Nestled in the embrace of Nepal’s rural heartlands, the homestay experience offers more than a place to rest—it’s an intimate immersion into local culture.
Immersing yourself in famous temples and historic sites is not the only way to experience the essence of Nepal. You can live it too in the warm embrace of charming rural Nepali hospitality: local homestays.
Homestays began in Sirubari, Syangja, in 1997 and have since spread across Nepal.
A Growing Phenomenon
Imagine being in a tranquil, secluded village, untouched by crowds, surrounded by terraced fields and gentle hills. Started from a small village of Bhakunde of the Baglung district in Nepal in 2011 by nine families, homestay has made the village into a developed tourist hub. The locals do not simply rent out rooms and serve meals but tell stories and invite visitors to witness their culture, narratives, and daily lives.
This rise in homestay tourism has benefitted villages in nearby districts as well. Now, ten families in Chillikot, Dang, provide homestays with the sincerest representation of rich Nepali culture. Since it began in 2019, the homestay business has boosted the inhabitants’ spirit with an increase in their income. Homestays have become a sustainable source of income without compromising the culture and traditions.
Roots of Homestay Tourism in Nepal
Homestays in Nepal took off with a few pioneer villages; one of the first was Sirubari in the Syangja district in the late 1990s. Since then they have become one of the widely used concepts in tourism in Nepal, particularly in programs like the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme. Most of the provinces have different homestay services as of today, ranging from the tea gardens of Ilam to the religious sites in Ghachok located near the Machhapuchhre Himal.
Homestay: An authentic Experience
Unlike hotels, homestays offer a much more personal and intimate way to engage with the village and its natives. Visitors learn how to prepare local foods or try the local dances. In the rural municipality of Machhapuchhre of Ghachok, tourists can gain knowledge about the traditions and culture of the Gurung and Magar communities. Travellers can assimilate and become something more than mere observers, a part of the locality.
Homestay is about sustainability as well. Since it involves local sourcing of supplies, proper waste disposal, and discourages plastic usage, homestays promote sustainable tourism. When tourists choose homestays, they don’t have to worry about leaving an ‘imprint.’
Adventure along with nature
There are options of comfortable homestays near the mountains in Province 4 for those interested in Mardi trekking. Tasting locally sourced and Nepali dishes while gazing at the breathtaking views of the mountains certainly guarantees a memorable experience.
Likewise, the Sunakhari and Amaltari Community Homestays in Chitwan’s Buffer Zone expose guests to wildlife with jeep safaris, jungle walks, and elephant-back rides.
These unique stays allow for interspecies interaction, ensuring respect for each other. Locals now have developed a new appreciation for wildlife instead of seeing them as threats.
Homestays promote sustainability, cultural exchange, and local economic growth.
Iobstacles to the Way Ahead
Running a homestay in rural Nepal is not an obstacle-free venture. Logistical nightmares are the lack of dependable roads, water sources, and stable internet connection. Then, there’s the language barrier, making communication a bit tricky for foreigners. Additionally, the absence of a central information system leaves many homestays hidden from the wider public.
Communities and tourism boards have made attempts to mitigate these challenges by improving rural infrastructure and introducing hospitality training programs. A comprehensive directory of homestays might be a step in the right direction to increase visibility and accessibility.
A Bright Future for Nepal’s Homestays
In Nepal, homestays are no longer just a place to stay—they are a window into the warmth, resilience, and hospitality of a nation, leaving every visitor with a piece of Nepal to carry with them wherever they go.
The homestay experience will continue to connect people from around the globe to Nepal, creating lifelong memories and taking the country toward economic and cultural prosperity.
Pratikshya Bhatta is a junior editor for Nepal Connect.