Drawing inspiration from Europe’s backpacking culture, Zostel started its journey 12 years ago with just one hostel and has since evolved into the world’s largest franchise network of backpacker hostels.
“The brand has largely shaped the way for young and aspiring travellers to dream big, discover new destinations, and live life to its fullest,” says Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, co-founder & CEO of Zostel.
The brand today unlocks destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent. It’s not just about accommodation; it’s about curating experiences fuelled by a love for exploration. “We’ve been able to stand strong in this evolving and now popular travel segment by simply putting our (and everyone’s) love for travel first. From the individual who takes your booking queries in the central team to the local partner who opened the Zostel you’re visiting, nearly everyone in the system shares a deep passion for exploration,” explains Chouhan.
The company’s offerings now go far beyond hostels. With Zostel Homes, Zostel Plus, and Zo Trips, the brand caters to everyone, from digital nomads and solo backpackers to families and group travellers. “Zostel is now more than just a budget travel/backpacker hostel chain. We cater to young travellers looking for a social stay, digital nomads and budget backpackers, avid explorers venturing into remote parts of India, and even party groups and families seeking luxurious or experiential stays alike,” he notes.
With its Zo Trips offering, the world’s largest backpacker hostel chain enables travelers to embark on a wide range of adventures—from exploring remote villages in Arunachal Pradesh to attending music festivals in Shillong, and even setting off on international journeys like cruises in Vietnam or visits to UNESCO heritage sites in Georgia. As a result, by curating such diverse and immersive experiences, the hostel chain is successfully aligning itself with the evolving travel preferences of Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Zostel has developed new verticals to align with modern travel behaviors while holding onto its core ethos of community and exploration. “We recognized early on that the modern traveller is no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all hotel stays. They crave authenticity, comfort, and curated experiences. To cater to these varied needs while staying true to our community-first DNA, we developed Zostel Homes, Zostel Plus, and Zo Trips,” explains Chouhan.
In 2025, Zo Trips is on track to host 2.5 times more travellers than it did last year, with this year’s revenue already exceeding the total earnings from the previous year. Zostel Plus now accounts for 20% of the brand’s total stay revenue, while Zostel Homes has contributed 12% so far this year.
The long-term vision of the brand is to support offbeat destinations and local economies. Properties in places like Kaza and Bir are run by local teams, directly contributing to regional development. “Zostel’s long-term vision is rooted in democratizing travel by placing offbeat destinations and local communities at the heart of the experience,” he highlights. With a presence already in Nepal, Zostel is expanding globally, eyeing the USA, Southeast Asia, and more, with plans to add 1,000 beds outside India in the next two years.
Overall, the company’s rapid growth, global expansion, and evolving offerings—such as Zo Trips, Zostel Plus, and Zostel Homes—clearly reflect its strong alignment with modern travel trends. Consequently, Zostel continues to position itself as a top choice for Gen Z and millennial explorers seeking unique and meaningful travel experiences.
