A new Thakali homestay has come into operation at Torakhet in Mangala Rural Municipality–2 of Myagdi district. Local entrepreneur Binod Bhattachan has started the homestay service alongside the Ratnatara Multipurpose Agricultural Farm to accommodate guests and offer them authentic local cuisine. The newly established homestay can host up to 20 guests per night, marking a significant step in promoting rural tourism and local entrepreneurship in the region.
According to Bhattachan, the initiative aims to attract visitors traveling to nearby popular destinations such as Singa Tatopani, Todke, Babiya Chaur, Baranja, Jhankrepani, and Darbang. “We have renovated our old house, arranged clean and comfortable rooms, and started the homestay targeting domestic and foreign travelers who wish to experience the lifestyle and food culture of the Thakali community,” he said.
Authentic Thakali Cuisine and Farm-Fresh Experience
The highlight of the homestay is its focus on authentic Thakali food prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Bhattachan shared that the guests are served vegetables, milk, yogurt, fish, meat, and eggs produced on the farm itself. “We offer traditional Thakali dishes such as rice from local Gauriya and Gudura varieties, millet dhido, roti, and a variety of vegetable curries. Everything we serve is organic and locally grown,” he explained.
The homestay provides visitors with an opportunity to experience not just the local food but also the agricultural lifestyle of rural Myagdi. The farm includes livestock such as local chickens, goats, and buffalo, while vegetables and greens are grown using organic methods. Tourists can enjoy observing or even participating in farming activities, which enhances their rural travel experience.
Family Returns from Town to Revive Village Life
Before starting the homestay, the Bhattachan family was involved in the construction business and lived in the district headquarters, Beni Bazaar. However, they decided to return to their ancestral village to pursue a sustainable lifestyle and promote local tourism. “We wanted to do something that connects us to our roots and also benefits the local community,” Bhattachan shared.
Their decision has inspired many others in the region who had migrated to urban areas in search of better opportunities. The success of the Thakali Homestay shows how rural entrepreneurship, when combined with tourism and agriculture, can create meaningful livelihoods and help revive once-silent villages.
Peaceful Environment and Convenient Location
Torakhet village lies about 13 kilometers west of Beni Bazaar. It is situated in a serene and peaceful location surrounded by green hills and traditional settlements. Visitors traveling to the famous natural hot spring at Singa Tatopani Kund can easily reach the Thakali Homestay after a short five-kilometer vehicle ride from the main road. The quiet environment, fresh air, and rural charm make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and cultural immersion.
The village’s proximity to several tourist attractions and trekking routes adds to its appeal. Visitors often spend a night at the homestay while exploring nearby areas like Todke and Darbang. The location also serves as a convenient stop for those interested in natural healing experiences at the Tatopani hot springs.
Reviving the Legacy of Torakhet
Historically, Torakhet was a bustling trade center until 2007 B.S. (around 1950 A.D.). Before the construction of the road network connecting Babiya Chaur and Darbang, vehicles traveling from Beni used to stop at Torakhet before returning. The area was once a major supply point for food and goods to nearby rural municipalities such as Malika, Dhaulagiri, and Taman Khola.
However, after the completion of the direct road link to Darbang in 2064 B.S. (2007 A.D.), Torakhet gradually lost its commercial significance and became relatively quiet. With the opening of the Thakali Homestay, the once-forgotten village is now regaining its charm and activity. Locals believe that the revival of tourism through homestay services will not only promote the Thakali culture and cuisine but also contribute to the economic revitalization of the entire area.
Encouraging Sustainable Rural Tourism
The establishment of the Thakali Homestay represents a growing trend in community-based tourism in Myagdi. Such initiatives encourage sustainable tourism practices, promote local products, and provide visitors with an authentic cultural experience. By combining agriculture, hospitality, and traditional cuisine, entrepreneurs like Bhattachan are showing how rural tourism can become a viable source of income while preserving local heritage. In the peaceful setting of Torakhet, visitors can enjoy warm Thakali hospitality, organic food, and the charm of traditional rural life, an experience that connects modern travelers with the heart of Nepal’s countryside.
