Planet Nomad Hostel By Shantipur

The owner is the sweetest person, and the location is perfect. The rooftop is great too. The bed seemed clean and was okay, and I saw the sheets being changed. They provide towels. The rooms had mould and smelled of the nearby restaurant. The showers weren't clean, and adjusting the hot water was hard. There was also too much noise around the hostel. On both nights I stayed, someone arrived in the middle of the night and knocked heavily on the entrance door, waking everyone. This isn't the hostel's fault, but a different entrance system might work better for late arrivals.

I came for one night and ended up staying 2 months. I've heard too many similar stories about this place. The travelers and locals you meet here are incredible. If you want to meet the nicest people, this is the place. The rooftop feels a bit magical, with an amazing view from above the city. There aren't any chairs, and maybe that's part of its charm. Everyone lounges or sits back on the mattresses. If you need time to rest and enjoy life, you've found your new home.

Didi is so personable, a smart lady with a long and fascinating life story. The owner is lovely, and staying here feels like joining a big, ever changing family. The rooftop is a great place to meet people, and it feels as if life brings the right people together there. The rooms are alright, though the beds are a bit hard and the sheets a bit thin for winter. You can usually get extra sheets. It's all a bit DIY, but the warm showers usually work fine. The location is a little hidden despite being right in Thamel, so there's no loud street nextdoor. If you're after luxury, this isn't the place. For character, a homely feeling, and connecting with people, it's the best.

At Planet Nomad, the dorms are roomy, and they can provide towels and tissue paper if you need them. The gas-heated shower stays hot around the clock. The hostel is in a Thamel neighbourhood with lots of restaurants, including local places for an authentic meal. The didi who works there was friendly and really helpful.