Namaste from Nepal!

Nepal is not just a destination; it is a living story of culture, faith, and community. At Community Homestay Network (CHN), we believe tourism can do more than showcase landscapes—it can transform lives. By placing communities at the heart of travel, CHN empowers local hosts, artisans, and leaders to shape experiences that honor their heritage, generate equitable benefits, and foster meaningful connections between travelers and the people they meet.
Our network spans 40+ community homestays and 10 artisan experiences, reaching over 2,000 community members, the majority of whom are women. CHN’s leadership in responsible, community-driven tourism has been recognized globally with the ICRT Global Awards and as Gender Equality Champion of the Year, while our work has been featured in BBC, National Geographic Traveler, The Times, and The Guardian.

The broader landscape of tourism in Nepal shows strong growth and movement toward sustainability and community inclusion. Research highlights Nepal’s rich natural and cultural heritage as foundational assets for long-term tourism growth, identifying community-based tourism as a key pathway for extending economic benefits beyond traditional hotspots to rural and underdeveloped regions (Kadayat and Upadhyay, 2024, nepjol.info).
This trend is mirrored in European source markets. More than half of global travelers now consider the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment, with European travelers among the most engaged (Booking.com, 2025, news.booking.com). European travelers are increasingly seeking authentic, immersive experiences that directly benefit local communities, creating strong market demand for community-based tourism products (CBI, 2024, cbi.eu). Research further shows that 86% of European travelers are willing to pay extra for sustainable travel experiences, and 68% actively seek interactions that support local communities, making community-focused tourism both ethically responsible and commercially strategic (Future Market Insights, 2025, futuremarketinsights.com).

For this familiarization trip, CHN is proud to collaborate with Royal Mountain Travel (RMT), one of our associate organizations with longstanding experience in Nepal’s tourism sector. This collaboration brings together CHN’s deep-rooted community networks, impact-driven approach, and professional experience in designing and delivering community-centered journeys with RMT’s operational expertise. Together, we ensure journeys that are thoughtfully designed, responsibly operated, and grounded in both purpose and professionalism.
Today’s travelers seek more than landmarks. They seek connection, authenticity, and purpose. This itinerary invites you into the heart of Nepal’s living traditions, where festivals, faith, and community converge to tell the story of a nation in its own voice.
We proudly present:
“Valley of Festivals – Culture, Faith & Community in Kathmandu.”
A journey into Nepal’s spiritual and cultural identity, guided by the very communities who live, celebrate, and sustain these traditions every day.

Trip Summary

This 8-day cultural journey begins in Kathmandu with a grounding sound bath and welcome dinner, easing you into the pace of Nepali life and the spirit of community-centered travel. Right from the start, you're welcomed not as a tourist but as a guest, invited into spaces where culture is not just seen, but lived and shared. This journey is designed to connect you meaningfully with the local people whose traditions shape Nepal’s festivals, cuisine, and daily rhythms.
The next morning, you’ll join early-rising devotees at Swayambhunath to witness Gunlā, the sacred Newar Buddhist pilgrimage month filled with music, prayer, and processions.
From there, the itinerary unfolds across the historic towns and peoples of Patan, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, and Panauti (more details about the destinations are listed below). You’ll learn to cook momos with local women, try your hand at Paubha painting, and visit ancient temples during Janai Purnima, the Hindu festival of renewal.
In Bhaktapur, you’ll experience the playful, satirical, and emotionally powerful Gai Jatra celebration, which blends humor with remembrance. A tuk-tuk ride to Namobuddha and a village hike add a gentle outdoor element, and your final evening includes a community reflection session over a shared meal.
Each stop is an invitation not only to observe culture, but to become part of it—to walk alongside local artisans, elders, and families who sustain Nepal’s living heritage. In every conversation, every shared meal, and every ritual witnessed, this trip offers the rare gift of belonging, reminding us that meaningful travel is built not on distance covered, but on human connection.

Why This Circuit Matters

Celebrate Living Traditions: Join communities during Gunlā, Janai Purnima, and Gai Jatra, festivals that are spiritual, playful, and profoundly local.
Uplift Women and Local Hosts: Stay in community-run homestays in Kirtipur and Panauti, where your visit directly supports women-led tourism and household incomes.
Support Urban Heritage: Engage with artisans and communities who continue to live in and care for the ancient towns of the Kathmandu Valley.
Go Beyond the Surface: This trip invites participation, not just observation—through cooking, painting, yoga, storytelling, and ritual.
Promote Low-Impact Travel: With short driving distances, community stays, and no high-altitude trekking or flights, this trip minimizes environmental impact while maximizing cultural engagement.

