PALPA: Women in Nepal’s Palpa have recently begun joining homestays as a means to generate income. Previously occupied with household chores and farming, many women are now turning to homestay businesses, attracted by the promising earnings this venture offers.
In Tinau Rural Municipality, women have shown growing interest in homestays, with some already running their own and others eager to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.
Rural Municipality Chairman Prem Shrestha noted that many women, seeking new opportunities beyond traditional work, are spontaneously engaging in homestay and tourism-related income generation.
“Women are drawn to this business because it offers substantial income potential,” he said.
Maya Saru of Jantilung shared her experience, saying, “Earning from homestays has made it easier to cover household expenses such as children’s education.”
To support this growing interest, the rural municipality, with financial assistance from the Palpa Development Center and Social Development Division Office, has been providing training programs aimed at equipping women with the skills needed to run successful homestays.
Chairman Shrestha emphasized that these trainings aim to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, boost village incomes, promote women’s entrepreneurship, and empower women financially.
He assured that the municipality stands ready to support community efforts to develop tourism and agriculture, thereby increasing women’s income.
Municipal Vice Chairman Lal Bahadur Thapa encouraged residents of Tinau to pursue self-employment, highlighting the potential to earn Rs 40,000 to 50,000 monthly from home.
He added, “The municipality will extend necessary support in areas such as environment, infrastructure, training, and cultural preservation.”
Homestay businesses have already started operating in Satyawati of Tinau-6 Masyam, Ward No. 5 Maramkot, and Ward No. 4, with preparations underway in Wards No. 1 Kachal, No. 2 Dobhan, and No. 3 Jhumsa. Several locals are currently hosting guests under this program.
At the Jantilung community homestay, visitors enjoy a welcome package, evening snacks, local dishes including chicken meat, and breakfast, all for Rs 1,200 per person.
The area offers stunning natural beauty, with panoramic views stretching from the Himalayas to the Terai. Former rural municipality chairman Om Bahadur Gharti Magar remarked that the homestay he initiated in Jantilung, Masyam, has become more sustainable during his tenure.
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