What is Homestay Trekking?

Homestay trekking is relatively new in the Nepal tourism market. Let’s explore a bit about this.

Homestay trekking is where you, the trekker, stay in local people's homes rather than in a guest house. In recent years we have found that visitors to Nepal want to see the beautiful countryside and meet the locals. We have also found that those who have previously trekked in Nepal are now looking for something to enrich their experience. Not only that, but as awareness grows regarding ‘giving back, many trekkers would rather the money go directly to the families in the homesteads they pass on the trails.

But What About the Facilities?

It is true that in recent years the standard in teahouses and lodges along the treks has increased. In fact, some lodges are extremely comfortable with a wide and varied menu of continental and Asian food to choose from. For many trekkers, that is a plus.

But it is also true that many of these more luxurious lodges are owned by companies rather than locals from that village. And with many of the companies also having guest houses in the likes of Pokhara and Kathmandu, they know what visitors expect from accommodation and do provide it – even if it's more Western than Nepali service.

Homestays, however, are accommodations either in a villager’s home or in specially built rooms next to the family home. Facilities are definitely more basic – for example, hot water may not be available for showers as it takes time to gather and boil water. More recently, however, toilets have become essential to the homestay scene. In fact, there are now government regulations in place to ensure the family operating the homestay and the visitors get the most out of the scheme.

Rules and Regulations

First, the homes to be converted into homestays must ensure cleanliness and safety. Guests should also be served the same food as the homeowners eat and be provided with toilet facilities. And in return, the visitors should dress appropriately, not take drugs and respect the household's culture and ‘rules.’

Where Can I Find a Homestay?

When the homestay scheme was introduced, Sirubari, a few hours' walk from Pokhara and Ghalegaon in Lamjung District, Gandaki, were the pioneer villages. Today there are dozens of homestays scattered around the country, including Kavrepalanchok, Chitwan, Makwanpur, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Ilam, Palpa, Syangja, Kailali, and Kalikot, to name just a few. Some homestays are community-based, meaning the whole village is involved, and some are private homestays in individual homes.

Many are found on trekking routes, but there are also homestays in places where there is no need to trek to reach them. For example, while staying in a local home, you might want to do a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park.

The best idea is to discuss with your Nepal tour agency when you are talking about the top things to do in Nepal.

Where are the Best Homestays?

Again, it depends on where you are going and your interest. Are you going trekking? Are you doing more sightseeing than hiking? Do you want to see animal life or flora and fauna?

One of the older and more established homestay treks is the Millennium Trek, which appropriately began in 2000. This is an easy trek, with the highest point being only 1,709m (no risk of altitude illnesses).

This trek takes in over 30 traditional villages in Tanahun and Syangja Districts, beginning in Kathmandu and ending in Pokhara. There are more than 10 ethnic groups to learn about on this trail, many of whom will be your host family, serving authentic cuisine. Many homestay communities offer guests a welcome party introducing themselves and their culture.

In addition to locals, on any homestay visit, you will see great landscapes – pastures, forests, and/ or mountains, depending on your location.

It is almost impossible to answer the question ‘where are the best homestays’ because, as I said, it very much depends on your interest.

Let’s take Ghalegaun, for example. Here in this village in Lamjung District, there are Gurung, Ghale and Dalit homes. The village is famous for Gurung culture (Gurungs are famous for being fearless warriors and employed by the Indian and British armies and the UN Peacekeeping force). There is a Gurung museum to find out more. There is also cliff honey in this area! Here the honey hunters, as they are called, believe in a guardian deity to whom they must pray before harvesting the honey. This is a potentially dangerous job and the subject of several films and documentaries. The honey is extremely expensive as it has hallucinogenic qualities and is mainly used as medicine.

Another example of a great homestay would be in Bardia National Park. Here the local community is mainly Tharu with their unique culture and beliefs. Of course, no trip to a national park would be complete without a safari into the heart of the jungle, on foot or jeep. This is a lowland area, so is very warm in the spring and autumn and not really recommended in the monsoon (summer) months.

Most people, however, opt for homestay treks, which provide a great insight into the lives of the people whose villages treks go through.

How Should I Act When Staying in a Local Community?

If you decide to take up a homestay option, you should always remember that you are entering someone’s home. Act as you would expect someone coming into your home to act. Do not treat it as a hotel.

Show respect: Nepalis take off their shoes before entering the home. They will expect you to do the same. It is impolite to touch someone's head, so don’t! Don’t touch the house deity (statues of gods) unless invited to. Don’t stay up (or outside) after your hosts have gone to bed.

Relax: While you may be invited to join a local celebration (perhaps especially for you!), remember that your hosts are busy working people (most likely farmers or small shopkeepers). Do not expect them to entertain you all the time. Be aware they have work to do. Conversely, children will be very keen to entertain you or be entertained by you! So, stay calm and relaxed. Mingle, ask questions and share news of your hometown at appropriate times.

Conservation: Most homes in rural settings do not have fridges, so everything cooked that day is eaten that day. If you feel you cannot demolish the huge pile of rice placed on your plate, do let them know before it reaches your hands. Do try to finish everything on your plate unless you are allergic to something (let them and/ or your guide know beforehand). Do not waste water when washing. It may have been collected from some distance away. Keep your own rubbish to take to the next town. Do not attempt to burn your rubbish in the stove/ fireplace as this is culturally inappropriate.

Give and Take: Naturally, you are paying for your stay, but it is always appreciated if you take your host a little something in the way of a thank you. Some toys (small ones which do not need batteries) for the children, biscuits from your home country for everyone to enjoy, pictures of your home town etc. You may be offered a gift in return. It is acceptable to take small gifts, but do not take anything you think your host feels obliged to give you, which they would otherwise use or sell. For example, on one homestay trip in Humla, I was offered a fabulous woven carpet. Although I was not asked to pay for the carpet, I insisted on doing so as I knew she made these to sell in the market a day’s walk away. And I still use that carpet, 15 years on.

On the subject of ‘thank you – it is something Nepalis don’t say. They believe ‘thank you should be reserved for truly big occasions. So don’t be offended if they do not say thank you when you offer or do something. And don’t be offended when they laugh every time you say thank you for every gesture, i.e., being handed a cup of tea.

So, Why Choose Homestay Trek over Teahouse Trek? This is something to think about and know before going to Nepal. It is really up to you, but if you do a homestay trek, you will be experiencing something unique and different and giving back to the community. If you choose to experience this unique way of trekking or visiting the countryside, give us your feedback!