Sustainable Tourism - Green Economy for Livelihood

Tourism is one of the largest industries in Nepal with approximately 1,200,000 international tourists visiting Nepal in 2019. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has highly affected this industry throughout the world. Chain of massive Himalayan mountains, rolling hills, diverse vegetations, wildlife and culture as well as important holy places are the major tourist attractions for domestic and foreign tourists who visit parts of the country. In Nepal, ecotourism is one of the major forms of tourism and it includes wildlife tour, bird watching, jungle safari, wilderness camps, trekking etc. Sustainable Tourism is very important to have a long-lasting contribution to the national economy, local livelihood as well as for the positive impact on the environment and conservation.

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Khadgawar Namuna Community Homestay, Banke

Homestays in Nepal provide a great value accommodation option with affordable cost that directly support the local people and their livelihood, through a regular source of income while also supporting conservation of wildlife and the natural environment.

Himalayan Nature and ZSL-Nepal program has been supporting the government of Nepal to conserve the important wildlife species and their natural habitat by engaging the communities and supporting livelihood of indigenous and marginalised communities.  Among several methods of livelihood improvement of communities, support to establish or run a homestay business is a major one. We supported eight community homestays (Gabhar-Chyama cluster, Gobrella and Krishnasar) around three national parks (Babke, Bardia and Shuklaphanta) of western Nepal. Through the operation of these homestays, communities gain tremendous benefits for livelihood through sustainable ecotourism around the protected areas in the western lowlands of Nepal. This in turn reduces wildlife poaching, illegal entries inside the protected areas for resource collection thus supporting wildlife conservation and reducing the casualties from interaction with wildlife.

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Indigenous Tharu community performing cultural program
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Tharu ladies preparing for the festival celebration

These homestays are a perfect way to take the experience of Nepali hospitality while visiting remote, isolated and rural communities, reputed for their many annual festivals and traditions. Homestay is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a quick weekend break from hectic and stressful urban life, seeking to enjoy the pristine rural lifestyle, travellers who admire the wild experience of encountering wild animals closely in their natural habitat, those who enjoy hiking and jungle safari around the national park and those who want to experience the ethnic villager's lifestyle.

By making these homestay accommodation your choice, you are directly supporting the local communities and wildlife conservation.

If you wish to make your plan or want to get more information on these homestays, please read the brochure

We are happy to assist, make a connection or book your favourite homestay. The amount you spend will directly support community livelihood, as well as a small percentage goes to the conservation work done by Himalayan Nature.

In case you need our support please drop an email at: info@himalayannature.org

This project is supported by the UK government through Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund. We thank their generous support. 

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