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12-Day Eastern Nepal Tour: Community, Culture and Homestays Itinerary (11N/12D)

Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Dhankuta, Janakpur, Bhaktapur

Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Dhankuta, Janakpur, Bhaktapur

Type

circuit

Travel Deeper. Connect Further. Experience Real Nepal.

Trip Overview 

Namaste! Welcome to a Journey That Means More

At Community Homestay Network (CHN), we invite you to experience travel that goes beyond sightseeing. We are a social enterprise redefining tourism in Nepal by connecting travelers with local communities through immersive, responsible, and meaningful experiences.

Working with over 50 villages across the country, our Community Circuits offer curated, multi-day journeys that celebrate culture, food, and craft—guided by the very people who call these places home. Hosted in warm, welcoming homestays and guided by locals—many of them women—these circuits are more than just holidays. They are transformative exchanges that generate real impact. We had the immense honor to be in recognized as one of Time Magazine's 'The World’s Greatest Places of 2025'! This honor has strengthened our commitment to provide authentic cultural experiences and responsible tourism in Nepal.

Why Our Circuits Matter: Travel with Purpose

Our circuit is thoughtfully designed to offer local experiences with local people at the centre while also keeping your needs and comfort in mind. This mix lets you enjoy the familiar amenities of hotels with their own unique character while also experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Nepali homes across diverse cultures. Every circuit you join contributes directly to:

Preserving Indigenous Cultures: Experience Aathpahariya community at Dhankuta, your journey helps safeguard traditional customs, languages, festivals, and ways of life.
Empowering Women: Many of our hosts, guides, and even drivers are women—challenging norms and leading their communities through tourism.
Strengthening Local Economies: We ensure fair wages and community ownership, meaning your money stays where it’s most needed—in the communities.
Promoting Sustainable Practices: We say no to single-use plastics, use electric or hybrid vehicles where possible, and champion low-impact travel that respects the land.
Fostering Intergenerational Learning: Join locals in cooking traditional meals, learning age-old crafts, and hearing stories passed down through generations.

These aren’t just trips—they’re investments in people, culture, and the planet.

Real People. Real Impact.

In 2024 alone, we welcomed over 7,900 travelers from 45 countries, impacting 1,996 individuals, including 916 women across 28 communities. These travelers didn't just visit—they shared meals, built relationships, and contributed to long-term change.

Through tourism, we also provide training in leadership, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. To date, we've formed 46 partnerships with businesses, local governments, and impact-driven organizations to further inclusive, community-led development.

By choosing this Community Circuit, you’re supporting livelihoods, celebrating culture, and becoming part of a movement.

Welcome to travel that transforms—for you and for the communities you visit.

More on the Trip

This journey offers a unique blend of spiritual healing, cultural discovery, and nature immersion across Nepal’s diverse regions. Starting in Kathmandu, you’ll experience a calming sound healing session at Avata Wellness Center to start your trip and explore ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase the rich heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. Moving eastward, the trip takes you to Dhankuta and nearby villages where you’ll witness inspiring local sustainability efforts, hike scenic trails, and savour authentic farm-to-table meals prepared by welcoming communities.

Along the way, you’ll connect deeply with indigenous cultures, from the Aathpahariya Rai in Sipting to the vibrant Maithili traditions of Janakpur. Each destination offers a mix of comfortable boutique hotels and authentic community homestays, providing both ease and meaningful cultural exchange. The journey is thoughtfully designed to offer not just sightseeing but personal encounters, storytelling, and participation in traditional festivals and rituals—leaving you with lasting memories and a genuine understanding of Nepal’s heart and soul.

What Sets This Circuit Apart

Electric and hybrid vehicles wherever possible for lower emissions
Women in leadership
Community Homestays owned and operated by local communities
Farm-to-table meals, organic gardens, and local wine
Slow-paced travel that fosters deep connection and reflection

Trip Highlights

Start with a sound healing session in Kathmandu and welcome dinner at Avata Wellness.

Explore the historic Kathmandu Valley, including Patan and Bhaktapur’s UNESCO-listed squares.

