Flying Dutchman Hostel

Flying Dutchman Hostel is a pet-friendly hostel in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, sitting within easy reach of Assi Ghat — one of the city's quieter, more walkable ghats and a surprisingly decent base for exploring the city with a dog. The property is described by guests as brand new, clean, and well-maintained, with a tree-filled campus that gives the grounds a calm, garden-like feel. If you're travelling solo or as a couple with a dog and want an affordable base in Varanasi without leaving your pet behind at home, this is one of the very few hostel options in the city that explicitly allows pets — with the important caveat that pets are only permitted in private rooms, not dorms.

The Setting

Flying Dutchman Hostel takes its name from the legend of the 18th-century ghost ship — a fitting metaphor for a place where travellers describe feeling lost from the reel world and connected to the real one. The campus is notably green for an urban hostel: multiple reviewers specifically mention the tree cover and garden area as highlights of the property. One guest described the location as very close to Assi Ghat, with the campus filled with trees that make the grounds feel vibrant rather than claustrophobic. For a dog that needs some outdoor time between walks, the garden area is a meaningful plus in a city where most accommodation options are tightly packed urban buildings with no outdoor space at all.

Assi Ghat itself — the southernmost of Varanasi's famous ghats on the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh — is a short walk from the property. It tends to be less crowded than Dashashwamedh Ghat, which can make early morning walks with a dog more manageable. Nearby landmarks confirmed by guests include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and Durga Temple, all accessible from this part of the city. The hostel's position in the Dumraon Colony area of Assi puts it in a residential pocket of Varanasi rather than the most hectic tourist corridors.

Pet Policy — What's Confirmed

The confirmed pet policy is straightforward: pets are allowed in private rooms only. Dormitory bookings are not an option if you're travelling with a dog. This is a reasonable and common policy for hostels that accept pets — it protects guests in shared sleeping spaces while still giving pet parents access to affordable accommodation. What is not yet confirmed: whether there is a pet fee, any weight or breed restriction, or a limit on the number of pets per room. Before booking, call the property directly on 096955 53787 to get clarity on these specifics. If you're travelling with a large breed, it's especially worth confirming in advance.

One practical note for pet parents: Varanasi's streets can be extremely busy, and the ghat areas near the river see heavy foot traffic, street dogs, and narrow lanes. Your dog will need to be reasonably comfortable with urban chaos and other animals. The hostel's tree-filled campus gives you a relatively calm space to decompress after city walks, which is genuinely useful context when choosing a base in this city.

What We Haven't Confirmed Yet

Several things are worth verifying directly with the property before you book. Pet charges — whether there is a per-night fee or a one-time deposit — are currently unknown. The maximum pet size or breed policy has not been confirmed. It is also unclear whether the garden area is freely accessible to guests with pets at all hours, or whether there are designated times or zones. The hostel does not appear to advertise pet-specific amenities such as dog bowls, beds, or waste bags, so come prepared with your own supplies. Parking is flagged by at least one reviewer as a limitation — if you're road-tripping to Varanasi with your dog, factor in that on-site parking may be limited or unavailable, and plan accordingly.