Trip Highlights

Begin your journey with a sound bath at Avata followed by a welcome dinner that introduces Nepal’s rich culinary and spiritual culture.
Witness the Gunlā festival at dawn among monks, flutes, and spinning prayer wheels at Swayambhunath.
Paint your own Paubha art in Patan with a local artist and learn about its sacred meanings.
Prepare momos with your host in Kirtipur and peek into the steps of making this Nepali staple at home.
Experience Janai Purnima at Bhag Bhairav Temple and observe how sacred threads, water, and mantras mark a day of purification.
Immerse yourself in Gai Jatra, a moving festival of humor, remembrance, and social commentary unique to Bhaktapur.
Ride a tuk tuk to Namobuddha, hike through surrounding hills, and learn about local beliefs tied to compassion and generosity.
Begin your morning with yoga at a sacred temple, connect with the CHN team, and reflect on your journey over a final shared meal.

Trip Impact

Support Community Homestays: Your stay in Kirtipur and Panauti contributes directly to women-led enterprises and household incomes.
Preserve Intangible Heritage: By participating in seasonal festivals and local arts, you help sustain traditions that rely on local practice and appreciation, not performance.
Empower Hosts as Storytellers: This is a chance for local communities to share their own narratives, wisdom, and creativity, not as a show, but as an exchange.
Promote Sustainable Travel: The entire trip avoids flights, long drives, or heavy infrastructure, keeping your footprint low and your connections close.
Create Lasting Dialogue: This journey is not just cultural exposure. It’s a way to stand alongside people shaping the future of their own heritage and hospitality.

TRIP NAME: Culture, Faith & Community in Kathmandu
DURATION: 25 August - 1 September 2026
ROUTE: Kathmandu - Kirtipur- Bhaktapur - Panauti- Kathmandu

ITINERARY

DAY 01/ 25 Aug:     ARRIVAL KATHMANDU
Activities of the day:    International airport arrival transfer, Sound healing followed by vegetarian dinner at Nourish by Avata Wellness.
Elevation:        Kathmandu (1355m)
Accommodation:     Hotel Traditional Comfort or similar

Namaste & Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal!!!

As you walk down the tunnel to the arrival lounge, you will find many people showing various placards and waiting. Please look out for our airport representative who will be amongst the crowd waiting to welcome you with your name written on the placard. Our airport representative will assist you with your vehicle.

Depending upon the traffic on the road, your drive to your booked hotel can take up to 30 minutes or more.

You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Avata Wellness Center to experience the sound healing. It will introduce the foundation concept behind sound and its effect on us in daily life. It is an ancient practice of understanding our relationship with the universe through metaphysical elements mostly unseen to the eye.

Through Vibration it works on three main levels, physical, mental, and emotional.

While it’s an ancient practice native to the Himalayan region, it is increasingly being recognized in the world of science and medicine for its powerful healing quality.

If you want to know more about the magic of sound healing this session is definitely for you! Here we will be using different instruments such as gongs, singing bowls.

After dinner you will be driven back to the hotel.

DAY 02/ 26 Aug :     KATHMANDU CULTURAL IMMERSION
Activities of the day:     Early morning visit to Swayambhunath for Gunlā Festival procession, Afternoon visit to Patan Community Homestay for lunch and Paubha painting experience
Accommodation:      Hotel Traditional Comfort

