In a significant step to promote rural tourism in Tanahun, Bandipur Rural Municipality and Vyas Municipality have initiated the “Community Homestay Circuit and Tourism Promotion Program”. The program aims to integrate various homestays within a single circuit to make tourism organized, sustainable, and income-generating for local communities.
Homestay Circuit Study and Observation Program
Under the program, officials and stakeholders conducted study and observation visits at several homestays, including Mohoriya and Ramkot in Bandipur–2, Kulung, Keshavtar, and Rumsi in Vyas–14, Dharampani in Bandipur–6, Kamalabari in Vyas–12, and Korikha and Bandipur Community Homestays in Bandipur–5.
According to Surendra Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, in Tanahun district, the first day’s visits covered Mohoriya, Ramkot, Kulung, Keshavtar, and Rumsi. The next day’s itinerary will include Dharampani Homestay, historical Huslangkot Fort, Kamalabari, Korikha, and Bandipur Community Homestay. The initiative seeks to integrate separate homestays under the Bandipur-Keshavtar Homestay Circuit to promote tourism collectively.
“This circuit will provide tourists with an opportunity to experience diverse villages, cultures, and lifestyles in a single journey,” Chairperson Thapa said. Spanning approximately 75 kilometers in a circular route, the circuit encompasses 14 homestays across more than 20 villages.
Cultural and Community Experience in Tanahun
Tourists visiting the circuit can experience local cuisine, traditional attire, customs, and lifestyles up close through homestays operated by the Gurung, Magar, Newar, Chhetri, Brahmin, and Dalit communities in Tanahun district.
The program also provides capacity-building and orientation for homestay operators on service quality, cleanliness, hospitality, promotion of local products, preservation of arts and culture, and digital marketing. In addition, it emphasizes the identification and conservation of historical, religious, and natural assets within the circuit.
Economic and Social Benefits in Tanahun District
The homestay circuit is expected to increase the duration of tourist stays, boost consumption of local products, and attract youth towards self-employment opportunities. By creating employment in rural areas, it is also expected to reduce out-migration from these communities, Chairperson Thapa added.
The initiative has already conducted preliminary discussions involving representatives from both municipalities, tourism and cultural experts, tourism entrepreneurs, and technical teams. The discussions focused on field studies and interactive programs across all homestay villages within the circuit.
Potential for National Recognition
Tourism expert Harisingh Gurung highlighted the broader significance of the program, stating, “If successful, the concept proposed by Bandipur could serve as a model rural tourism destination for the entire country. This is not just tourism; it is an initiative connected to overall community transformation. It will improve local economic conditions while creating employment opportunities.”
With structured planning and community involvement, the Bandipur-Vyas homestay circuit is set to become a flagship model for sustainable rural tourism in Nepal, blending cultural experiences with economic development for local communities.
