staff and a large terrace that offers scenic views, serving as a popular spot for guests to gather. Rooms are noted for being clean and spacious. The common areas are designed to facilitate interaction, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a social stay.
4. Dormigo
Type: Hostel
Dormigo is a comfortable and welcoming option for backpackers seeking both nature and peace. It features a common area where guests can unwind and share stories. The atmosphere is consistently described as relaxing and inviting, often enhanced by friendly resident dogs, creating a homely feel for travelers.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.