Lamjung’s homestay sector has been hit hard by a decrease in tourist arrivals, significantly affecting their income. Popular homestay destinations such as Ghalegaun, Bhujung, Siurung, Rainaskot, Kaulepani, Turlungkot, Bhusme Tamang, Naruwal Magar Village, and Ghermuly have seen a decline in visitors since the onset of the monsoon season.
The drop in tourists is attributed to deteriorating access roads, reduced visibility, and the increased difficulty and risk associated with travel during the rainy season. Operators report that for nearly three months during the monsoon, homestays experience a drastic reduction in tourist numbers.
Ghalegaun Homestay, located in Khonlasonthar Rural Municipality-3 and considered a model rural tourism destination in South Asia, typically welcomes over 300 tourists daily. However, according to Dirgha Ghale, office secretary of the Ghalegaun Homestay Management Committee, the number of visitors has significantly dwindled with the arrival of the monsoon.
“Until recently, we were receiving over 100 tourists daily, and up to 250 on weekends. Now, we barely see five to seven visitors a day. We expect the numbers to increase only after Ashwin,” Ghale noted. During peak tourist seasons, homestay operators in Ghalegaun earn between NPR 30,000 and 60,000 monthly, according to office secretary and homestay operator Gurung.
Similarly, Kaulepani Homestay in Besisahar Municipality-3, situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters, has also seen a reduction in tourist numbers. Dev Bahadur Gurung, chairman of the Kaulepani Homestay Management Committee, mentioned that while they used to receive 50-100 tourists daily, current numbers have dropped to just 10-12. Some days, no tourists visit at all.
Due to the absence of tourists, homestay operators have turned to agricultural activities such as planting rice, sowing millet, and mushroom farming. Despite previously earning NPR 40,000-50,000 monthly per homestay, current earnings have plummeted to NPR 8,000-10,000.
Siurung Homestay in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-3, located at an altitude of 1,854 meters, is experiencing zero tourist arrivals. Prakash Gurung, a member of the Siurung Homestay Management Committee and the Marsyangdi Rural Municipality Executive Committee, reported that while they had some visitors until Falgun, no tourists have come since Chaitra. The homestay has struggled to regain momentum post-COVID-19.
The Ghalegaun homestay program began in 2000 and is Lamjung’s first homestay initiative. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters, Ghalegaun is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, being the ancestral home of the Tamu (Gurung) people and the last kingdom of the Ghale kings. The village hosts 125 households, including 32 Dalit and 93 Gurung families, with 44 homestays in operation.
Following the 2006/07 People’s Movement and the establishment of the republic, the SAARC foreign ministers’ meeting, initiated by the Nepalese government, declared Ghalegaun a model rural tourism village within the SAARC nations. From Ghalegaun, tourists can view several peaks, including Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli (Dr. Hark Himal), Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhare, Himalchuli, Lamjung Himal, and Buddha Himal.
A statue of the last Ghale king, Jyalbu Rujha Kle, is displayed in the village. Tourists are treated to organic local dishes such as corn, millet, soybeans, mustard greens, nettle soup, local chicken, and goat and sheep meat, prepared by the homestay operators.
Kaulepani Homestay has been in operation since 2011. It offers views of Lamjung Durbar, various mountain peaks, and other scenic spots. Out of 26 households, 15 run homestays, representing communities including Newar, Gurung, and Bhujel.
