Head of Tailor-Made Tours Nigel recently returned from Nepal where he researched destinations, accommodation and experiences for our tours. Wild Frontiers has already run some successful trips to Nepal and off the back of his trip we will now be offering more adventurous tours for our clients. Below Nigel talks about one of the homestays he experienced whilst in Nepal.
During my recent trip to Nepal I drove out of Kathmandu following the fertile Kathmandu valley for one hour to the village of Panauti. I was greeted by Alice who spoke good English and was eager to show me her project. Alice is the manager of the Panauti Community Homestay project, which gives visitors the opportunity to stay in a Nepalese house and live like a local.
The community homestay project was started to help Nepalese women, so they could benefit from increased opportunities and empowerment. The sustainable project raises money directly for the local people and community.
There are 17 homestays who have opened their doors to tourists. Each provides the opportunity to mix with Nepalese families and learn about their culture and customs. My host was Anita and she lived there with her mother and elder brother.
The private rooms are small and simple; they have single beds, decent bedding and homely red blankets. You also have your own bathroom with a shower and western toilet. There are no other facilities. During your stay you can learn to cook Nepalese food, plant rice, walk through the villages, visit the nearby school and watch local festivals.
An overnight homestay can be included on any of our tours starting or ending in Kathmandu.
