From an ancient Newari town in Palpa to a well-preserved 12th-century temple in Patalganga, the community homestays in Lumbini Province await you to understand the historical past, rich culture, and way of life. A true escape to the more straightforward way of life. Lumbini warmly welcomes you to enjoy seasonal agriculture activities and rich bio-diversity.
Most of the community homestays in Lumbini Province are around Bardiya National Park, making it a perfect destination to experience the spectacular wildlife in western Nepal's lowlands while witnessing the unique Tharu Culture. Here is a list of community homestays you can take a detour to when visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, Nepal.
Palpa Community Homestay
Six homestays on the edge of Tansen, a historic town between the Lumbini and Pokhara, await you to offer comfortable community homestays with well-equipped amenities. Strolling around the old town and witnessing the sunrise and sunset views across the Himalayas will be some of your highlights during your stay at Palpa Community Homestay.
The hosts at the community homestays are friendly and welcoming, and you will have the chance to dine with the host family. Your homestay hosts will be happy to take you around this ancient Newari town, where you will visit Tansen Durbar Palace, various temples, an organic coffee farm, and the impressive Rani Mahal on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Read why Tansen, Palpa is famous in Nepal.
Bardiya Community Homestay
The rustic essence of Bardiya Community Homestay welcomes travelers to experience rural Western Terai life in Nepal. It is run by local Tharu women, allowing them to have an independent and alternative source of livelihood. The community homestays here are made in a traditional Tharu way with mud and wood. Equipped with basic facilities, you will have your private room, separate from your hosts, who stay nearby.
Bardiya Community Homestay is perfect for travelers who love to immerse themselves in nature. With Bardiya National Park close by, guests can enjoy the diverse wildlife, experience jungle activities, and have an opportunity to spend a night in a Machhan (tree house). With high chances of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger, the national park is rich in biodiversity, including wild elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and various kinds of deer. Along with rich biodiversity, the visit there is worth witnessing the rich Tharu culture and traditions.
Tharu-Sonaha Community Homestay
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Tharu-Sohana Community Homestay of Rajapur sits alongside the Kauraila River. The Tharus in this region originated in India centuries ago and is now spread across Nepal’s Terai, which has a culture, language, cuisine, and other customs resembling hill Nepali and North Indian traditions. The Sonahas are a much smaller group of just over 1200 people, living only in southwestern Nepal. For generations, the Sonaha people have relied on the river for its fish and gold dust, which they filter from the sand along riverbanks.
All eight homestay accommodations in this community are made traditionally, helping historically marginalized communities diversify their income while promoting their unique cultures. Though the community homestays have basic amenities, you can enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the surrounding area. Staying here also allows for exploring Tikapur Park or Bardiya National Park, rafting down the Karnali River, and taking a local wooden canoe ride. In addition, you will also have the chance to learn about the challenges of balancing conservation with the preservation of traditional livelihoods.
Patalganga Community Homestay
Patalganga is a perfect gateway to immerse yourself in the rural agricultural life of the lowlands of Nepal. The hosts eagerly await your arrival with their unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle. The six homestays in the community are a mix of traditional Tharu and modern homes. With good amenities and internet facilities, you can connect with the world outside while enjoying the simple village life.
Here, you can explore and experience seasonal agricultural activities, enjoy Tharu cultural dances, and enjoy local delicacies like Karnali fish, Dikri, and Ghongi, among many others. During your stay, you can stroll around the area to see cultural sites, the famous one being the 12th-century Hindu-Buddist Kakrebihar Temple, just a 20-minute walk through the forest from your homestay. If you love to experience outdoor adrenaline, your host can also help you arrange a paragliding or river rafting trip.
