TANAHUN: Homestays in two municipalities of Tanahun district have now been connected by a newly mapped hiking trail. The trail links homestays in Byas Municipality and Bandipur Rural Municipality, the two areas with the highest number of homestays in the district.
The hiking trail has been designed to connect these homestays, encouraging longer stays by both domestic and international tourists.
Bandipur, known as the “Queen of the Hills,” is located eight kilometers from Dumre along the Prithvi Highway. After arriving, tourists will find the trail mapped out, with promotion efforts in the final stage, according to Harish Gurung, chairman and tourism expert at Sampada Nepal. The preparations aim to make the trail accessible for tourists who prefer staying in homestays.
The journey can start from either the current or previous district headquarters of Tanahun (Damauli or Bandipur). The trekking route spans an altitude of about 500 to 1,200 meters above sea level and currently connects homestays in Byas Municipality and Bandipur Rural Municipality. Maps of the route will soon be placed at key locations to guide travelers.
The trail includes 14 homestays within a distance of 75 kilometers, offering an immersive rural experience. Gurung explained, “The goal is to develop the rural settlements along the circuit as living cultural museums, rich in tangible and intangible cultural heritage. We aim to encourage homestay villages along the route to showcase their traditions and lifestyle.”
Preparations are underway to make this the first homestay circuit in central Nepal, connecting homestays across 75 kilometers. The main attraction will be visits to 14 homestays, offering views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Langtang, and other mountain ranges.
Tourists will have the opportunity to participate in local fairs, festivals, and agricultural activities, visit traditional farming villages, interact with locals, and experience their lifestyle. Homestays feature traditional hill huts and cottages, warm hospitality, organic food, drinks, and cultural programs.
Visitors can also enjoy fruit picking, exploring rural settlements, and collecting forest products. The trail also opens opportunities for ridgeline trekking and mountain biking.
The trekking route passes through diverse communities, including Magar, Gurung, Newar, Chhetri, Brahmin, Bhujel, Tamang, and Dalit, allowing travelers to experience their customs and culture firsthand. The 14 homestays are spread across: Ramkot, Kulung, Keshavtar, Rumsi, Dharapani, Kamalbari, Dandachhap, Korikha, Bimalnagar, Moharia, Bandipur, Pahuna, Tindhara, and Bindabasini.
The Bandipur, Pahuna, and Bindabasini settlements can accommodate up to 150 people simultaneously. Along the circuit, visitors can explore religious, cultural, and touristic sites including Jhargaon, Kanyadevi Temple, Manimukundeshwari Temple, and Bandipur Bazaar.
This homestay circuit promises an authentic Nepali rural experience, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm local hospitality.
Comment