The company has launched 51 properties to date and will be opening all its properties in the next few months.

While the multi-tier impact of COVID-19 has been felt across industries, the travel and hospitality sector has perhaps been hit the hardest. Now, as the sector gradually gets back on its feet, leading industry players are gearing up to offer safe and seamless services to their customers. Against this backdrop, Zostel, a community-led experience-driven ecosystem, resumes operations across more than half of its properties while following stringent safety guidelines. The brand also launches a new ZostelX Home in Shangarh to offer new and exciting options to travelers embarking on their post-lockdown plans.

Falling under the ecozone of the Great Himalayan National Park in the quaint Sainj Valley in Kullu, Shangarh is a small, picturesque town. The ZostelX Home in Shangarh is situated amid a wide expanse of forested mountains and is doused in scenic beauty. The property boasts a vast common area that invites guests to unwind by soaking in the serene solitude of the valley or by playing games with friends, and a bonfire area in the garden for a quintessential evening. The ZostelX Home also offers cozy dorm rooms and private rooms that offer stunning views of the misty mountains along with scrumptious in-house meals that are served hot and prepared in hygienic conditions.

Furthermore, the prime location presents the opportunity for guests to indulge in a myriad of activities including treks in the Great Himalayan National Park Zone, evening walks in the sprawling meadows around the property where the revered Sanchgul Mahadev temple is located, drives around the lush green valleys, and a relaxing day at Barshangarh waterfalls with the surrounding villages of Goshati and Darari offering a glimpse into rural lives. With something for all, backpackers can visit the Tirthan Valley which is a mere 2-hour drive away, to experience the region’s chic cafes and hike-worthy surroundings.

For those who simply prefer to relax and enjoy leisurely activities, Shangarh offers a fulfilling birdwatching experience for keen birdwatchers. Lucky ones may even spot the rare Western Tragopan or the iridescent Monal, along with the Ultramarine Flycatcher, Common Rosefinch, and the long-tailed Minivet. A stargazer’s joy, the luminescent night sky littered with stars makes for a perfect ending to the day.

Speaking on the launch of the new property and resuming operations, Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, Co-founder & CEO, Zostel said, “At Zostel, we strive to offer new and unparalleled travel experiences and our Shangarh home does just that. It is the perfect place to visit for solo backpackers, family, and friends, anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. There are a plethora of activities for guests to engage in and Zostel is committed to ensuring their experiences are out-of-the-world. We are also delighted to announce that we have resumed operations in 40 of our hostels and homes with strict safety protocols for top-notch hygiene. We have already registered an enthusiastic response from travelers towards our sites and expect more bookings in the coming months.”

Apart from launching its exceptional new property, Zostel has also resumed operations in 40 of its hostels and homes in various locations across the country including Alleppey, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bir, Coorg, Delhi, Gokarna, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Leh, Manali, Kodaikanal, Mussoorie, Mysore, Ooty, and Theog, amongst others. This is a time when safety is paramount, and the fast-growing brand is taking all necessary measures to ensure it adheres to the best practices of hygiene. Right from disposable face masks offered to guests, hand sanitizers placed in all common areas, and strict, regular housekeeping schedules to sanitize the rooms and common areas, Zostel is leaving no stone unturned to provide guests with a safe and comfortable experience.