Recently i visited Dalhousie in December with two of my friends. We booked ZOSTEL DALHOUSIE for four nights .
I am glad i am writing this review to this platform that is going to help a lot of you all reading this post .
General information :
Location
Zostel Dalhousie is located a bit far from the main tourist areas of dalhousie .
It will cost you around 300 rs from Gandhi Chowk (which the center of Dalhousie).
If you are getting down at State Bus Stop bargain a little to go the zostel . We were late and tired so payed 500 rs which was quite high than usual .
My suggestion is if you are a backpacker and dont have issue in exploring dalhousie on foot you can opt of zostel . As you can't afford 300 rs for one way from
zostel to dalhousie center point (gandhi chowk) .
There is no parking facility as in , if you owe your own car you can confirm about parking before hand.
Facilities :
If you are choosing Zostel you are backpacker so don't expect a luxury . But be rest assured it is very clean and all the basic facilities are provided by them .
- Clean bed sheets ,blanket and bed.
- Hot water is provided (Ask for it if you dont find geyser working they have tricks to keep it working)
- Locker is provided
- Heater is NOT included in the stay , though you can ask for it for 300 rs per night
- They provide hot water bag as well at 100 rs charge
- They have snow boots at 100 rs charge if you are planning for snow trekking as i did !! (Worth an experience)
- WiFi is all provided . Ask for password . They have different passwords and connection for restaurant and Rooms
Food:
Food is very good.
Do try Dal makhani if you are planning to stay .
Hot chocolate and Soup is very mandatory if you go to dalhousie in winters .
Just for your information Himachal pradesh uses "Haldi" (Turmeric) in good amount. So if you don't like haldi mention them to add small amount of it .
Staff :
Staff are young boys around 18-25 age group . They are very helpful and friendly .
You can ask for any help they would do it for you .
Personal Feedback (Directly from my heart consider it as a feeling)
View of zostel in morning and after sunset is just amazing . If you take a 360 degree view all you could see is tall pine-like trees , snow-cladded mountains
tiny sized houses in between though trees and mountains and a very amazing views of mountain covered with snow blanket far away .
It is like one of those views from a movie where you are surrounded by unbelievable nature
I have never felt that urge to stay silent and enjoy the serene beauty & views which were addictive .
Stay in zostel as a part of relaxation sipping a cup of coffee and looking at the snow all around .
Speaking about the night view , you can enjoy those twinkling stars clearly .
Suggestions for Zostel:
Warm drinking water should be available rather than asking for it to the staff whenever required.
There should be some fixed timings of common room chats and socializing (i know it is a hostel and people are here to connect to new people but rooms next to
common room can't wait till 2 AM at night for hostel mates to go and sleep as i have experienced a lot of noise till 1:30 - 2:00 AM)
It is quite dark near the staircase from where we get down to zostel . (Lighting should be improved)
Better Blankets would be recommended. The blanket provided is not enough for 0 degree - -3 degree temperature at night
Note :
Zostel Dalhousie is accessed through stair-case downwards . If you have fear of height you may find it difficult to use those staircase.
Carry an extra blanket if you are planning to stay in winters.
You may not find mobile networks once in zostel . During my trip only AIRTEL was accessible .
