April 1, 2025—The Community Homestay Network (CHN), Nepal's leading advocate for immersive and sustainable travel, proudly presents Community Connect 2025. Following the overwhelming success of its 2024 edition, this second exposure visit in May 2025 will unveil Nepal's lesser-explored regions through three extraordinary journeys. Recognized as one of TIME's 'World's Greatest Places of 2025', CHN champions responsible tourism, empowering local communities while preserving Nepal's rich heritage.
At the heart of CHN's mission is fostering meaningful and transformative experiences for both travellers and the communities they visit. The organization aims to elevate Nepal's tourism by showcasing destinations off the beaten path, encouraging a more responsible and sustainable approach to travel. Community Connect 2025 seeks to expand the global appeal of lesser-known places such as Dhankuta, Narchyang, and the Kathmandu Valley, creating an opportunity to discover new experiences, cultures, and landscapes.
The Power of Community Tourism (CT)
Community Connect 2025 is an exposure visit and an immersive exploration of Nepal's unique, community tourism model. The event will host 20 journalists, media personalities, and 11 travel industry professionals this year, offering them an in-depth look at Nepal's cultural diversity and the sustainable impact of community tourism. This curated experience offers participants a rare opportunity to dive deeply into the lives and traditions of the Gurung, Magar, Newar, and Aathpahariya communities, ensuring that the essence of Nepal's rich heritage and local wisdom is shared and understood.
As travellers experience Nepal beyond its more tourist-heavy spots like Everest and Kathmandu, the Community Homestay Network showcases how tourism can catalyze sustainable development. By focusing on lesser-explored areas, CHN hopes to relieve pressure on overcrowded tourist hubs while creating new avenues for economic growth in rural regions. The initiative supports local economies and helps preserve cultural traditions, ensuring that the benefits of tourism flow directly to communities. These include empowering women, supporting Indigenous groups, and giving local communities a voice in tourism.
Three Unique Journeys Awaiting Travelers
Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken – Dhankuta and Beyond
In the breathtaking Nibuwa Tankhwa Watershed Area (NTWA) of the Lower Koshi River Basin (LKRB), Dhankuta emerges as a hidden gem for cultural and adventure tourism. This eight-day journey starts in Kathmandu and leads travellers to the heart of the Aathpahariya community through homestays, eco-craft workshops, and scenic hikes. The trip culminates in Janakpur, where travellers will explore Mithila art and the renowned Janaki Temple.
Dhankuta’s appeal lies in its pristine landscapes and rich traditions. However, it faces pressing climate change challenges, particularly water scarcity. Through the HIGRID project, funded by the Australian Government, ICIMOD, Dhankuta Municipality, Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality, Smart Paani, and the Human Rights Social Awareness and Development Center (HUSADEC), CHN is transforming Dhankuta into a model for sustainable tourism. Travelers will learn about water-smart conservation practices while experiencing the beauty of responsible travel.
Rural Life with the Locals: A Journey Through Narchyang and Hemjakot
For those seeking a break from Nepal’s mainstream trekking circuits, this eight-day adventure explores the tranquil villages of Narchyang and Hemjakot. The journey begins in Kathmandu before heading west for a blend of adventure, culture, and culinary experiences. Travellers will hike through lush forests, discover waterfalls, cook traditional Gurung and Magar dishes, and stay with local families for an authentic rural experience. The trip ends with a relaxing lakeside retreat in Pokhara, where travellers can enjoy local wine and serene landscapes.
Despite being overshadowed by the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Narchyang and Hemjakot showcase Nepal’s hidden tourism potential. Here, travellers will engage with remote communities, learning about age-old traditions while contributing to local economies. This journey aligns with CHN’s mission to diversify Nepal’s tourism offerings, easing pressure on overcrowded destinations while ensuring authentic, meaningful travel experiences.
3. Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature
The Kathmandu Valley is more than a bustling capital—it is a treasure trove of ancient craftsmanship, culinary delights, and natural beauty. This eight-day itinerary takes travellers beyond the usual sights, offering an immersive experience in Newari culture. Travellers will craft with artisans in Bungamati, participate in a traditional momo-making class in Kirtipur, and hike to the scenic hilltop of Nagarkot. Staying in homestays provides an intimate look at Newari life, blending heritage with breathtaking landscapes.
In parallel, this journey also highlights Tharu cultural traditions in Bhada, Bardiya, and Barauli, where travellers can witness Indigenous dances and traditions firsthand. By supporting artisan workshops in Bungamati and Bhaktapur, travellers directly contribute to the preservation of endangered crafts and the livelihoods of local artisans.
