The Traces Of Terai and Its Tharu Heritage

Trip Overview:

The Tharu Culture of Western Nepal is well known but still obscure at the same time. The indigenous culture of Tharu has been renowned all over the country for their spectacular stick dances and unique cuisine yet the actual experience can only be lived when one is together with this community. 

Bhada Community Homestay is situated in a quiet and rural area of Terai, where most of the people are farmers. Explore the nearby Bheda Baba Temple, Ghoda Ghodi Lake, and the colorful Tharu dance performed by the locals of the community. Western Nepal is also home to Bardiya National Park, a less frequented National Park that offers a great chance to spot tigers. Experience the rich wildlife in Bardiya through the open-top jeep safari and bird watching with the experienced local guides and how the locals live together in harmony with them. Taste authentic Tharu dishes while cooking the meals together with the host family to accentuate your cultural experience. 

Moving on to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, explore the nearby monuments as well as stupas in the morning before you travel to Barauli. Barauli Community Homestay falls close to the buffer zone of the Chitwan National Park and is close to the banks of the Narayani River. Exploring the village and stopping over on the banks of the river to watch the sunset is an experience not to be missed, with a cup of tea and snacks as you go over the view. 

During this entire trip, notice the differences yet the similarities of the Tharu communities that you visit region by region from their dresses and language. Get to know the authentic culture and lifestyle of the Tharu people living in the Terai region of Nepal by staying together with the community and experiencing their lifestyle upclose. 

Highlights:

• Discovering Tharu culture and lifestyle directly in the Tharu locality
• Colorful and vibrant Tharu cultural performances showcased by the local community
• Exploring the tranquility of Ghoda Ghodi Lake and Bheda Baba Temple
• Wildlife exploration at the less-visited Bardiya National Park 
• Cooking authentic Tharu dishes with the host family
• Chasing a glittering sunset on the banks of the Narayani river
• Close engagement and Observation of rural lifestyles

Impact Footprint: 

• Enhances cultural understanding and appreciation through direct interaction with Tharu communities.
• Supports  local economies by staying in community homestays and participating in cultural activities
• Promotes sustainable tourism practices by engaging with indigenous cultures and minimizing environmental impact
• Empowers  local communities through the preservation and sharing of their traditional knowledge and practices
• Contribute to wildlife conservation efforts by visiting and supporting less-visited national parks like Bardiya.
• Fosters cross-cultural exchange and dialogue by immersing oneself in the daily lives of Tharu people
• Encourages responsible travel behaviors through activities like bird watching and jungle excursions guided by local experts.
• Encourages sustainable agriculture and traditional culinary practices through participation in cooking sessions and tasting authentic Tharu dishes.

Additional Information:

Accommodation

While staying in a community homestay, the rooms and facilities can differ from one house to another. The bathroom may be attached or common that you may have to share with the family or other guests. 

Bhada Community Homestay has comparatively more basic facilities than Barauli and Bardiya. Though simple, you will be provided with your own room in a hut with a clean bed, basic amenities, squat/western washrooms and expect basic level of comfort.Barauli Community Homestay and Bardiya Community Homestay is equipped with simple beds and mattresses in all of the huts with attached western bathroom. 

We make sure that the community homestays run by the locals are clean and prepare hygienic food. We highly encourage you to mention any allergies or food restrictions beforehand so that the hosts can take them into consideration early on. As the homestays in remote places mostly do not have hot showers, in these cases where it is not available, the hosts will provide warm water in buckets for your use. Please note that the weather conditions in all three homestays will be generally hot.

While at the homestay, the hosts family would be making home-made meals during your entire stay. 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.

Transportation

In order to meet the safety standards, we make sure that the vehicles used during the tours are of high quality and in good condition. All safety requirements, such as first aid boxes, fire extinguishers, and seat belts, are available in every vehicle. The road captains annually receive First Aid Training from the Red Cross Society of Bhaktapur, which is a branch of the Nepal Red Cross Society. The drivers are well-trained to make sure that your journey is safe and smooth.

Guide and Support Staff

The accompanying tour guides and trekking guides are all well-trained and well-educated. They all have gained their professional license from the Government of Nepal to do tours and trekking guides in Nepal. In addition to their professional license, they are trained to provide magical, unique, and unforgettable experiences during their sightseeing tours in historical sites or while trekking. While on trek, our guides go the extra mile to make sure that your foods are being prepared hygienically. Like our road captains, First Aid Training is provided to all our guides. Our guides will not be handing you medicines in case of need, but they are trained to provide you with all the assistance you may require in case of emergency until you receive professional medical help.

Health

There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal. We strongly recommend you to carry a small medication pack that you may need throughout the trip.  Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.

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.

Visas

Please note it is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Below are the visa requirements for 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: single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $30; Single Entry Visa for 30 days - US $50 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $125.

Please kindly find the link to the on-arrival visa application here.

Visa Extension

3 USD per Day(minimum 15 days)

5 USD per day as a late fine in the case of a delay

Additional  25 USD for a Multiple re-entry facility

Nationals of the following countries are requested to acquire a Visa prior to their arrival from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of the Nepal Government.

• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Zimbabwe
• Swaziland
• Cameroon
• Somalia
• Liberia
• Ethiopia
• Iraq
• Palestine
• Afghanistan
• Syria
• Refugees with a travel document

Communication:

Right after your arrival, a sim card will be provided for easier communication, especially while traveling to remote areas where the internet facilities are not available. 

Packing List:

Please kindly find the link below to find the packing list:

https://travelnepal.com/travel-advice/nepal-packing-list/ 

Weather:

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) is the most pleasant season, in which days are warm but not hot and skies are clear.

Please note that the weather information is for reference only. Weather cannot be forecasted.