Begin your day early, joining the local community at Swayambhunath Stupa during the sacred Gunlā Festival. As the city slowly wakes, you'll witness devotees making their way up the hill, some barefoot, others with musical instruments in hand, creating a steady rhythm of devotion. After a return to the hotel for rest or reflection, the afternoon takes you to Patan for a Newar-style lunch at the Patan Community Homestay. Here, you'll be welcomed by local women hosts who are reshaping what it means to experience culture. After the meal, sit down for a hands on Paubha painting session led by a local artist. The evening is yours to unwind back at the hotel.
Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the most iconic spiritual sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the city, this ancient stupa is a fusion of Buddhist symbolism and Hindu influence, revered by both communities. The site is believed to have been self-arisen (“Swayambhu”) and is home to sacred relics, prayer flags, and flocks of monkeys that have adapted to the temple life.
Gunlā is the holiest month in the Newar Buddhist calendar. Devotees observe the festival with daily pilgrimages, traditional music called Gunla Baajan, alms offerings, and prayers for inner purification. The early morning processions to Swayambhunath during this month are both vibrant and solemn, a living expression of spiritual continuity that dates back centuries.
Patan Durbar Square, located in the heart of Lalitpur just a few kilometers from the valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Newar architecture. It is home to intricately carved temples, palaces, and courtyards that have served as centers of political and religious life for generations. The Square is also a living space, where rituals, festivals, and artisanship remain woven into everyday life.
The Patan Community Stay is not just a place to eat or rest—it is a platform for women to lead, host, and narrate their own cultural stories. Through the initiative, local women have become central figures in hospitality, proudly sharing Newar cuisine, traditions, and skills with guests. The homestay network here reflects a growing shift in Nepal’s tourism model—one that centers community ownership, inclusivity, and meaningful interaction.
Paubha painting is a sacred art tradition of the Newar Buddhist community. Often mistaken for the Tibetan Thangka, Paubha works are characterized by precise line work, natural pigments, and deep spiritual symbolism. Each painting is a visual meditation, intended not just to depict deities but to embody their presence. In this workshop, you'll learn how this endangered art form is practiced, preserved, and passed on through teaching, allowing you to paint not only with your hand but also with reverence.

DAY 03/ 27 Aug: KATHMANDU TO KIRTIPUR
Activities of the day: Drive to Kirtipur, Check in at Community Homestay, Momo cooking class
Accommodation: Kirtipur Community Homestay

Begin the day with a short drive to Kirtipur, a hilltop heritage town just southwest of Kathmandu. After checking into the Kirtipur Community Homestay, you'll be welcomed by your host family and shown to your room. The pace here is slower and more personal. After settling in, join your host in the kitchen for a momo-making workshop. You'll learn how to prepare the dough, mix the filling, and shape these iconic Nepali dumplings before steaming them to perfection. In the evening, take a walk around the old town’s alleyways, flanked by red-brick houses and sacred shrines. If timing permits, you might witness an evening kirtan, devotional singing accompanied by drums and cymbals that reflects the spiritual rhythm of the Newar community.
Kirtipur (approx 8 kilometers from Kathmandu) is one of the oldest towns in the Kathmandu Valley, steeped in resistance, resilience, and cultural pride. Built on a ridge with sweeping views of the capital below, it played a significant role in resisting Prithvi Narayan Shah’s unification campaign in the 18th century. Today, it remains one of the few towns that has retained a strong Newar identity, with traditional architecture, quiet courtyards, and a deeply spiritual atmosphere woven into daily life.
The Kirtipur Community Homestay is part of a growing movement that places local women at the center of Nepal’s tourism industry. With training and support from Community Homestay Network, women hosts have become storytellers, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. Guests are not simply accommodated; they are welcomed into the daily life of the household, experiencing genuine hospitality grounded in pride and tradition.
Momo is a culinary staple in Nepali households and one of the most beloved dishes across the country. Influenced by Tibetan cuisine, momos have evolved into a uniquely Nepali comfort food. Learning to make them is not just about cooking, it is a shared cultural moment. Through this hands-on session, you connect with your host not only through technique and taste, but through stories passed down through food.

DAY 04/ 28 Aug: KIRTIPUR TO BHAKTAPUR
Activities of the day: Early morning visit to Bhag Bhairav Temple for Janai Purnima rituals, Drive to Bhaktapur, Observe Gai Jatra preparations and try Jhu Jhu Dhau
Accommodation: The Nanee

Wake early to witness Janai Purnima, a deeply symbolic Hindu festival observed across Nepal. At the heart of this ritual is the changing of the sacred thread, or janai, worn by men of the Brahmin and Chhetri castes. It signifies spiritual renewal, purification, and the reaffirmation of personal discipline. Pilgrims flock to temples and holy rivers to purify themselves and receive blessings from priests who tie raksha bandhan threads around their wrists as protection.
Your visit to Bhag Bhairav Temple offers an intimate window into these traditions. The temple, perched at the top of Kirtipur, is dedicated to Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Revered as the guardian deity of the town, the temple becomes a focal point during Janai Purnima. Lines of devotees, chants in the air, and the smell of incense all converge in a ritual that binds the sacred with the everyday. This experience connects you to the cyclical nature of Nepali spiritual life, where ancient customs continue to shape modern identity.
After the morning ceremony, drive to Bhaktapur (approx 13 kilometers East of Kathmandu), one of the most culturally intact cities in Nepal and a living repository of Newar architecture and tradition. As you enter this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll feel the texture of brick-paved streets and the rhythm of daily life as artisans, families, and devotees prepare for Gai Jatra. This festival, celebrated with humor and satire, honors loved ones who have passed away. Walk through alleys where families are decorating their homes, children are rehearsing skits in costume, and young boys prepare to parade through the streets representing the spirits of the departed.
End your afternoon with a taste of Bhaktapur’s iconic Jhu Jhu Dhau, a rich, sweet yogurt served in clay pots. Known as the King of Yogurt, it is made with buffalo milk and a generations-old method that reflects the craftsmanship the town is known for. The combination of culture, culinary delight, and community observance makes this a day filled with reflection, flavor, and living tradition.