This trip redefines Kathmandu, proving that even Nepal’s most visited region holds hidden stories waiting to be discovered.
Event Agenda & Panel Discussions
Community Connect 2025 will feature a robust lineup of panel discussions, keynote addresses, and community voices focused on inclusive, resilient, and responsible tourism to frame this year's vision and build a more profound understanding.
Welcome
Ms. Pushpa Thapa, Product Development Lead at CHN, will kick off the event with a welcome address.
Ms. Pushpa Thapa is a passionate and dedicated professional with an academic degree in Travel and Tourism Management. Currently serving as the Product Development Lead at Community Homestay Network, she collaborates with various organisations and local governments to enhance hospitality and sustainability in community homestays across Nepal.
With expertise in product development and a focus on inclusivity, Pushpa has introduced innovative tourism experiences while building strong relationships with local communities and co-design capacity-building training programs for communities. Her prior role as a Product Development Expert and experience as an English Fellow at Teach For Nepal demonstrate her commitment to community empowerment and sustainable tourism. With a strong foundation in travel management and excellent communication skills, Pushpa Thapa is a dynamic professional dedicated to making a positive impact in the travel and tourism industry.
Opening Remarks
Mr. Shiva Dhakal, Founder and Managing Director of Royal Mountain Group, will set the tone with reflections on responsible tourism and the journey of CHN from a grassroots initiative to a globally recognised model. His heart found its true rhythm in the quiet majesty of the Himalayas.
With over three decades of experience in the Nepalese travel industry, he has witnessed the transformative power of tourism. In an era dominated by towering and compounding resorts, he dreams of a Nepal where every village is a destination, and every smile a guide. Shiva aims to lead by example in responsible tourism, with love and care as the intention behind every action he takes.
Keynote Address
Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (TBC), will share insights on the evolution of Nepal's tourism landscape and the critical role of community tourism in the nation's future.
Special Remarks from the Community
Mr. Buddhi Sen Chaudhary, Co-founder of Tharu Community Lodge and a pioneer of Tharu cultural tourism, will share his journey of transforming conservation into an income-generating opportunity through responsible tourism.
Over the past decade, Buddhi has worked tirelessly as a guide, trainer, and consultant, helping to expand community tourism across Nepal and inspiring both travelers and local communities through his work with Royal Mountain Travel. As President of the Tikauli Bufferzone Community Forest, he champions the vital connection between conservation and tourism, showing how protecting natural resources can strengthen local livelihoods and safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.
As a youth from the Tharu community, Buddhi has dedicated his work to preserving and promoting his cultural heritage. His efforts exemplify how young leaders can play a pivotal role in connecting their roots with global tourism narratives.
Dialogue On: Mainstreaming Community Tourism for a Resilient and Inclusive Future
Moderated by Ms. Aayusha Prasain, CEO of CHN, this session brings together thought leaders in sustainable tourism.
Ms. Aayusha Prasain, with her extensive experience in international institutions, research firms, and NGOs in Nepal, has brought her expertise back to her home country after obtaining a Master’s degree in International Development from Nagoya University, Japan.
Now serving as the CEO of Community Homestay Network (CHN), she is dedicated to amplifying the organization's impact through tourism. Aayusha advocates for a shift in the tourism narrative from focusing on beneficiaries to addressing who bears the socio-economic and environmental costs. She believes that community and sustainable tourism should not be confined to niche markets but embraced across the entire tourism sector to ensure a sustainable future for local residents, travellers, and the industry itself.
Dr. Anu Kumari Lama, who leads the Sustainable Mountain Tourism Component at ICIMOD.
With over 22 years of experience, she’s been instrumental in connecting climate resilience with tourism strategies in Nepal’s most vulnerable mountain regions. She currently leads efforts under Moving Mountains 2030, transforming mountain tourism toward a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
Ms. Priyanka Singh, Regional Manager for Asia-Pacific at Planeterra.
A passionate traveler and development practitioner, Priyanka has spent 15 years working with communities across Asia, building tourism models that are authentic, community-owned, and globally connected.
Ms. Shradha Shrestha, from the Nepal Tourism Board and UNDP’s Sustainable Tourism Project.
With nearly two decades of experience in tourism marketing, her work bridges policy, storytelling, and digital innovation, reshaping how Nepal shares its tourism story, locally and globally.
