# Homestays in Nepal: Where to Stay with Local Families and What to Expect

_Published 5 October 2025_

Staying with a family is the best way to understand everyday life in Nepal. You eat what they eat, sit by their kitchen fire, help with the harvest if you like, and learn a few words of their language. In return, your money goes directly to the household and the community. Over the past few decades, **community homestays** have spread across Nepal, from Gurung villages in the Annapurna foothills to Tharu villages on the edge of the jungle.

**Quick answer:** Nepal has many registered **community homestays**, where several families in a village host guests under a shared programme. Popular areas include **Ghandruk** and other Gurung villages near Pokhara, **Sirubari**, **Panauti** and **Bandipur** near Kathmandu, and **Tharu** villages around **Chitwan** and **Bardia**. Expect a simple private room, home-cooked dal bhat and cultural evenings. Prices are modest, usually including dinner and breakfast. Book through a reputable agency or the local homestay committee.

## What is a community homestay?

In a community homestay, a group of households in a village registers together, follows agreed standards for rooms, hygiene and food, and shares guests between them. A local committee manages bookings and often organises welcome ceremonies, cultural programmes and village walks. Part of the income usually goes to a community fund for schools, trails or other projects.

Nepal's village tourism movement is often traced back to **Sirubari**, a Gurung village in Syangja district that began hosting tourists in the late 1990s. Since then, hundreds of villages have followed.

## Where to find homestays

AreaCommunityHighlightsGhandruk and Annapurna foothillsGurungMountain views, Gurung culture, short treks from PokharaSirubari (Syangja)GurungOne of the first village tourism projects in NepalPanautiNewarMedieval temple town near KathmanduBandipurNewar and MagarHilltop bazaar between Kathmandu and PokharaAround Chitwan and NawalpurTharuJungle, village life, Tharu dance and foodBardia (Thakurdwara)TharuTiger country, very local and quietTamang Heritage TrailTamangMountain villages (check access after the 2026 flood)HelambuHyolmoBuddhist villages near Kathmandu## What to expect

- **Rooms**: a simple, clean private room in the family house or a guest building, usually with shared toilet.
- **Food**: home-cooked meals, usually dal bhat with seasonal vegetables, pickles and sometimes local specialities. Vegetarians are easily catered for.
- **Welcome**: many villages greet guests with flower garlands and tika.
- **Activities**: village walks, cooking lessons, farm work, cultural dances in the evening.
- **Language**: hosts may speak little English; your guide helps translate.
- **Facilities**: hot water and Wi-Fi vary; electricity cuts can happen.

## Homestay etiquette

- **Take off your shoes** before entering the house and the kitchen.
- **Don't enter the kitchen** unless invited; in many homes the hearth is sacred.
- **Use your right hand** for eating and giving things.
- **Dress modestly**, especially women and in religious areas.
- **Ask before taking photos** of people and inside homes.
- **Accept food and drink politely**; if you don't want more, cover your plate and say "pugyo" (enough).
- **Don't touch people's heads** or point your feet at people or shrines.
- **A small gift** such as fruit, sweets or school supplies for children is welcome, but not essential.

Our [responsible travel guide](/blog/responsible-trekking-nepal) has more tips.

## Costs

Homestays are good value. Prices are usually set by the community and include dinner and breakfast, sometimes lunch. Cultural programmes or guided village walks may cost extra. Through an agency, homestays are often included in a tour or trek package with transport and a guide.

## Homestays on treks

Many trekking routes now offer homestays as well as lodges, especially in quieter areas. On treks such as [Ghandruk](/ghandruk-trek), [Helambu](/helambu-trek) and [Phoksundo Lake](/shey-phoksundo-lake-trek), you may stay in family homes for some nights. On a [Bardia safari](/bardia-national-park-tiger-safari), a Tharu homestay is an excellent alternative to a lodge.

## Are homestays right for you?

If you want comfort, private bathrooms and a menu, a lodge or hotel is better. If you want to understand how people really live in Nepal, and don't mind simple rooms, a homestay will probably be the highlight of your trip. We can add a homestay night to most of our tours and treks. [Contact us](/contact-us) to arrange one.

## Frequently asked questions
### What is a community homestay in Nepal?
A programme where several families in a village host guests, managed by a local committee with shared standards.

### Where are the best homestays in Nepal?
**Ghandruk**, **Sirubari**, **Panauti**, **Bandipur**, and **Tharu** villages near **Chitwan** and **Bardia**.

### What food is served in homestays?
Home-cooked meals, usually **dal bhat** with seasonal vegetables and pickles.

### Are homestays safe?
Yes. Registered community homestays follow standards, and hosts are welcoming.

### Do homestays have private rooms?
Usually yes, with shared toilets.

### How much does a homestay cost?
Prices are modest, set by the community, and usually include dinner and breakfast.

### Do I need to speak Nepali?
No, but a few words help. Your guide can translate.

### Should I bring a gift?
A small gift is welcome but not expected.

### Can I add a homestay to a trek?
Yes, on many routes and tours.

### What was the first village homestay in Nepal?
**Sirubari** in Syangja is often credited as a pioneer of village tourism in Nepal.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/homestays-in-nepal