DAY 05/ 29 Aug: GAI JATRA FESTIVAL
Activities of the day: Full day immersion in Gai Jatra Festival
Accommodation: The Nanee

Spend the day immersed in one of Nepal’s most moving and memorable celebrations—Gai Jatra, the Festival of Cows. Rooted in ancient tradition and still vibrantly alive in the Newar communities of Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu, Gai Jatra honors those who have passed away in the past year. Families take to the streets in remembrance, accompanied by symbolic cows or young children dressed to represent them. Cows are believed to guide departed souls safely into the afterlife, and their presence in the procession brings a sense of peace to grieving families.
The streets of Bhaktapur will likely be crowded, filled with locals and visitors alike, but the spirit of the festival is so enchanting that the energy becomes part of the experience. Music, movement, and collective memory animate every corner of the city.
Gai Jatra is more than a solemn occasion. It is also a day of fearless humor, sharp satire, and social critique. As the procession moves through town, you’ll witness costumed performers, mock politicians, and playful skits that poke fun at society’s flaws. Music fills the air, crowds gather around street theatre, and laughter flows alongside memory.
This festival creates a rare public space where mourning is shared and softened through parody. It transforms grief into something communal and compassionate. For visitors, it is a powerful entry point into how the Newar community processes loss, celebrates resilience, and affirms life through creativity and connection.
Expect this to be a day of spontaneous exploration, local eating, and walking through the living museum of Bhaktapur, where the madness of Gai Jatra unfolds in every courtyard and street across the Durbar Square complex.

DAY 06/ 30 Aug: BHAKTAPUR TO PANAUTI
Activities of the day: Drive to Panauti, Tuk tuk ride to Namobuddha, Cycling/hiking back to Panauti
Accommodation: Panauti Community Homestay

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Panauti (20 kilometers further east) , a quiet riverside town tucked between hills and rice fields. After settling in briefly, head out on a tuk tuk ride to Namobuddha, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site nestled on a ridge above the valley. From here, you’ll have the option to either hike or cycle back to Panauti along trails that weave through terraced farmland and forested paths, passing local villages and enjoying expansive views of the countryside. In the evening, return to your host family's home for a freshly cooked meal and conversation around the table, reflecting on both landscape and learning.
Panauti is a historic Newar town located at the confluence of the Rosi and Punyamati rivers. While often overshadowed by nearby Dhulikhel or Nagarkot, Panauti remains largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving its quiet charm and deep cultural roots. The town is known for its temple complexes, annual festivals, and architectural heritage that dates back to the 13th century. Its slow pace, walkable alleys, and spiritual ambiance make it a place where the past is still part of everyday life.
Namobuddha is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. According to legend, it is where a previous incarnation of the Buddha selflessly offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs, an act of compassion that is honored through a beautiful stupa and monastery complex. The site radiates peace and devotion, and its surrounding pine forests and hilltop views make it a place of both spiritual and natural beauty.
From Namobuddha, the journey back to Panauti can be taken on foot or by bicycle, depending on your energy and interest. The trail winds gently downhill, passing through small settlements, fields, and forested stretches. It is a tranquil and immersive way to transition from pilgrimage site to village life, offering a chance to engage with the land and its people beyond the vehicle window.
The Panauti Community Homestay is a cornerstone of community-based tourism in Nepal. It was one of the first such programs launched by Community Homestay Neworkl and remains a flagship model of how tourism can empower local women, preserve heritage, and distribute benefits equitably. Women hosts here have not only become economically independent but also culturally confident, offering guests an experience that is both personal and deeply rooted in the identity of Panauti. In contrast to the over-tourism seen in Dhulikhel or Nagarkot, Panauti provides an alternative for travelers seeking meaningful connection over volume.
An inspiring outcome of the homestay initiative is the creation of the Panauti Bike Station, a youth-led social enterprise born from the next generation of Panauti. With support and encouragement from the Community Homestay model, local young people established the bike station to offer guided rides, maintain trails, and connect visitors with the landscape in new ways. This project adds another layer of sustainability to tourism in the area, creating dignified employment while encouraging active and responsible travel.