Panel Discussion: Decommodifying the Narrative: Rethinking Media’s Role in Tourism Story
Moderated by Mr. Rubik Joshi, Marketing Lead at CHN, this session focuses on how impactful storytelling can shift perceptions and promote authentic tourism.
Rubik Joshi is a marketing and communications professional passionate about sustainable tourism and community-driven initiatives. He currently leads marketing efforts at Community Homestay Network, an organization recognized globally for its impact on responsible travel.
With a background in digital marketing and content creation, Rubik enjoys storytelling that connects people with meaningful experiences. He has also contributed travel articles to platforms like Inside Himalayas, sharing insights on culture, heritage, and local communities. Always eager to learn and collaborate, he believes in the power of authentic connections and thoughtful marketing to create lasting impact.
Ms. Pooja Naik is an independent journalist with a passion for travel, food, art, and culture. She spent over five years at National Geographic Traveller India, where she rose to the role of Senior Sub-editor, and her work has since appeared in publications such as BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, and Conde Nast Traveller India. In addition to writing, she co-manages a family food venture and leads heritage and cultural tours in Mumbai.
Ms. Becki Enright is an award-winning freelance travel writer and content creator specialising in adventure and culture travel with a strong emphasis on responsible tourism. A Lonely Planet contributor with bylines in National Geographic, The Guardian, and The Independent, she also runs Borders of Adventure, a platform that challenges travel misconceptions through socio-political and cultural storytelling. With a background in PR and appearances on Sky News and CNN, Becki brings a powerful mix of narrative insight and place branding to the global tourism space.
Ms. Stephanie Hays is a seasoned travel advisor and storyteller with over 15 years of experience in the travel industry. Her career has spanned roles in digital marketing, destination branding, and social enterprise leadership, with a focus on community-based tourism in both India and the U.S. Now based in Chiang Mai, she helps travelers plan meaningful journeys and has explored over 60 countries—often alongside her husband and young son.
Community Sharing Session: Voices from the Ground
Moderated by Mr. Bikal Khanal, Chief Purpose Officer at Royal Mountain Group, this session brings forward the voices of community representatives.
Bikal Khanal is a sustainability-focused professional in tourism, media, and technology. He is the Chief Purpose Officer at Royal Mountain Group, where he leads impact-driven initiatives and sustainability efforts. With experience in community tourism, product development, and business operations, he works with Community Homestay Network, advancing responsible tourism practices. Bikal also brings expertise in data analytics and strategic development. As a visiting lecturer on sustainable tourism, he educates and engages industry professionals and students on responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Ms. Basanti Rana, is a proud representative of the Rana Tharu community , where she plays a leading role in showcasing indigenous culture through community homestays. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Basanti opens her home and heart to travelers, sharing traditional cuisine, customs, and daily life. Her leadership has encouraged more women to take part in tourism and to take pride in their heritage.
Ms. Lila Bhattarai, is a seasoned tourism entrepreneur and community leader from Mai Pokhari, Ilam. She is the President of the Homestay Federation of Koshi Province and serves on the Steering Committee of the Koshi Province Tourism Year initiative. As both a homestay host and advocate, Lila Ji champions community tourism that uplifts local economies, empowers women, and preserves cultural and natural heritage. Her work continues to inspire and influence tourism development across eastern Nepal.
Mr. Nabin Rai, is a dynamic and passionate young leader from Dhankuta who represents the emerging voice of youth in community tourism. With a deep connection to his hometown and its cultural richness, Nabin actively engages with travelers to provide meaningful, grassroots-level experiences. His energy and vision reflect the growing potential of youth in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable tourism future for rural Nepal.
Mr. Suraj Bastola, is a dedicated tourism advocate from Nagarkot and a member of the Executive Committee of the Homestay Association of Nepal. Known for his deep understanding of sustainable tourism, Suraj works closely with homestay operators to promote responsible travel while preserving cultural heritage. His leadership helps bridge local insights with national-level strategies to strengthen community-based tourism across Nepal.
Each will share stories, challenges, and the impact of tourism on their livelihoods and cultural preservation.
Special Remarks
Two global voices in travel communications will close the discussions:
Ms. Choy Teh is the PR Manager at Horus Development & Consulting, leading media and PR efforts for destinations like Monaco and Brisbane. As Account Lead for Brisbane, she drives partnerships and campaigns to elevate the city’s profile.
With 12 years in travel, she excels in storytelling, media relations, and securing top-tier coverage across Asia. Her work includes organizing press trips and influencer campaigns, fueled by a passion for sustainable tourism.
