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“We are proud that our Homestays have been able to attract hundreds of tourists till now. We are happy that our culture and way of living is being popular all around the world.” - Dhaneswor Basyal 8. Palpa Community Homestay Palpa’s main attraction is, both, its Newari charm and distinct medieval feel. Lining Palpa’s steep cobblestone streets, which are too steep for cars, and wooden Newari houses with intricately carved windows, from where the clacking of looms can be heard. On winter mornings a blanket of mist is cast over the bowl-shaped Madi Valley, earning it the moniker ‘White Lake’. Chatting to locals, you’ll find they’re fiercely proud of their hometown, which no doubt stems from its rich history during the glory years as the capital of the Magar kingdom of Tanahun. Until the rise of the Shahs (last kings of Nepal), Tanahun was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Nepal. Spending time in this town and going around the surrounding would be a great idea for domestic and global tourists. It would be even more interesting if the visitors cho ose Homestay as it allows to know the people and the culture of Tansen even closer. The majority of Homestay houses is owned by Newars. Still, there are few houses from Brahmins and Magar. All houses follow “Atithi Devo Bhava” principle. Located in the lap of Shrinagar hill, there is a great view of sunrise, white lake, Tudhikhel and the main market for all the houses. These houses reflect the rich culture of Palpa integrated with rich hospitality experience to the guests. “In the villages, women are bound in the house, but after the Homestay, we the local women have come outside the houses and proved that we are as equal as men.” - Sunmaya Dahal Mission: Palpa Community Homestay takes an aim to promote Palpa as a genuine travel experience, in terms of culture, history, arts, nature, and music. The project accepts the fact that locals can learn a lot from interacting with guests and, in such case, they will also be proud of their culture and they shall preserve it for the future. “Our family is from a low economic background. Before the project, the money that we would generate from our fields wouldn’t be enough for our livelihood. But now we can not only earn, extra, income, but we are planning for the strong future as well.” - Hari Tiwari Vision: In spite of the great potentiality of tourism, Palpa is not being able to come to highlight. So, Palpa Community has come forward to let the world know its beauty and rich history and culture. 20 www.communityhomestay.com www.communityhomestay.com 21