In the serene rural setting of Bhanu Municipality-9, Chitikhola, the daily lives of women have undergone a remarkable transformation. Traditionally occupied with household chores, child care, and social gatherings, women here are now actively engaged in income-generating activities, reshaping both their lifestyles and the identity of their village.
From Household Chores to Income Generation
Earlier, most women in Chitikhola were confined to domestic duties, cooking, cleaning, taking care of children, and occasional social visits. However, the establishment of the Greenhill Village Homestay in 2019 (2076 BS) marked a turning point. Since its inception, the homestay has not only changed women’s routines but also anchored them to economic activities tied to tourism.
Regular welcoming of guests has infused new energy into the community. “Our lives have changed since we started running the homestay,” shares Sushila Pulami, Secretary of the Greenhill Village Homestay Management Committee. She explains that the homestay has stopped the trend of families moving away from the village in search of better opportunities, encouraging women and their children to stay put and thrive locally.
Pulami emphasizes that they have not heard of any woman from their community leaving the village for education or work elsewhere since the homestay began. “This place has taught us to stay in our village and earn a living,” she notes.
Redefining the Village Identity Through Tourism
The transformation extends beyond individual households to the village’s identity itself. By turning their homes into homestays, women have upgraded the aesthetics of their houses, enhancing the overall appeal of the village.
Before, the idea of welcoming tourists was foreign to most women here. “We never imagined tourists visiting our village; our lives revolved around farming and household work,” says Pulami. “Now, along with our traditional work, we are busy hosting guests, and this has completely changed our lifestyle and the village’s reputation.” From a place unknown to tourists six years ago, Chitikhola now presents itself as a unique cultural and ecological destination, thanks to the efforts of local women.
Homestay: A Source of Economic Empowerment and Self-Reliance
The Greenhill Village Homestay currently operates in 21 houses, accommodating approximately 42 guests at a time. The homestay emphasizes serving locally produced, organic, and pesticide-free food, offering tourists an authentic experience of rural Nepali cuisine.
Sita Saru, a committee member, highlights the capacity-building efforts for women in hospitality management, food preparation, and guest reception. “We offer guests traditional, organic dishes produced right here,” she says. “Earlier, surplus food was shared with relatives and neighbors, but now it has become a source of income.”
Chairperson of the homestay committee, Dhanakumari Saru Magar, also shares that the homestay has uplifted women economically and socially. “Women have grown to become self-reliant and leaders in the community,” she asserts. She credits the use of locally produced food items for improving income levels and curbing the migration trend.
According to Magar, economic stability from homestay operations has reduced the desire among women to move elsewhere. “Women now prefer to stay here as they can earn a livelihood while living with their families.”
Positive Feedback and Growing Popularity Among Tourists
The homestay attracts both domestic and international tourists. Since its establishment, Greenhill Village Homestay has welcomed around 2,500 visitors, according to founding member Geeta Adhikari Pandey. She notes that guests are often impressed by the lifestyle, food, and culture of the village, returning with fond memories.
Shresha Subedi, a student from CMC who recently stayed at the homestay, shared her experience: “The hospitality made me feel at home. The cold breeze and the beautiful scenery captivated me. Most of the food I ate was organic. I definitely want to come back to enjoy authentic organic food.”
Infrastructure and Community Initiatives Supporting Homestay Growth
To support the growing tourism, infrastructure development is underway. Homestay committee members guide guests on tours around the village and nearby attractions, including traditional dance performances, agricultural observations, and nature walks.
The influx of visitors has also encouraged villagers to keep their environment clean and organized. Tourists enjoy the sounds of birds, clean air, and the natural beauty surrounding the village. Popular spots such as Chokkot, Gadhimai, Chandradhar waterfall, Shiv temple, and tea gardens offer additional attractions. The magnificent view of Manaslu Mountain further enhances the visitor experience.
Accessibility and Location
Greenhill Village Homestay is situated approximately 20 kilometers from Dumre Bazaar, a notable town on the Prithvi Highway. Visitors can reach the homestay via the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame motor road, which connects the area with major travel routes. This accessibility, combined with the authentic rural experience, has made the homestay an attractive destination for travelers seeking tranquility and cultural immersion.
A New Dawn for Women and the Village
The establishment and growth of the Greenhill Village Homestay in Chitikhola have revolutionized the lives of local women, providing them with economic opportunities, leadership roles, and a reason to stay rooted in their community.
By blending traditional lifestyles with new entrepreneurial ventures, these women have not only uplifted their families but also redefined their village as a sustainable and vibrant tourist destination. The success story of Greenhill Village Homestay serves as an inspiring model for rural women’s empowerment and community-based tourism in Nepal.
