Communityhomestaynetwork

We are honored to be featured in Wanderlust’s annual celebration of sustainability in travel, which highlights 101 destinations, initiatives, and places to stay, demonstrating how travel can be a force for good.

This year, Community Homestay Network was recognised in the Cultural Experiences category for creating immersive, co-created journeys that connect travellers with local people, stories, and ways of life across Nepal.

We are equally delighted to see Dhankuta featured in the Systems Change category, recognising how community tourism is supporting local entrepreneurship, diversifying livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience in the face of changing economic and environmental realities.

At CHN, we believe meaningful travel begins with real human connection. By co-creating experiences with local communities, we help amplify local narratives, foster entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for travellers to truly belong to the story.

Our appreciation goes to Wanderlust for highlighting the power of community tourism and the people at its heart.

SystemsChange CommunityEntrepreneurship SustainableTravel Nepal

“And that hospitality nature, that caring nature, I carry on with me, and it really helped me. And now I'm focusing on the same thing, what I learned from my mom in a global space.”

Being part of the second generation to lead Panauti Community Homestay and community tourism in Nepal is an honour and responsibility that Ashish Gupta holds close to heart.

What began as a bold vision by seven women in Panauti has today become one of Nepal’s most inspiring examples of women-led community tourism. For more than 14 years, it has created meaningful cultural exchanges, generated local livelihoods, and opened opportunities for women and youth within the community.

Stories like Ashish Gupta’s remind us that community tourism is not only about welcoming travellers; it is about preserving culture, strengthening local economies, and inspiring the next generation to believe in opportunities within their own communities.

From translating for guests as a teenager to now carrying these values into the global tourism space, Ashish’s journey reflects the long-term impact community tourism can create across generations.

Read the full story here:
https://lnkd.in/g-_47QtZ

"Days fall into a natural rhythm in Bhada where 20 homes take part in community homestays; we take morning walks along vibrant mustard fields punctuated with farm animals, high-five gaggles of overexcited schoolkids at Shree Behada Baba temple, and spend long, lazy afternoons sitting cross-legged in a neighbour’s courtyard as we attempt to learn local weaving techniques.
Tharu dances depicting tales of love, harvest and wildlife observed, varieties of moonshine made and consumed, I take my learnings back to Shayam to prove just how deep my cultural immersion goes. I mangle moves I now know to be Lathi Naach (Tharu stick dance) and she howls with laughter. I murder both Nepali and Tharu language with equal enthusiasm and she’s proud that I’m trying. I don’t tell her about just how badly the weaving demonstration went, but it seems I don’t have to."

A powerful reflection from Dilvin Yasa, capturing the essence of connection that goes beyond travel.

Thank you, Dilvin, for sharing this honest and moving story. It’s narratives like yours that show how community tourism contributes to sustainable development by creating meaningful connections while supporting local livelihoods.

Read the full article here: https://www.escape.com.au/destinations/asia/the-best-way-to-see-nepal-is-to-go-to-this-remote-village/news-story/def7fd609f74146c2a91f846dfcae128

Explore the same journey: https://communityhomestay.com/fixed-departures/bhada-bardiya-tharu-community-tour

Meet Bishal Gurung, a passionate artisan who transforms simple beads into meaningful stories of healing and connection. What began as a personal practice has evolved into a journey of craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and empowerment—supporting women to build independence through skill.

Join him to experience mala making beyond the surface—where every bead carries intention, tradition, and purpose. ✨