Discover Dhankuta’s lush hills, local markets, and sustainable water practices.

Hike to Khambela for a traditional lunch with the Aathpahariya Rai community and a farm-to-table dinner experience in Kachide.

Enjoy the sunrise at Dhoje Danda, with views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga, and 

Experience the vibrant Dhol Nach dance and cultural feast in Sipting.

Visit Janakpur’s grand Janaki Temple and savour a traditional Mithila meal at Mithila Thali by MasterChef Santosh Shah.

Enjoy a night at Neydo Monastery in Pharping, joining peaceful Buddhist prayer sessions with the resident monks.

Explore the lesser known ancient Newar villages of Bungamati and Khokana, famous for traditional woodcarving and mustard oil making.

Stay in a balanced mix of boutique hotels and community homestays for both comfort and cultural immersion.

Trip Costs Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
Accommodation for 11 nights (hotels, community homestays, and mountain lodges as listed)
Meals as per itinerary
All surface transfers in private vehicles as per the itinerary
Sound healing session at Avata Wellness Center
Guided Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Patan, Swayambhunath, Bhaktapur, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath
Guided walks/ hikes (e.g. Khambela village, Dhoje Danda sunrise walk, Orange Town Walk)
Farm-to-table experience in Kachide, Dhankuta
Cultural program- Dhol Nach in Sipting
Dinner at Mithila Thaili Restaurant by Chef Santosh Shah at Janakpur
Wood Carving Workshop at Bhaktapur

Trip Cost Does Not Include

International airfare to/from Nepal
Nepal visa fees
Personal travel insurance
Entrance fees, and community fees as applicable
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and homestay hosts
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, and souvenirs
Emergency evacuation or medical costs (if required)
Any services not mentioned under “What’s Included”
Any services not mentioned under “What’s Included”

Start

Kathmandu

Finish

kathmandu

Type

Multi-Day Tour

Duration

12 Days

Destinations

Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Dhankuta, Janakpur, Bhaktapur

Airport Pick up and Drop-off

Wood Carving Experience with Local Lunch

Sound Healing and Dinner at Avata

Mask Painting at Thimi

Water Bottle

Sunglasses

Hats / Caps

Comfortable walking shoes

Impact Footprint

Support Community Tourism in Eastern Nepal: Staying in community homestays in Dhankuta-Sipting, your contribution to the livelihoods of indigenous Aathpahariya families and rural communities thriving.

Empower Indigenous Women and Local Cuisine: Your participation strengthens women’s roles in hospitality and promoting local cuisine, and builds leadership within their communities, especially in places like Sipting and Khambela.

Preserve Intangible Heritage and Traditions: From witnessing the sacred Dhol Nach dance to learning local food preparation and spiritual customs, this trip supports the preservation of unique cultural expressions.

Promote Sustainable Living and Local Resilience: Learn how rural communities in Dhankuta are adopting water conservation practices—such as bio-sand filters and rainwater harvesting—showcasing local leadership in climate adaptation.

Foster Meaningful Cultural Exchange: Engage in storytelling, hikes, shared meals, and community rituals that invite genuine conversations and allow travelers and hosts to learn from one another.

Itinerary

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View Dossier

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this trip different from other tours in Nepal?

This circuit focuses on deep cultural immersion and real community impact. You’ll stay with local families, participate in traditions, and directly support women-led tourism and sustainability projects.

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers or first-time visitors?

Absolutely. The journey is curated for travelers of all kinds. Solo adventurers will find warm, safe homestays, while first-time visitors will enjoy guided support and local hospitality.

Are the accommodations comfortable and hygienic?

Yes. The circuit balances boutique hotels with clean, well-equipped community homestays, all vetted for quality, hygiene, and comfort.

Can I join this trip if I’m vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

Yes, vegetarian and special dietary meals are happily accommodated. Farm-to-table cooking with local ingredients ensures fresh, healthy options for every traveler.

How does this trip support local communities?

Every part of this journey—from accommodations to meals and guiding—is community-owned. Your travel helps fund education, women’s leadership, and preservation of local traditions.

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