McLeod Ganj · Dharamshala · Himachal Pradesh
A family-run hostel on the rooftop of McLeod Ganj — five hundred metres from the Dalai Lama Temple, and the best view of the Dhauladhar valley you'll find in town.
A note from the host
I've been running Backpackers Inn with my family for years. Every guest who climbs those hundred stone steps becomes a part of our story. Some come for a night and stay a week. Some come once and never stop coming back. Come as a guest — leave as a friend.
— Ganesh Thakur, Host & Owner
“Wake up, pull the curtain, and there's the whole valley.
Rooms
Fifteen rooms, most with private balconies facing the Dhauladhar range. Pick the one that fits your trip — and say hi to Ganesh when you arrive.
Wake up, pull the curtain, and you're looking straight at the Dhauladhar range. Most guests say this is the one they come back for.
Clean, warm, with everything you need and nothing you don't. Hot chai five minutes away on the rooftop.
The cheapest bed in McLeod Ganj with a view of the mountains. Bunks, blankets, lockers, and a new best friend by breakfast.
For small groups and families. Ganesh will put you all on the same floor if you ask — he's done it a hundred times.
The rooftop kitchen
Three flights up from reception, the rooftop café is where most of the hostel ends up at some point in the day — for coffee, for masala chai, for a plate of something warm while the sun drops behind the ridgeline.
“I can't emphasise how much I loved their masala chai.”
Things to do
McLeod Ganj is small. Almost everything worth doing is within walking distance — and Ganesh's team can point you at the rest.
Every night, weather permitting. Pull up a chair, bring your guitar if you have one, meet everyone.
The trailhead is ten minutes from our door. Ganesh's team will tell you exactly when to leave, what to pack, and where to stop for chai.
Ask at reception — we'll set you up with a scooty at the best local rate. Dal Lake and Naddi in a day, easy.
Tushita Meditation Centre is 250 metres up the hill — a four-minute walk. Daily drop-in sessions, no experience needed.
Adventure
Triund is the crown jewel of Dharamshala. It's an easy trek that rewards you with the most spectacular view of the Dhauladhar range on one side and the Kangra valley on the other.
Whether you're looking for a day hike or a night under the stars, Ganesh can arrange everything. From guides who know every shortcut to camping gear that keeps the mountain chill at bay.
"The trek to Triund was the highlight of our trip. Ganesh from Backpackers Inn arranged the guide and tents. Waking up to the Dhauladhar peaks is something we'll never forget."
Let's be honest
Every review mentions them. So let's get it out of the way.
Yes, there are roughly a hundred stone steps between Jogiwara Road and our front door. No, there's no elevator. No, we can't move the mountain.
But yes — Ganesh's team will meet you at the road and carry your bags. And yes, the view when you make it up is exactly why the climb is worth it.
If stairs are a problem for you— message us before booking and we'll figure something out. Not everyone has to climb with a backpack.
What guests say
Eight years of five-star reviews across every major platform — and a host most guests remember by name.
“Gorgeous views from the social roof terrace space and friendly accommodating staff who offer great food. The starting point to the breathtaking Triund hill hike at the foot of the Himalayas. All round great stay, would highly recommend.”
“Backpackers Inn is the loveliest place I've stayed in throughout all my 4 months of travel in Asia. This place ticks all the boxes: super friendly staff, beautiful views, amazing vibe, cheap, clean beds, perfect location, great facilities, yummy food. Ganesh is the most accommodating and friendly owner you'll ever meet.”
“We came to McLeod Ganj for 5 days. Stumbled upon this place just by chance. We booked it for 1 night and ended up staying for 5 days straight. Clean rooms, very helpful staff, breakfast with a stunning view of sunrise, bonfire every night.”
“This was my 6th visit to Backpackers Inn. I'm in love with this little space in McLeod Ganj.”
“I loved everything about Backpackers. People, food and The View. I went to McLeod Ganj as a solo traveller and came back with so many good friends and happy memories.”
“Absolutely loved this place. The rooms are clean and hygienic, the place is quaint & peaceful. The staff was so generous to us — I can't emphasise how much I loved their masala chai.”
“The best place you will find to stay in McLeod Ganj. Amazing humble staff. Food is nice, price is affordable, and owner Ganesh bhai is a really great host. The hostel vibe is amazing. Coming again for sure.”
“Eagles soaring, snow peaks catching the sun. The best rooftop view in McLeod Ganj and a host who actually cares. Don't miss it.”
“Gorgeous views from the social roof terrace space and friendly accommodating staff who offer great food. The starting point to the breathtaking Triund hill hike at the foot of the Himalayas. All round great stay, would highly recommend.”
“Backpackers Inn is the loveliest place I've stayed in throughout all my 4 months of travel in Asia. This place ticks all the boxes: super friendly staff, beautiful views, amazing vibe, cheap, clean beds, perfect location, great facilities, yummy food. Ganesh is the most accommodating and friendly owner you'll ever meet.”
“We came to McLeod Ganj for 5 days. Stumbled upon this place just by chance. We booked it for 1 night and ended up staying for 5 days straight. Clean rooms, very helpful staff, breakfast with a stunning view of sunrise, bonfire every night.”
“This was my 6th visit to Backpackers Inn. I'm in love with this little space in McLeod Ganj.”
“I loved everything about Backpackers. People, food and The View. I went to McLeod Ganj as a solo traveller and came back with so many good friends and happy memories.”
“Absolutely loved this place. The rooms are clean and hygienic, the place is quaint & peaceful. The staff was so generous to us — I can't emphasise how much I loved their masala chai.”
“The best place you will find to stay in McLeod Ganj. Amazing humble staff. Food is nice, price is affordable, and owner Ganesh bhai is a really great host. The hostel vibe is amazing. Coming again for sure.”
“Eagles soaring, snow peaks catching the sun. The best rooftop view in McLeod Ganj and a host who actually cares. Don't miss it.”
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The neighborhood
The team
Ganesh runs Backpackers Inn with a team that's stayed almost as long as he has. Eight years of reviews mention them by name — so we're doing the same.
Host & Owner
Will carry your bag up the stairs if you'd let him. Probably will anyway.
Front desk
Knows every bus time, every trek, every chai spot in town.
Hospitality
The guy who remembers your name before you've unpacked.
Guest experience
Will probably end up being your favourite person at the hostel.
Housekeeping
Rooftop kitchen
Makes the masala chai everyone talks about.
Kitchen
Ask him what he feels like cooking. That's dinner.
In charge of naps
They come for love, not food.
Gallery
Book direct
No OTA fees. Faster replies. And the person you're messaging is the person running the place.