Nepal, enormous in beauty with its diversified landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is one country that offers visitors different cultural experiences through various cultures of homestays. Various homestays accommodate diverse artistic practices that allow guests to participate in daily activities and have first-hand experience with how locals live their lives.
We will discuss the top 10 Homestays, from Tamu Homestay at Ghandruk to GharBas Tharu Homestay in Chitwan. These are culturally exclusive and provide different immersive experiences to guests depending on where they stay.
Sustainable Tourism's Significance
A complete tourism experience with concern for the environmental, social and economic aspects of the respective tourism destination is Sustainable Tourism. It brings money but can harm the environment and local communities. Uncontrolled growth can damage nature and displace indigenous people. These adverse effects are minimized through Sustainable Tourism.
Homestays are a constituent of sustainable tourism; they offer travelers experiential tourism. Accommodation is provided to travelers, like locals, local food, and involvement in community activities. Homestays run on families that can give personalized living experiences and help the local economy and cultural preservation.
Homestays support local communities and provide an income for local families, often going beyond—preserving cultural heritage. You have to decide that you want to be responsible in your tourism, choosing homestays with a thought to how they are run. We protect natural resources and cultural heritage and genuinely benefit the destinations we visit through responsible travel. Only then will sustainable tourism have a lasting positive effect on the world.
Criteria for Selecting the Top 10 Homestays in Nepal
When selecting the top homestays in Nepal, consider several measures. These criteria will ensure the homestays are authentic and sustainable and positively impact the local community.
Following are a few of the criteria travellers can choose while selecting the homestays based on their preferences:
1. Close to Tourist Attractions
Homestays near tourist attractions will allow travellers to roam freely and gain valuable insight while staying close to their accommodations.
2. Cleanliness and Hygiene.
Guests are required to ensure clean and good homestays. Homestays offer organic products which reduce the impacts caused on the environment by not leading to environmental degradation. Travelers should support those homestays that uphold their hygiene and cleanliness.
3. Comfort and Amenities
Another essential criterion related to a homestay has to be comfort and amenities. A homestay should provide comfortable beds, showers, and other facilities like healthful foods and a suitable environment for the traveller's comfort.
In case the homestays are in cold/hot regions, an air conditioner to be installed has to be demanded.
4. Cultural Authenticity and Immersion
Homestays, which are run by the ethnics of the local community, provide an authentic cultural experience. Travellers should choose homestays that present local cuisine, traditional activities like dance, ethnic and cultural programmes, and good hospitality for an immersive experience of the respective culture.
5. Guest Reviews
Homestays with many positive reviews are likely to be good. Travelers get insights into the quality of service, amenities, and cultural experience through these reviews. If the homestays are more traveller-friendly and authentic with good amenities, then travellers are more likely to give a good review, which increases the credibility of the Homestays.
Top 10 Homestays in Nepal
Jamu Community Homestay is situated in Surkhet. Jamu Community offers authentic hospitality and charm in rural Nepal.
Jamu Community Homestay, situated in the heart of Surkhet, offers a unique and authentic experience for visitors seeking an immersive and cultural stay. It is easily accessible to attractions such as the Karnali River, the historic Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project, and various villages of the region. Jamu Homestay, Surkhet, is a peaceful retreat from the hassle of the busy city.
While delivering the real essence of rural life, various activities unfolding the beauty and culture of Surkhet are available in Jamu Community Homestay. One can head into multiple scenic trails with guided hikes, witness and engage with local artisans to learn about traditional crafts and join agricultural activities. In addition, one can also join cultural programs, storytelling events, and village tours that provide proper inside information regarding the heritage of the village.
From teaching man how to prepare everyday Nepali dishes to even sharing their customs and traditions, they are pleased to share all of their experience with the guests.
Beteni Community Homestay is situated in an enchanting village named Beteni Gaun, under Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality in Gorkha. One has to embark on a scenic bus journey from KTM to Kurintar, then a cable car ride to Manakamana Temple, towards the Salla Ghari, and then you reach the village Beteni.
