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: From Magar to Gurung to Newar communities, 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 12-day journey takes you through some of Nepal’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions—Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan, Pokhara, and the surrounding villages. Starting in the ancient city of Patan, you’ll explore narrow alleys, centuries-old temples, and take part in a traditional Paubha painting workshop, guided by seasoned local artists. From there, you’ll travel to Barauli Community Stay, a peaceful Tharu village near Chitwan National Park. Here, you’ll stay in charming community-run huts, cycle through fields, explore the community forest, and learn to cook traditional Tharu dishes. The experience offers a real taste of everyday life in the Terai, where tourism has directly supports women and the community.
Next, the trip takes you toward the scenic hills of Lumle and Landruk, where rice terraces, forest trails, and mountain views greet you. You’ll hike to Hemjakot Community Homestay, a small Gurung village near Pokhara, where you’ll stay with local families, join in on farming or cooking, and simply slow down and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of village life. Finally, you’ll reach Pokhara, a relaxed lakeside city known for its mountain views and natural beauty, before heading back to Kathmandu. This trip is perfect for travelers who want to connect with people, nature, and culture in a meaningful way—while knowing their visit is making a positive difference.
What Sets This Circuit Apart
Plastic-free travel: zero single-use plastics used during the trip
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
Wander through ancient alleys, courtyards, and temples in this historic Newar city of Patan and try your hand at the sacred Paubha art with a local artisan.
Cycle through the village with a local guide and observe the daily lifestyle of the locals at the village of Barauli, ending with a sunset view at the banks of the Narayani River.
Take a thrilling jeep safari in the community forest of Chitwan National Park for an opportunity to spot rhinos, deer, and exotic birdlife, along with experienced nature guides.
Try your hand at Tharu cooking, wall painting, and henna design, and enjoy meaningful cultural exchanges with women-led initiatives.
Hike gentle trails between Lumle, Landruk, and Hemjakot, enjoying panoramic Himalayan views, stone-paved paths, and warm hospitality in Gurung villages.
Stay in community-run homestays and mountain lodges that allow you to experience each region's unique architecture, food, and culture.
Unwind in the lakeside city of Pokhara—perfect for reflection, rest, or a final adventure before heading back to Kathmandu.
Trip Cost 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
Guided sightseeing tours in Patan
Paubha painting workshop with local artist at Patan
Cultural programs and activities in Barauli (cycling, Tharu cultural program, Tharu cooking class)
Half-day jeep safari in community forest of Chitwan National Park with a nature guide
Birdwatching and village walk with a local Tharu host
Hiking from Lumle to Landruk and Hemjakot with guide
Accompanying English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Entrance fees, and community fees as applicable
Trip Cost Does not Include
International airfare to/from Nepal
Nepal visa fees
Personal travel insurance
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities in Barauli (Henna, Wall Painting, Dress-Up) – payable directly to hosts
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”