DAY 07/ 31 Aug:     PANAUTI TO KATHMANDU
Activities of the day:     Early morning yoga at Indreshwar Mandir, Drive to Kathmandu, Closing dinner and interaction with CHN team and community members
Accommodation:     Hotel Traditional Comfort

Begin your morning with an early yoga session at the historic Indreshwar Mandir in Panauti. This peaceful practice will help center your mind and body, providing a calm and mindful start to the day. After the yoga, enjoy a nourishing breakfast at your homestay before preparing for the journey back to Kathmandu. The drive offers scenic views and a chance to absorb the natural beauty and changing landscapes as you return to the city.
In the evening, come together for a special closing dinner at Hotel Traditional Comfort. This gathering is more than just a meal — it is an opportunity for meaningful interaction with the Community Homestay Network (CHN) team and the local hosts from the villages you’ve explored. Share your reflections, stories, and experiences from the trip. Engage in open conversations about community development, cultural preservation, and the future of responsible travel. This heartfelt exchange strengthens the connections made during the journey and sets the foundation for ongoing collaboration and support.
Indreshwar Mandir, located in the heart of Panauti, is one of Nepal’s oldest and most revered temples, dating back over a thousand years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple stands as a beautiful example of traditional Newari architecture, featuring intricate wood carvings and a multi-tiered pagoda style. The temple holds immense spiritual significance for the local community, and its serene atmosphere makes it an ideal place for meditation and yoga. Practicing yoga here connects you with centuries of devotion and offers a moment of tranquility amid your journey—inviting you to pause, breathe deeply, and reflect on the rich cultural tapestry you’ve experienced throughout the trip.

DAY 08/ 1 Sep: FINAL DEPARTURE
Activities of the day: Departure transfer

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Thank you for walking with us through Nepal’s living culture. This was not just a journey—it was a celebration of festivals, families, and a more conscious way of exploring the world.

Why you need to sell this trip

Best of Both Worlds – Hotels & Homestays
Combine the comfort of carefully selected boutique hotels in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur with authentic community homestays in Kirtipur and Panauti. Your clients enjoy reliable standards where they need them, and genuine local living where it matters most.

Iconic Landmarks + Hidden Gems
Offer a seamless blend of Nepal’s must see highlights—like Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square—with off the beaten path discoveries in Panauti and Kirtipur. This duality keeps your portfolio fresh and your clients continually engaged.

Measurable Community Impact
Every itinerary element is designed in partnership with Community Homestay Network to channel tourism revenue directly into rural economies. You’ll deliver quantifiable benefits—women’s leadership programs, cultural preservation workshops, sustainable‑agriculture initiatives—that resonate with today’s conscientious traveler.

Turnkey B2B Support & Local Expertise
From pre departure briefings and high res marketing assets to on site agent liaisons and 24/7 ground assistance, CHN handles every detail.

Stand Out & Upsell with Purpose
Position your agency as a leader in responsible tourism by offering clients deeply meaningful experiences. Celebrate festivals like Gunla and Gai Jatra with the local community; an experience that leaves travelers feeling like they are observing a special event with loved ones from a different part of the world.

Why CHN Is Special

Grassroots Access
As the only operator with formal partnership in place with hundreds of tourism communities across Nepal, we unlock genuine community entry points your clients simply cannot get elsewhere. This isn’t “voluntourism lite” ; it’s a deep dive into locally owned and operated experiences.

Championing Women in Every Role
CHN is leading the charge against the stereotype of tourism as a male only profession in Nepal. We employ women at every level: from our women road captains navigating high altitude passes to a cadre of expert women tour leaders who bring local insight and empathy.

Travelife Certified for Sustainability
We hold Travelife certification, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, and community wellbeing. When you sell CHN, you sell peace of mind that every step of the journey meets rigorous global standards.

Pan Himalayan Expertise
With decades of on the ground experience across Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet, our regional knowledge is unmatched. That means smoother permits, richer cultural context, and seamless overland connections if your clients want to extend their itinerary beyond Nepal.

Pioneering EV Travel
We are among the first in Nepal to introduce electric vehicles for tourism, reducing our carbon footprint while also creating opportunities for women road captains trained to operate them. This sets a new benchmark for responsible, inclusive, and sustainable travel in the region.

