PARBAT: Homestays in rural areas of Parbat district have fallen quiet as continuous rainfall and blocked roads disrupt tourist movement during the monsoon season.
More than 60 homestay services operate across the district. However, since July, the number of visitors has sharply declined due to persistent rains, and the situation has worsened further during the recent Gen-Z protests. While homestay operators are ready to welcome guests, many are doubtful about the immediate return of tourism activity.
According to the Tourism and Industry Office, Parbat is home to 62 homestays across all seven municipalities: 11 in Kushma Municipality, five in Phalebas, 19 in Modi Rural Municipality, six in Jaljala, nine in Mahashila, three in Paiyun, and seven in Bihadi. Among them, two are privately owned while the rest are community-run.
Operators in areas such as Durlung and Arthar (Kushma Municipality), Thapathana and Bankhsarka (Phalebas), Shalija (Jaljala), Voksing, Pakhapani, Balakot, and Lungkhu (Mahashila), Geptang and Banchha (Bihadi), and Nekarga and Chinnekharka (Paiyun) report that their homestays are nearly non-operational due to rain-related road blockages.
One of the district’s leading destinations, Panchkoshi Community Homestay in Chitre (Modi-8), had welcomed over 4,000 domestic and international tourists last year. Located at the foothills of the religious and scenic Panchase, Chitre is known for its Gurung cultural experiences and panoramic mountain views. Sushila Devi Gurung, chair of the Homestay Management Committee, expressed hope that tourist flow will resume with the start of the winter season.
Chitre lies along a trekking route leading to Panchase—the tri-junction of Syangja, Kaski, and Parbat—which draws trekkers and nature lovers alike. Tourists often enjoy traditional Gurung hospitality, including welcome ceremonies with tika, flowers, and garlands, as well as local delicacies.
“The rhythm of Panchebaja and devotional songs, along with organic local food, are among the unique draws of Chitre,” said Madhusodan Adhikari, advisor to the Homestay Development Committee. However, the road leading to the area is currently blocked, halting tourist arrivals.
Other popular spots such as Lapsibot Community Homestay and Bhuk Deurali Namuna Homestay in Bhuktangle (Modi-1) are also empty. Ward Chair Tek Bahadur Gurung said tourist arrivals have stopped entirely since the Patichour–Deupur–Lapsibot road has remained blocked for over a month.
The Tourism and Industry Office of Parbat confirmed that due to continuous rainfall, tourist activity remains low across all homestays. However, Office Chief Ashok Nepali expressed optimism that traffic will pick up after the rains subside and the festive and tourism seasons begin.
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