Pokhara · Nepal
Kiwi Backpackers Hostel Pokhara
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Hostelworld
BE AWARE! BED BUGS! Don’t go to this hostel. There are bedbugs in at least 3 rooms!
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Confirmed Google Maps
BED BUGS - BE AWARE Currently bed-bug infestation in the hostel. My legs and another girls in my rooms were attached and are disgusting. I've had to put my trip on hold as I recover from the bites and also spend money on medical advice, medication, and treatment. AVOID!!
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Confirmed Hostelworld
AWARE - BEG BUGS Please be aware there are currently bed bugs in the 8-person dorm. DO NOT book this room. Cleanliness of the rooms and bathrooms also less than desirable. Otherwise, great social environment and roof top.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Honestly as a fellow kiwi it disappoints me to say that this is simply not it. The staff are great but the building is old, dirty, and the facilities are piss poor including the bedding. This hostel has no affiliation to New Zealanders and it shows. There is a SIGNIFICANTLY better hostel next door. I have been staying at this SIGNIFICANTLY better hostel for a few weeks now and suggest you do the same. A friend also got bed bug bites at Kiwi.
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Confirmed Google Maps
Great hostel but sadly they have been dealing with a couple of issues lately, namely an isolated norovirus epidemic in the hostel as well as bed bugs. Their response to these issues was to increase hygiene, which they do very well and I support. However it appears to be insufficient to get rid of the problem. The most annoying part was that the owner got extremely defensive when the issue was addressed, instead of being apologetic or understanding. A shame, because otherwise this is a 9+ star rating hostel.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
wonderful place with amazing atmosphere and facilities. hoooowever, staff is not being transparent to their guests - there has been a virus going around for over a month and there are bed bugs in some rooms, but when asked about these matters you will hear different stories from different staff. they are not planning to close down to disinfect the place, instead they plan to keep the hostel open. quite disappointing
HostelPunk native reviews
First-party field notes
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Vibe Analysis
The rooftop bar is the Kiwi move: hammocks, drinks, sunrise and sunset views, and on clear days a big Himalayan backdrop. It is the main social engine here, with breakfast and evening hangs making it easy to find trekking partners, new friends, or just a soft landing after Pokhara logistics. The hostel leans social but not full chaos. There are several common sitting areas, a yoga room, occasional activities like a momo cooking class, and staff who can help with treks, buses, day trips, gear rental, and local advice. Names like Bipsy, Maya, Pawan, Prem, Arjun, and Madan stand out as part of the place’s personality, especially around the bar, reception, and trekking help. Rooms are usually clean and comfortable, with hot showers, lockers or storage, keycard access in some dorms, and both dorm and private options. Free breakfast is a real part of the rhythm, though simple. The location is handy for Lakeside, the lake, shops, markets, restaurants, and still seems tucked away enough for a calmer Pokhara base.
Signals to check
- Some dorms can get hot, stuffy, or cramped, especially larger rooms, and fans or chargers may not always work reliably.
- Breakfast can be slow, fairly simple, and limited for vegan options.
- Laundry is a weak spot: it may be expensive, and there are problems with mixed-up, smelly, damp, or damaged clothes.
- There are serious hygiene caveats in the history, including bed bugs reported in the 8-person dorm in May 2025 and stomach-bug or virus problems in 2023 and March 2025.
- A small number of incidents involve rude owner behavior, intimidation, privacy problems in a private room, and alleged racist language.