Places like Manakamana Temple, Baktreshwar Mahadev and Cave, Chimkeshwari Mai Mandir Dadha, Sahid Lakhan Thapa Cave, Salla Ghari Pakher Ban, Bhuli Chowk, Ghyalchowk Dadha, Makaisingh Dadha, Taaklung Dadha, Ichakamana Mai Manid Dadha are all existing and nearby attractions to Betenia Homestay. Every place adds its beauty to appeal to travelers.
Beteni Community Homestay offers the warm hospitality of a family environment and delicious meals prepared from organically produced vegetables. Nepalese cuisine flavours are showcased in the local culinary delight and beverages unique to the region.
3. Mohoriya Community Homestay
Mohoriya Community Homestay is located in the heart of Bandipur Municipality, Tanahun. This Homestay has a warm and welcoming vibe and is operated by nine households. It provides lodging and 40 rooms that can accommodate 100 guests.
You may want to get public transport from Dumre Bazaar. It is located at the junction between Pokhara and Kathmandu. You will be presented with different types of conveyance, like local buses, taxis, or even micro-buses. Bus services are also available hourly from Dumre, which makes transportation easy.
You will see many tourist spots here, such as Siddha Gufa, Thani Maya Dadha, which is beautiful to see the sunset and sunrise scenes, and Bhanjyang Chautari for paragliding.
The other Hindu temples in the town of Mohoriya are the Khadga Mai, Bindabasini, and Thani Mai, apart from the Maha Laxmi Mandir. Bandipur Central Goat Research Centre is also located here; tech and science enthusiasts can visit it.
Tamu Homestay lies in the Kaski District of Nepal, Ghandruk, 32km northwest of Pokhara. This Homestay is a tourist attraction and is one of the sightseeing places for Annapurna region views.
What distinguishes Tamu Homestay from the rest of the Homestays is its meaning: Tamu refers to Gurung. This includes a historic trip to the old Meshram Baraha Mandir Temple and Gurung traditional villages. One of the major selling points is learning about the unique customs and traditions that set them apart. The Gurungs are the essential tribe in this town.
Guests can also be informed about farming in the area based on centuries-old methods passed down through generations.
Mipra Community Homestay is based in the Lamjung region of Nepal. It can give visitors a cultural experience and indeed be a village if they want an immersive and authentically authentic Village experience. The village can also be accessed via micro-bus or bus services from Kathmandu to Dumre and later a jeep ride to Mipra.
Beside, lies various Hindu religious places like Kalika Mandir, Sapta Kany Devi, Kanya Devi Mandir, Kotar Ghar, Devisthan, and Dimar Syar Gompa. Mipra Community Homestay surrounds all of these pilgrimages to uphold the sought spiritual significance by travelers.
Travellers(Nature enthusiasts) can take part in a canoe trip at Syange Waterfall and visit Dudh Pokhari Taal, which lies on the border of Manang, Lamjung, and Kaski. Honey hunting is also famous in this region. Mad Honey, only found in Nepal, is harvested from Dangerous cliffs in the Mountainous region of Lamjung.
Darmija Homestay in Myagdi, Nepal, offers cultural programmes and a fluent English-speaking trek Guide. This Homestay offers a breathtaking view of the Annapurna Himalayas and brings you closer to Nepalese culture and tradition through its experiences.
Darmija Homestay not only provides a resting place for travellers but also a pleasant environment. The balconies offer spectacular views of the mountains. Local meals are a delicacy of fresh ingredients, giving an authentic taste of Nepali Culture.
There are various other Tourist attractions around Darmija Homestay, like Tatopani Kunda and surrounding waterfalls and caves. Ethnic dance performances will be held, and participating with the locals will help you connect to the culture and traditions of the locals of Myagdi.
7. Sindhu Organic Farm & Farmstay
This is the Sindhu Organic Farm & Farmstay located at Melamchi Municipality, Rokkatole Bhotechaur. This Homestay allows visitors to experience homestays with the locals, eat locally produced organic vegetables and fruit items, and engage in farm activities. You can reach this Homestay from Chabahil Chowk, Kathmandu, via Jorpati-Sakhu-Jarsingpouwa-Bhotechaur.