Additional Information

Accommodation

Hotel Accommodation
Traditional Comfort Boutique Hotel blends Nepalese traditional hospitality and architecture with modern amenities for a truly enriching experience. Committed to sustainability, it supports the local economy while reducing environmental impact through measures like eliminating single-use plastics and using solar energy. The hotel’s name reflects its dedication to preserving cultural values while offering contemporary comfort. Guests enjoy genuine Nepali hospitality while contributing to responsible tourism.
The Nanee in Bhaktapur is a boutique heritage hotel that blends traditional Newa architecture with modern comforts. Tucked within the historic alleys of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, it offers an intimate stay surrounded by centuries-old temples, courtyards, and cultural life. With thoughtfully designed rooms, warm hospitality, and an emphasis on local art and craftsmanship, The Nanee provides guests with an immersive experience of Bhaktapur’s living heritage.

Homestay Accommodation:
In Kirtipur, you’ll experience a homestay run by local families, where you’ll be immersed in the Newari culture. The accommodations are simple yet clean, offering comfortable rooms with basic furnishings. While the bathrooms are often outside the rooms, you’ll enjoy a truly authentic experience, learning about script writing traditions and connecting with local artisans. This homestay offers a unique and immersive cultural experience in a traditional Newari town.

Panauti Community Homestay offers simple but comfortable rooms in local family homes with clean bedding and shared bathrooms. Guests enjoy freshly prepared Newari meals in a welcoming family atmosphere. Though facilities are basic, the charm lies in the personal attention from hosts, cultural immersion, and easy access to explore Panauti’s beautifully preserved heritage sites. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist trail.

Wellness

Avata Wellness is a sanctuary for balance and renewal, offering yoga, meditation, sound healing, spa therapies, and nature walks in a serene setting. At its heart is Nourish by Avata, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant serving creative plant-based cuisine in a calm, inviting atmosphere. Together, these experiences make Avata a unique destination for holistic wellbeing in Nepal.

Meals

While staying at hotels in Nepal, guests can expect a wide variety of meals ranging from traditional Nepali dishes to popular international cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Most hotels offer buffet breakfasts and à la carte options for lunch and dinner, prepared by professional chefs with a focus on comfort and flavour. Depending upon the lunch place of the day, especially while you are on an excursion, the guide may suggest you some delicacies. The quality of meals prepared may not be of the quality like you may find in big cities of Nepal but they will be delicious and hygienically prepared.

At community homestays, meals are a warm and authentic part of the cultural experience. Guests are served freshly prepared home-cooked meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Typical dishes include dal bhat (lentils and rice), seasonal vegetables, pickles, and sometimes local specialities of the destination. Meals are often shared with the host family, offering a deeper connection to local customs and everyday life.

Transportation

In order to meet the safety standards, we have been working to make sure that the vehicles used during the tours are of high quality. We have a fleet of our own vehicles and we continuously make sure that the vehicles are in good condition. All safety requirements such as first aid box, fire extinguishers, and seat belts are available in every vehicle of ours. We annually give First Aid Training to our drivers too. First Aid Training is provided by Red Cross Society of Bhaktapur, which is a branch of Nepal Red Cross Society. Our drivers are well trained to make sure that your journey is safe and smooth.

Guide and Support Staff

Our tour guides are all well trained and well-educated. They all have gained their professional license from the Government of Nepal to tour in Nepal. In addition to their professional license, we train them to provide magical, unique and unforgettable experiences to clients whether it is during their sightseeing tours in historical sites or hikes through the beautiful landscapes.

Money Exchange

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard but these are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

Tipping

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected, though not compulsory, and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $4-$7 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Community Homestay guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline $7-10 USD per day, can be used.

Health

There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal. Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.

Visas

Please note it is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Below are the visa requirements at the time of printing. NEPAL: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars’ cash only: multiple entry visa valid for 15 days - US $30: multiple Entry Visa for 30 days - US $50 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $125.

Weather Information

Nepal has a generally temperate climate, but varying altitudes lead to distinct variations. The monsoon sweeps up
from India each summer, making mid-June to mid-September humid and wet.

Winter (December-February) winter is cold and you will need to be prepared, but the air is very clear providing the best mountain views.
Spring (March-May) Days are increasingly warm; mist and clouds are not uncommon.
Summer (June-August) The monsoon season. It will rain every day, although not all day.
Autumn (September - November) the most pleasant season, in which days are warm but not hot and skies are clear.

Thank you for taking the time!
Peace.

Valley of Festivals: Culture, Faith & Community in Kathmandu