Visitors enjoy a Nepali meal after a cooking class . Photo by RMT .
It ’ s high time tourists and local stakeholders adopt a more sustainable approach towards tourism . The whole essence of tourism lies in the natural beauty of a particular destination accompanied by its pure culture . Tourism is not just about night life and posh hotels , it ’ s more than that . It ’ s an opportunity to immerse in authentic cultures and learn new things from each other . Community Homestay Network ( CHN ) is an initiative that has been established with the aim of bridging the gap between community-based initialives like homestays and travelers , both domestic and international . With the aim of promoting Community- Based Tourism and uplifting the economic status of the local people , CHN has been operating since 2012 in almost 36 communities across Nepal .
Jyoti Shreshta , a resident of Panauti and one of the hosts of the community homestay program , says , “ thanks to our homestays , Panauti is becoming a popular destination in our country . The establishment of homestays has helped the women in our community as they feel empowered through various training programs . We ’ ve also witnessed an enhancement in our quality of life . It ’ s good to see the appreciation of our culture , traditions , and food . New businesses have been established like Kaula Chhen ( place for Newari food ) and Panauti Bike Station . Having homestays has supported the needy people from our community .” She further adds , “ whenever guests visit us they enjoy their stay here because they get to witness and participate in our cultural practices . The revival of Dhimey Baja is one of many examples of the positive impacts that the homestays have had in here .”
Well , if you intend to learn more about a country ’ s culture it ’ s important to have those cultures preserved in the first place . Staged cultural dances , fancy swimming pools with a view of the mountains , a jacuzzi , a private bar . will only give you luxury without authenticity . Hence , it ’ s important to make conscious decisions if you intend to travel responsibly . If you ’ re really interested in experiencing the authentic culture of hospitality in Nepal , you know what to do on your next trip .
www . insidehimalayas . com by Royal Mountain Travel
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