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 communities 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 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 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 through Nepal begins in the vibrant capital of Kathmandu, offering a blend of spiritual healing and urban heritage before leading you into the heart of the western Terai. Starting with a calming sound healing session at Avata, the experience helps you ground yourself for the travel days ahead. Before flying westward, a visit to Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath will provide you with a glimpse of Nepal's Buddhist and Hindu traditions. As you transition from the bustling city to the peaceful Bhada village, the journey gradually deepens into an exploration of rural life, tradition, and community.
Bhada Community Homestay introduces you to the rich culture and resilient spirit of the Tharu people. Community Tourism has been transformative to women of the community to take initiatives as hosts, cultural performers and most important of all-decision makers through improving financial situation. Operating community homestay has become a powerful platform for cultural preservation and empowerment reviving long-forgotten traditions while opening new doors for originally agriculture dependent community. From the warm village welcome to immersive experiences like the visit to the sacred Beheda Baba Temple and lively Tharu cultural performances, each moment offers genuine connection with the local people at Bhada. You will be sharing meals prepared with homegrown ingredients and engaging in authentic cultural storytelling.
Continuing to Bardiya, home to Bardiya National Park, a less frequented National Park yet offering a great chance of spotting tigers, the journey transitions into nature—exploring the untouched wilderness of Bardiya National Park through jeep safaris and jungle walks, where you may encounter Bengal tigers, elephants, and rhinos. The region often faced human-wildlife conflict, and could not ensure a stable income despite the fertile soil due to its proximity to the forest. Bardiya Community Homestay began as an alternative source of income, but it quickly evolved into changing the perspective of wildlife, stewardship to both the culture and wildlife of the local people, job opportunities for youths and women empowerment. Discover how the locals live in harmony with one another and savour authentic Tharu dishes while preparing meals with the host family to experience their lifestyle firsthand. Visit the Tharu Sonaha community and gold panning by the Karnali River further reveals the lesser-known yet deeply rooted traditions of the Tharu indigenous communities, Gold Panning has been a way of life for the women of the Sonaha Community and this ancestral skill has found a new value through community tourism and safeguard their culture. Tharu Sonaha Community Homestay has become a powerful initiative for cultural preservation and advocacy, ensuring the Sonaha identity and their river-rooted traditions continue to thrive.
Throughout this journey, you’re not just witnessing western Nepal—you’re actively participating in its preservation and celebration. Whether it’s trying your hand at cooking Tharu dishes, listening to stories of the host, or walking through the forests, this trip offers more than sightseeing—it invites you to belong, to connect, and to leave with lasting memories and a meaningful impact.
Trip 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 Behada Baba Temple
Wildlife exploration at the less-visited Bardiya National Park
Day Excursion to Tharu Sonaha and experience gold panning with the women of the community
Cooking authentic Tharu dishes with the host family
Close engagement and Observation of rural lifestyles
Trip Cost Includes
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
Accommodation for 8 nights (hotels, community homestays as listed)
Meals as per itinerary
All surface transfers in private vehicles as per the itinerary
Sound Healing Session followed by Dinner at Avata Wellness Center
Guided sightseeing tours of Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath Temple
Tharu Cultural program at Bhada Community Homestay
Full-day jeep safari in Bardiya National Park with packed lunch (entrance fees included)
Jungle Walk in Community Forest and Tharu Cooking Class at Bardiya Community Homestay
Gold Panning Experience in Tharu Sonaha Community Homestay
Accompanying English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Trip Cost Does not Include
International airfare to/from Nepal
Any Domestic Flights
Nepal visa fees
Personal travel insurance
Entrance fees as applicable
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, and souvenirs
Emergency evacuation or medical costs (if required)
Any services not mentioned under “What’s Included”
