Development Process Begins for ‘Homestay’ Circuit in Tanahun
March 12, Tanahun – The process to establish a ‘Homestay Circuit’ has been initiated, connecting the historic and culturally rich town of Bandipur with the religiously significant Bhyas Municipality. The ‘Bandipur–Keshavtar Homestay Circuit’, a collaborative effort between Bhyas Municipality and Bandipur Rural Municipality, is being introduced as a new model for rural tourism development. Surendra Thapa, Chairperson of the Rural Municipality, stated that the initiative aims to promote tourism based on local production, traditions, and the environment, with cultural heritage as the foundation.
Once a prominent commercial center, Bandipur had fallen into obscurity after the district headquarters shifted to Damauli. However, the town is now re-emerging as an open and vibrant cultural museum. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Hills,” Bandipur has established a unique identity. Chairperson Thapa emphasized plans to further boost tourism here through the homestay program. “After the success of Bandipur Tourism Year 2025, the Rural Municipality has declared 2026 as the Year of Rural Tourism. Accordingly, important projects, including this circuit, have been initiated to develop new destinations utilizing diverse natural, social, and cultural assets,” he explained.
The 75-kilometer circuit will cover 14 homestays and more than 20 villages. Homestays run by Gurung, Magar, Newar, as well as Chhetri, Brahmin, and Dalit communities, will offer varied cultural experiences. Most wards of the Rural Municipality along with ward no. 14 of Bhyas Municipality are included. According to Chairperson Thapa, the circuit is expected to empower homestays and enhance rural community incomes through tourism. The development plan is being implemented in three phases.
In the first phase, on March 28 and 29, a joint team of tourism and cultural experts, business operators, and technical staff conducted field studies, observations, and awareness programs in each homestay village. In collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board Pokhara, the circuit will be promoted nationally and internationally during the Gandaki Provincial-level ‘Rural Tourism Mart 2083’, scheduled for April 30 and May 1. To facilitate rural tourism, the Municipality has also introduced safari jeep services, which are expected to improve tourist access to remote villages, said Suraj Bhattarai, Head of the Rural Municipality’s Tourism Department. Tourism expert Harisingh Gurung stated that this circuit is being developed as Nepal’s first pilot project of its kind, aiming to establish a new global identity for Nepali rural tourism. He expressed confidence that preserving local culture, traditions, and lifestyles while developing tourism is essential today, and this initiative will significantly contribute to sustainable tourism promotion.