Moustache Group of Hotels opens new backpacker hostel in Gangtok
Moustache Group of Hotels opens new backpacker hostel in Gangtok
Moustache Group of Hotels has announced the launch of its newest backpacker hostel in Gangtok, Sikkim, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s aggressive expansion strategy focused on India’s fast-growing youth-travel market. The opening strengthens Moustache’s presence in emerging travel regions while reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most dynamic hostel chains.
With this launch, the company has confirmed plans to add more than 40 new hostels by FY 2028 across high-demand destinations including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These additions will complement the brand’s existing portfolio of 18 hostels, further accelerating its growth across India.
Entry into the Northeast Tourism Market
The Gangtok hostel marks Moustache Group’s formal entry into the Northeast tourism market, a region witnessing unprecedented growth in both domestic and international travel. The Northeast has increasingly gained global attention, with a recent The New York Times report listing Assam as the fourth must-visit destination globally, citing its uncrowded landscapes, rising international recognition and improved accessibility.
According to data from HVS ANAROCK, the northeastern region recorded 12.781 million domestic tourist visits and 0.244 million foreign arrivals in 2024. Air traffic in the region reached a record 11.2 million passengers during the same year, highlighting how enhanced connectivity is unlocking previously untapped travel markets.
Why Gangtok Was the Natural Starting Point
Explaining the choice of Gangtok as the launch destination, Abhishek Khandelwal, Founder and Director, Moustache Group of Hotels, noted the city’s strong appeal among travellers: “Gangtok is one of the most visited destinations in the Northeast with over 1.6 million domestic travellers arriving in 2023. For Moustache, Gangtok offered the right launchpad for this region because it brings culture, community, and adventure into one place. We see a thriving traveller base here and this hostel is built to serve that energy.”
Known for its vibrant culture, scenic landscapes and adventure opportunities, Gangtok aligns closely with Moustache’s community-driven and experiential travel philosophy.
A Long-Term Roadmap for the Northeast
Outlining the brand’s future plans, Deepak Agarwal, Founder and Director, Moustache Group of Hotels, shared insights into the company’s broader vision for the region: “The Northeast is core to our long-term strategy. We are actively exploring Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, Pelling and Yuksom in Sikkim, Tawang in Assam, Dimapur in Nagaland, and Ziro in Arunachal as our next potential destinations. These locations have a growing backpacker culture which makes them a natural fit for Moustache Hostels. Our Hostels vertical will continue to lead this push since it is designed to be accessible, social, and traveller-first.”
Strengthening a Youth-Focused Travel Ecosystem
With its Gangtok opening and ambitious expansion roadmap, Moustache Group of Hotels continues to strengthen its ecosystem-driven approach to hospitality. By targeting destinations with strong backpacker appeal and rising connectivity, the brand aims to create vibrant social spaces that resonate with India’s evolving youth-travel community.
As interest in experiential and community-led travel grows, Moustache’s strategic entry into the Northeast positions it well to capitalise on one of India’s most promising tourism regions in the years ahead.