Sindhu Organic Farm & Farmstay allows the traveller to engage in activities like goat farming, which gives an insight into the everyday operation of the sustainable goat farm. This Homestay also provides outdoor activities for guests to enjoy, such as wandering around the tea garden, which is reminiscent of Illam's famous tea garden.
8. Traditional Newari Homestay
Traditional Newari Homestay is situated at the narrow alleyways in Sundhara-17, Patan Lalitpur., where the echoes of ancient tradition resonate.
Traditional Newari Homestay helps connect guests with the roots of Newari culture. It is a family-owned Homestay that is meticulously crafted to provide guests with an authentic taste of the Newari lifestyle. The Traditional Newari courtyards are decorated with complex wood carvings and red-brick architecture, and cozy rooms are designed to reflect the classiness of Newari craftsmanship. All the rooms are furnished with local textiles and antique decor, which offers a blend of comfort and heritage.
From Chatamahri to Samay Baji, every dish will make your taste buds crave more. Newari cuisine is served in homemade, age-old recipes passed down through generations.
Traditional Newari Homestay is near the historic streets of Patan Durbar Square, where many pagoda-style temples, like the Golden Temple and Banglamukhi Temple, are located. You can partake in traditional cooking classes, learn to make momos and enjoy a Newari dance performance in the evening.
Mountain Lodge Tumling is situated in the Majogmai Gawpalika, Illam. This Homestay provides six rooms with 12 beds, ensuring a comfortable stay
Mountain Lodge Tumling lies in Illam, named the "Tea Garden of Nepal," and is famous for its leafy tea fields. The view from Antu Dadha of Illam is just indescribable from where you can admire beautiful peaks like Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, Mount Sikkim Pandi, Mount Kumbakarna, Mount Kanchenjunga and many others. Similarly, you can see the red pandas, a variety of birds. You can also buy souvenir Yak products like sweets made of Yak Milk, Ghee Butter, etc.
Since Gurung people run Mountain Lodge Tumling, you can experience the local Gurung Ethnic cuisine and receive complimentary tea upon arrival.
10. Dandaghare Homestay and View Point Restaurant
Dadaghare Homestay & View Point Restaurant is located in Chamkat, Panauti Municipality, Kavrepalanchowk. This Homestay provides stunning mountain views and cozy accommodations with a sun terrace, a garden, and a bar where you can relax.
Dadaghare Homestay & View Point Restaurant allows travellers to explore Jante Dhunga on the trekking route of Panauti-Sanga, Panauti Historical Place(UNESCO heritage site), Namobuddha Monastery, Roshi Waterfall, the Second Electricity Dam of Nepal, and the world's tallest triangle statue of Ladkeshwor.
Homestays' Benefits
Homestay is one of the top decisions for significantly enhancing the trip with experiences. These accommodations allow guests or travellers to stay with local families or individuals.
They allow visitors to immerse themselves in local culture and experience the destination more authentically.
Here are some benefits of staying in a homestay compared to a hotel
1. Personalized experience
As a guest in Homestays, you will be treated as a guest, not just a traveller fellow. The host will go above and beyond to cook home meals, share their daily life experiences, and even share a cultural experience through dances, singing, or the art exchange.
2. Cost-effective
Homestays are cheaper than the Hotels. Although hotels might provide you with more facilities, you will need to have a more authentic experience of Nepalese culture. Homestays will provide you with decent accommodation and an experience you will remember, which is more valuable than any 5-star hotel can provide.
3. Cultural Immersion
Homestays allow guests to interact in activities like cultural dances, cooking cultural cuisine, etc., which provides a deep cultural immersion for travellers who want to know the place, culture, and people on a deeper level.
4. Local knowledge
Your hosts will likely have a wealth of local knowledge and will happily share it with you. They can recommend off-the-beaten experiences, hidden gems, and regional events you may have yet to discover with others.
Homestays are a bridge between cultural gratification, learning and understanding the locals. Staying with the host family and getting to know the daily activities, eating the local meals cooked by the locals, and getting a first-hand experience of all those things will enhance the experience and knowledge of the fellow traveller.
Conclusion
So, choosing a good homestay that considers different criteria promotes sustainable tourism. This will create unforgettable experiences, and you will gain perspective on the day-to-day life of the locals residing in the places you visit.