Zostel, part of the Zo World ecosystem, has launched Zostel Kufri, a new-age mountain hostel located over 9,000 feet above sea level in Kufri, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. The launch marks the debut of India’s highest pickleball court and makes Zostel Kufri the only hostel in the country with a dedicated pickleball court, positioning the property as a bold shift, redefining how travellers experience the hills through sport, community, and shared moments.Located approximately 45 minutes from Shimla city, Zostel Kufri is now open which forms part of the brand’s strategic focus on experience-first mountain destinations. The defining feature of Zostel Kufri is its high-altitude pickleball court, the first ever at a hostel in India. Set against panoramic Himalayan views, the court brings sport to the centre of the social experience, reinforcing Zostel’s focus on community-led travel. Accessible, interactive, and inherently social, pickleball offers guests a shared activity that encourages connection without formality, perfectly aligned with how Valentine’s Day travel is evolving.

“At Zostel, we’ve always believed that travel is about human connection, not just destinations, and Zostel Kufri takes that philosophy to a new altitude. By introducing India’s highest pickleball court, we’re creating a space that inspires people to come together, share moments, and experience travel in a more open, meaningful way especially during occasions like Valentine’s Day” said Aviral Gupta, CEO at  Zostel and Zo World.

Zostel Kufri houses 33 rooms across 12 dormitories and 21 private rooms, catering to diverse travel styles. Dormitory options include standard 4-bed mixed and female dorms, along with deluxe 6-bed and 8-bed dorms, many featuring balconies and mountain views. Private accommodations include superior deluxe, deluxe, and standard rooms, with select categories offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills. It is designed to balance social energy with downtime. The interiors draw from colonial-inspired design elements, combining vintage character with modern comfort while reflecting the architectural heritage of the Shimla region.

The launch coincides with Valentine’s season travel trends, where hill destinations and experience-led stays are seeing increased demand. Recent industry trends and internal booking patterns indicate that destinations such as Udaipur, Manali, Rishikesh, Panchgani, Mussoorie, Shimla, and Agra are witnessing average occupancy growth of approximately 22%, driven by travellers prioritising cooler climates, outdoor settings, and shared activities over nightlife-centric destinations.

With Zostel Kufri, the brand continues to expand its focus on sport-led, community-first travel formats across emerging destinations. As travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections over scripted celebrations, Zostel’s approach reflects how occasions like Valentine’s Day are being redefined through play, people, and place rather than tradition.