A practical checklist of what most hostels in Nepal actually ask for before move-in, so you're not caught unprepared on your first day.
Requirements vary somewhat by hostel, but there's a fairly consistent set of documents most hostels in Nepal will ask for before you move in. Having these ready in advance saves you an awkward, avoidable delay on move-in day.
What's typically required
- A copy of your citizenship certificate or passport — standard identity verification almost every hostel will ask for.
- A recent passport-size photo or two, often needed for the hostel's own resident records.
- Proof of college or program enrollment, if you're a student — an admission letter or student ID is usually sufficient.
- A guarantor's contact information, commonly a parent or guardian, especially for students moving to a new city for the first time.
What to bring in terms of payment
- The first month's rent, obviously, but confirm the exact amount and whether it includes anything beyond the room itself (meals, utilities).
- An admission or security deposit, commonly somewhere in the range of NPR 2,000–4,000, though this varies by hostel — always confirm the exact amount and whether it's refundable before paying.
Questions worth asking before you pay anything
- Is the deposit refundable, and under what conditions?
- What is the notice period if you need to leave mid-semester?
- Is there a written agreement, even an informal one, confirming the terms you were told verbally?
A simple rule
Get anything important in writing, even a text message confirming the agreed price and deposit terms. Verbal agreements are common in Nepal's hostel market, but having something in writing protects you if there's ever a disagreement later about what was actually promised.
Ready to find a hostel? Browse verified listings and confirm exact requirements directly with your shortlist before moving day.