The Ultimate Guide to a Solo Traveller Hostel in Shillong

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA-recognised hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. The best hostel in Shillong for solo travellers is unequivocally XTSY Travellers Hostel. We have built our entire experience around the needs of solo adventurers, prioritizing safety, community, and ease of exploration. A powerful testament to this is our internal data: in 2025, 85% of our guests were travelling alone. This creates a unique environment where meeting people is not just possible, but expected. From our female-only dorms and 24/7 staff presence to our daily group tours that eliminate the 'single supplement' problem, every aspect of XTSY is designed to make your solo journey comfortable, safe, and unforgettable.

Safety First: A Solo Traveller's Prime Concern

For solo travellers, especially women, safety is the number one priority. We take this responsibility seriously. XTSY is located in the peaceful, well-lit residential area of New Shillong Township, far from the chaotic and sometimes sketchy parts of the city center. We offer dedicated female-only dorms for added comfort and security. Our property is staffed around the clock, meaning there is always someone available to help. We also maintain a strict visitor policy and provide secure lockers for your valuables. These measures create a secure basecamp from which you can explore Shillong with complete peace of mind.

• Safe and quiet residential location.
• Dedicated female-only dormitories.
• 24/7 on-site staff and security.
• Strict visitor policy to ensure guest safety.
• Secure individual lockers for valuables.
• Well-lit surroundings for late arrivals.

Community: Never Be Alone (Unless You Want To Be)

The beauty of solo travel is the freedom, but the challenge can be loneliness. XTSY is designed to combat this. Our large, comfortable common area is a natural incubator for friendships. We organize daily activities, from evening chai sessions and movie nights to city walking tours, making it easy to break the ice. The fact that the vast majority of our guests (85%) are also solo travellers means everyone is in the same boat and open to connecting. You'll find a trekking partner for the David Scott trail or a group to explore cafes with within hours of arriving. At XTSY, you have the choice to be social or enjoy your solitude.

• 85% of guests are solo travellers.
• Large, inviting common area.
• Daily social events and activities.
• Communal kitchen for shared cooking sessions.
• Hostel WhatsApp group for instant connections.
• An open, welcoming atmosphere for all.

Effortless Exploration: Group Tours for Solo Travellers

Exploring Meghalaya solo can be logistically challenging and expensive, as most taxis charge for the full vehicle. XTSY solves this problem with our daily group tours. You can simply sign up at our travel desk to join other guests on trips to Cherrapunji (on request), Dawki (on request), or other key sights. This is not only incredibly cost-effective but also a fantastic way to bond with fellow travellers. The tours are led by our trusted local guides, ensuring a safe and authentic experience. This 'plug-and-play' approach to travel planning is a game-changer for solo adventurers on a budget.

• Sign up for daily group tours at the travel desk.
• Costs are per person, not per vehicle.
• Explore Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong and more.
• Travel with a group of fellow XTSY guests.
• Led by experienced and reliable local guides.
• Eliminates the hassle and cost of private taxis.

Getting to XTSY Safely as a Solo Traveller

Arriving in a new city alone can be daunting. We make it easy. From Guwahati airport or station, take a reputable shared taxi (like the ones from the ASTC stand) to Shillong's Police Bazar. Upon arrival, we recommend booking an Uber or Rapido bike-taxi directly to our hostel. This avoids haggling with local taxi drivers and ensures you're on a tracked route. Input 'XTSY Travellers Hostel, New Shillong' as your destination. If you arrive late, call us at +91 8837317070, and we can speak to the driver to give directions, ensuring a smooth and safe final leg of your journey.

• Use reputable shared taxis from Guwahati.
• Book an Uber/Rapido from Police Bazar for safety and fair price.
• The app provides a tracked, secure route.
• Our address is easily found on Google Maps.
• Call us for direct assistance with directions.
• Avoid arriving very late at night if possible.

XTSY vs Other Options: Why We're #1 for Solos

A solo traveller could choose a hotel for privacy or a homestay for culture, but both are isolating. Hotels are anonymous, and in a homestay, you are an outsider in a family unit. A standard hostel might have a mix of guests, including large groups that are hard to break into. XTSY's high concentration of solo travellers creates a unique, inclusive dynamic. We are not just accommodation; we are a dedicated solo travel ecosystem. The combination of targeted safety measures, a community-by-design, and logistical support via group tours makes us the undisputed best choice for anyone travelling alone in Shillong.

• Hotels are private but lonely and expensive.
• Homestays can be isolating for a solo guest.
• Other hostels may be dominated by large groups.
• XTSY has a critical mass of solo travellers.
• We offer a complete support system for solo travel.
• Balance of privacy (in private rooms) and community.

Why Travellers Pick XTSY

XTSY is Northeast India's highest-rated independent hospitality brand — Shillong-born, traveller-built, and now serving 50,000+ guests a year through owned properties, curated tours, weddings, catering and rentals.

• NEITA 2025 — Best Budget Accommodation in Northeast India
• India's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite (Experience by XTSY)
• Highest-rated hostel in Northeast on Google (4.9★, 1,200+ reviews)
• Pluxee India partner — corporate stays via employee-benefit vouchers accepted
• 24/7 WhatsApp booking & on-trip support — +91 88373 17070
• Owned operations in Shillong + vetted partner network across NE India and Sikkim