Closing Remarks
The event will conclude with reflections on the way forward from Ms. Poonam Gupta Shrestha, Chief Operating Officer at CHN, who brings her extensive expertise in impact-driven operations and community development.
Ms. Poonam Prakash Gupta Shrestha is an accomplished professional with a strong background in sustainable tourism and community development. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Community Homestay Network Pvt. Ltd. in Kathmandu, Nepal, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the company, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and collaborates with the team to set and achieve long-term goals. Poonam excels in building strategic alliances, developing B2B partnerships, and designing capacity-building training programs for communities. Her extensive experience includes serving as an Impact Manager and Community Coordinator at CHN, where she played a pivotal role in coordinating and regulating member communities and fostering smooth communication. Poonam's dedication to sustainable tourism and her leadership in community development make her a valuable asset in the field.
Why Community Connect Matters
Community Connect 2025 is more than just an exposure visit; it’s a movement towards sustainable, inclusive tourism. While Nepal’s tourism has traditionally revolved around Everest and Kathmandu, CHN is shifting the focus to lesser-known destinations such as Dhankuta, Narchyang, and Bardiya. This approach combats over-tourism while ensuring that tourism revenue reaches communities that need it most.
Media Coverage: Amplifying Community Voices
Community Connect 2024 not only brought together travellers, journalists, and tourism professionals—it also drew widespread media attention, helping amplify the voices of Nepal’s local communities and spotlighting the transformative power of responsible tourism.
From national news outlets to international travel features, our familiarization trips through Dhankuta, Narchyang, the Kathmandu Valley, and beyond were covered in a variety of inspiring stories. These stories brought to life the experiences of artisans, homestay hosts, and community leaders who are redefining Nepal’s tourism narrative.
Visit our Media Coverage Page to read how Community Connect 2024 was featured across print, digital, and broadcast media. These features showcase the vibrant cultures, immersive experiences, and local innovations that make community-based tourism in Nepal so impactful.
As we gear up for Community Connect 2025, we welcome new storytellers, journalists, and media partners to join us in sharing authentic narratives that support community-led change.
Collaboration and Responsibility: A Community-Led Initiative
The success of Community Connect 2025 hinges on the collaboration of various stakeholders—local communities, government bodies, NGOs, and travel industry partners. CHN works with these partners to create experiences that benefit travellers and local communities. The trips are co-created with local residents, ensuring that their voices shape the tourism offerings and that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the community.
Key partners such as the Nepal Tourism Board, Planeterra, ICIMOD, and Dhankuta Municipality play a vital role in the initiative. Through their contributions, CHN can implement skill-building programs and marketing support to amplify the initiative's impact. Additionally, business partners like Royal Mountain Travel, Traditional Comfort, Bricks Café, and Avata Wellness ensure smooth trip execution, guaranteeing high-quality experiences for participants.
CHN believes that tourism should benefit travellers and local communities. It strives to make the travel industry more responsible, educating visitors on the importance of sustainable travel practices and encouraging them to make ethical travel choices. As a CHN spokesperson notes, "Choosing responsible travel shouldn't fall solely on travellers. We must diversify our products, educate visitors on their impact, and transparently show where their money goes."
Panel Discussions at Community Connect 2025
We're excited to host three insightful panel discussions before the event; each centred around pivotal themes in community-based tourism and sustainable travel:
Collaborating for Impact: Scaling Sustainable Community Tourism
Join Aayusha Prasain, CEO, as she explores how strategic partnerships can amplify the impact of community tourism. Aayusha will focus on empowering local communities, enhancing visibility, and expanding the reach of sustainable travel initiatives to drive long-term change.
The Role of Media in Communication
Led by Rubik Joshi, Marketing Lead, this panel will delve into the media's decisive role in advocating for sustainable tourism practices. Rubik will discuss how media can highlight community-based travel's positive economic and cultural impacts, shaping public perception and encouraging responsible tourism.
Community Speakers Session
Bikal Khanal, CPO, will facilitate a dynamic discussion with community leaders who are actively involved in tourism and development. This session will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of creating authentic, sustainable travel experiences that benefit travellers and local communities.
We look forward to an engaging and thought-provoking set of conversations that will inspire new ideas and partnerships in sustainable tourism.
Photo Gallery – Community Connect 2025
Relive the vibrant moments from our Community Connect 2025 journeys. From the serene hills of Eastern Nepal to the artisan lanes of the Kathmandu Valley, and the tranquil villages of Narchyang and Hemjakot—each photo captures the heart of community-based tourism in Nepal.
