TANAHU: The daily routines of women who were once confined to household chores, childcare, and community fairs in Bhanu Municipality-9, Chitikhola, Tanahu, have undergone a remarkable transformation.
With the introduction of the Greenhill Village Community Homestay in 2019, many local women have become actively involved in income-generating activities.
Previously limited to farming and housework, the women of Chitikhola are now welcoming guests into their homes as part of the homestay program.
This shift has not only changed their lifestyles but has also elevated the identity of the entire village. Homes have been renovated and adapted to host visitors, and most families are now engaged in tourism-related income.
Sushila Pulami, Secretary of the Greenhill Village Homestay Board of Directors, says the homestay has empowered women and kept families rooted in the village.
“Our lifestyle has changed, and now we can earn by staying with our families,” she explains. “We haven’t seen women leaving the village with their children for better opportunities—homestay has taught us to thrive right here.”
Pulami recalls how unimaginable it once seemed that tourists would be interested in village life or traditional local food.
“We never thought the food we grow could attract visitors. But now, in addition to our daily chores, we’re proud to serve guests and share our way of life. This has transformed not only our daily routine but also how people see our village.”
She adds that compared to six years ago, the village has experienced significant changes. “We didn’t even know what a homestay was. Now we’re learning to be financially strong and independent,” she says.
Currently, 21 homes operate as part of the homestay network, with the capacity to accommodate around 42 guests at a time. Visitors are served homegrown, organic, and traditional meals, enhancing the authenticity of the experience.
Committee member Sita Saru shared that she has received training in hospitality, cooking, and capacity-building to better manage the homestay.
“We serve fresh, organic, pesticide-free, traditional food,” she says. “Previously, we shared our produce with neighbors and relatives. Now, it’s a valuable source of income.”
Dhana Kumari Saru Magar, Chairperson of the Homestay Management Committee, highlights the broader impact: “Women here have grown financially stronger, more self-reliant, and have stepped into leadership roles. With income opportunities available right in the village, there’s no longer pressure to migrate.”
She also emphasized that guests appreciate the peace and natural beauty of Greenhill Village. “They admire our authenticity and hospitality. This motivates us to provide an even more homely experience.”
Since its inception, the homestay has welcomed around 2,500 domestic and international tourists, according to founding member Geeta Adhikari Pandey. “Guests leave impressed by our lifestyle, food, and cultural richness,” she says.
One such guest, Shresha Subedi, a student from CMC, shared her experience: “The hospitality here makes you feel like family. The fresh air and scenic beauty are captivating. Most of the food is organic—I definitely plan to return.”
Efforts are ongoing to improve infrastructure and enhance the homestay experience. Committee members take turns guiding guests around the village and nearby tourist spots, and traditional dances are performed for entertainment. As tourism increases, the village is becoming cleaner and more organized.
Guests can explore local agriculture, birdwatch in nearby forests, and enjoy hiking to attractions like Chokkot, Gadhimai, Chandra Jharna, the Shiva Temple, and the tea plantations. The area also offers stunning views of the Manaslu Himal.
Greenhill Village is accessible via the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Motorway, approximately 20 kilometers from Dumre Bazaar, an old market town on the Prithvi Highway.
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