Community Homestay Network Says Tourism in Nepal has Returned to Normalcy
by Bruce Parkinson
A G traveller with a staff member of the Panauti Community Homestay in Nepal.
According to Shiva Dhakal, the founder of Community Homestay Network, Nepal has returned to normalcy as it enters a new chapter with the formation of an interim government under the leadership of the country’s first female Prime Minister, Sushila Karki.
In September 2025, large-scale anti-corruption protests and demonstrations took place across the Himalayan nation, predominantly organized by Generation Z students and young citizens.
The new cabinet is expected to include representatives from Generation Z, alongside experts from diverse fields, reflecting a renewed spirit of inclusivity and progress.
Dhakal says tourism activities across Nepal have fully resumed, with both local and international travellers once again able to experience the country’s communities, nature, culture, and adventure.
“Tourism is a powerful economic force that has ripples well beyond travel experiences. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those impacted by recent events, and our thoughts remain with all those who endured challenges during this time,” Dhakal said.
“Together, we are looking forward with renewed hope and optimism for a brighter future for our country and its people. We are excited to welcome travellers to our new Nepal.”
Locally owned and operated, Community Homestay Network currently has 50 different experiences available to book. Forty communities in 23 destinations operate community homestays, while 10 communities provide cultural experiences led by local artisans to showcase their culture and traditions.
The social enterprise recently announced three new trips exploring lesser-known locations in the country, where travellers will meet local people and immerse themselves in the destination.
New experiences include exploring the emerging destination of Narchyang, cooking local recipes and tasting local wine, connecting with the Indigenous Aathpahariya culture in Eastern Nepal, supporting sustainability in terms of both culture preservation and water conservation in the lesser-known Dhankuta region, as well as helping to boost artisans’ livelihoods in Bungamati and Bhaktapur by joining craft workshops designed to sustain local traditions.
New trips are as follows:
Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature – This eight-day trip unveils the soul of Kathmandu Valley through authentic Newari experiences. Travellers will engage with artisans in Bungamati, cook momos in Kirtipur, hike to Nagarkot, and connect with local people via homestays; blending culture, nature and community.
Rural Life with the Locals: A Journey through Narchyang and Hemjakot – This eight-day journey from Kathmandu to Narchyang and Hemjakot offers hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints, cooking with locals, and homestay experiences, ending leisurely with Pokhara’s lakeside beauty.
Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken – This eight-day Eastern Nepal adventure starts in Kathmandu, journeys to Dhankuta for Aathpahariya homestays and hikes, and ends in Janakpur with Mithila art and a visit to Janaki Temple, blending nature, culture, and sustainability.