Trip 1: Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley
Beyond the capital’s bustle, explore ancient crafts, momo workshops, and Newari heritage across Bungamati, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, and more.
👉 Access Photo Gallery – Kathmandu Valley
Trip 2: Rural Life with the Locals (Narchyang & Hemjakot)
Experience the warmth of Gurung and Magar hospitality, waterfall hikes, and local cooking sessions in Nepal’s less-trekked gems.
👉 Access Photo Gallery – Narchyang & Hemjakot
Trip 3: Eastern Nepal – The Road Less Taken (Dhankuta & Janakpur)
Discover the rich Aathpahariya culture, scenic hikes, eco-craft workshops, and moments of cultural immersion in Dhankuta and Janakpur.
👉 Access Photo Gallery – Eastern Nepal
Media Coverage Highlights For Community Connect 2024
Our Community Connect trips have been well received by the international travel community, gaining strong media recognition for highlighting the power of community-based tourism in Nepal. Here are some of the notable features categorized by trip:
Trip 1: Kathmandu: Beyond the Ordinary
“Copy My Trip: A homestay tour of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal”
An insightful article showcasing the immersive experiences and authentic hospitality of the homestay communities across the Kathmandu Valley.
Trip 2: The Traces Of Terai and Its Tharu Heritage
“Visitors experience Nepal’s ‘heart and soul’ off the tourist trail in less visited places”
This coverage highlights the deep cultural richness of the Tharu communities in Barauli and Piprahar.
“Nepal homestay journeys connect culture and community” – wildnepal.com.np
Explores how Tharu homestays offer genuine cultural immersion and meaningful exchange.
Trip 3: Annapurna Community Trek
“Grassroots changes afoot for Nepal’s tourism”
This article sheds light on how the Annapurna trek route is being reimagined through community involvement and sustainability.
“Mountain tourism – Towards a more sustainable path” – wildnepal.com.np
Discusses efforts made to decentralize tourism and support mountain communities in Pokhara, Narchyang, and beyond.
Trip 4: The Road Less Taken
“The Conscious Traveller: Stay with locals for a cultural immersion in Nepal”
Highlights travel to Dhankuta and Ilam, focusing on authentic encounters and slow travel.
Participants of Community Connect Trips
We are grateful to the passionate individuals who joined us on our Community Connect journeys, bringing diverse perspectives and enriching the experience for all.
Trip 1: Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature
Shally Makin, Pradeep Singh Rathore, Muhsine Ozsoydan, Bonita Grima, Albert Archer, Allison Renae Hatfield, Jesper Skeel, Søren Skeel Olesen, Laurent Lingelser and Aaron Baynton
Trip 2: Rural Life with the Locals: A Journey Through Narchyang and Hemjakot
Pooja Naik, Ridhi Agrawal, Elizabeth Wild, Makepeace Sitlhou, Avantika Chaturvedi, Graham Isador Michael Brown, Becki Enright, Amanda Alexandra Romijn and Jeroen Roos
Trip 3: Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken – Dhankuta and Beyond
Imogen Lepere, Marilyn Claire Murphy, Margot Bigg, Mark Rammers, Casey Mead, Carolyn Mary Beasley, Stephanie Hays, Anna Gkava, Alicia Rae Light and Philipa Jane Kaye
A Vision for the Future
As Community Connect 2025 approaches, CHN sets a new benchmark for responsible tourism in Nepal. With 30 industry professionals and journalists participating this May, this initiative will showcase the power of community-based tourism in shaping a sustainable future.
With over 50 curated experiences across 23 destinations, CHN’s portfolio includes 40 community homestays and 10 artisan-led cultural programs. Whether through multi-community circuits or immersive stays with a single family, every journey fosters personal connections, artistic appreciation, and local economic support.
Following this exposure visit, CHN is confident that travel industry partners will recognize the immense value of community-based travel, further strengthening their commitment to sustainable tourism.
In a world where responsible travel is no longer optional but essential, Community Connect 2025 is a beacon of change. CHN is not just promoting destinations; it champions community tourism, empowers communities, preserves cultures, and ensures a sustainable legacy for Nepal’s tourism.
Join Us on Social Media Handles for Exclusive Insights
We invite you to connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to stay updated on the latest travel stories, immersive experiences, and inspiring community moments from across Nepal. Explore vibrant photos, behind-the-scenes updates, and curated boards that celebrate local traditions and responsible travel.
Join the Movement
Visit communityhomestay.com for more information or to book a trip. For sales inquiries, email [email protected]. Let’s connect with Nepal’s communities and create travel that genuinely matters.
