Community Homestay Circuit is the best opportunity to explore the local communities of Nepal and witness distinct local cultures and traditions. The west of Nepal is still a region largely unexplored by tourists and relatively untouched by foreign influences. This is mainly due to the inaccessibility to the region and the lack of tourist infrastructure. However, for adventurous travelers, the west offers an amazing combination of beautiful landscapes, traditional cultures, lifestyles, and remote communities.
Community Homestay Circuit offers a unique close-up glimpse of Nepali rural village life, as well as directly supporting local economies and increasing their knowledge of the outside world – the locals are as interested in you as you are in them.
Western Nepal is home to the Bardiya National park and some other local community forests in Nepal. Bardiya National Park, less frequently visited than Chitwan National Park, offers a greater chance of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger along with other animals including wild elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, and various kinds of deer. Wildlife-spotting activities in the parks are authentic, and you will be following paths that local people use when navigating the area. It is unlikely to see many other tourists here.
Apart from forests and wildlife, this community homestay circuit trek offers you a stay in the lap of the majestic Annapurna Range and Macchapuchhre Nepal. Hemjakot and Narchhyang are two blissful villages in the Annapurna region of Nepal that offer awesome landscapes which make you one with mother nature. Hemjakot offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna Range including Mt. Annapurna, Macchapuchre, and Dhaulagiri, stretching up to Mt. Manaslu in the distance; whereas Narchayang is home to the best waterfalls in the Annapurna Circuit route.
Mountains, forests, and landscapes, What’s more? Home to Buddha, there is a deep spirituality in Nepal that is hard to compare with any other part of the world. Listed as a World Heritage site, Lumbini is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. You can feel it the minute you step into Lumbini. The constant meditating hymn from the temples, a serene environment, prayer flags fluttering the message of peace, eternal lamp, monks, and the genuine warmth of the people of Lumbini will calm your mind and heart.
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DEPARTURE DATES
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International Airport Arrival transfer in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will be waiting to welcome you with your name written on a placard. Depending on traffic, you will be at your hotel within 20 minutes or so.
You have time to relax and enjoy the ambience and comfort of the hotel until your evening Group Meeting with your fellow group members after which you will go on an orientation walk around the Patan Durbar Square.
World Heritage Sightseeing, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu Durbar Square
Today is spent visiting some of the major World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur, an important and fascinating World Heritage Site, made up of three large squares filled with shrines, temples and activity; Bhaktapur is the essential Newari city with some of the finest architecture in Nepal. In its heyday (14th-16th centuries) Bhaktapur was the most powerful of the Kathmandu Valley kingdoms and its capital for 300 years.
The Kathmandu Durbar Square, listed as one of the eight World Heritage sites by UNESCO, is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the capital city. Our visit to Durbar Square includes many temples like Kumari Chowk; the Courtyard of the living Goddess “Kumari”, Aakash Bhairav Temple, Temple of Lord Machhindranath, and Itumbahal courtyard.
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Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara Leaving Kathmandu city on one of the country’s busiest road may be slow, but as we leave the city on the Tribhuwan National Highway, the views are impressive. For first hour of the drive, the road is winding and downhill and then continue along the Trishuli River. As we approach Pokhara Valley, we will again be welcomed mighty Annapurna Range Himalayas and Seti River. |
Day at leisure for optional activities
You have this day on your own. Your guide may suggest some of the optional things to do in Pokhara City. Likewise, boating in fewa lake, visit Davi’s Fall, watch first light of the sunrise hitting over the Annapurna range from Sarangkot viewpoint, and many more.
Hike to hemjakot for lunch and Drive to Narchyang
The drive from Pokhara to hemja Phedi is around 30 mintues. and From hemja phedi it takes 1.5 to 2hours hike through the lush green forest to reach hemjakot. Arriving at Hemjakot, the locals will welcome you. After that, you will have a tradtional lunch whilst witnessing the mighty Annapurna Range right infront of your eyes. Apart from that, this is the best chance to observe typical rural lifestyle and traditional homes.
The distance between Pokhara and Narchyang is around 100 Km Approx and driving hours approximately around 5 hours. Narchyang is in village development committe in Myadi District in the Dhaulagiri Zone of western-central Nepal. Narchyang is awesome side trek on the way to or from Tatopani, which has a beautiful view of valley and beautiful Narchyang waterfall. Following the main road, we will way up to Narchyang village and to a small bridge leading to the stairs that go up to the waterfall. It’s very easy to find as you can see the massive Narchyang waterfall from almost anywhere which is best waterfall in the Annapurna Circuit route.
Day Hike Narchyang viewpoint
A short walk (15-20 minutes) from your community homestay is a local holy site. You also can admire views from the Narchyang viewpoint. You can see the historic old route to Mustang. Following a paved way, you continue your leisurely hike to a couple of waterfalls and three temples. Your local guide will tell you all about the historical and cultural importance of the sites of Narchyang Village.
Drive from Narchyang to Pokhara
The distance between Narchyang and Pokhara is around 100 Km Approx and driving hours approximately around 5 hours. Pokhara, also known as “”lake city”” is one of the most famous tourist destination in Nepal. Pokhara is well-known as the starting point for numerous trekking trails and expeditions in the Annapurna region. It is known for its natural beauty and majestic mountain view. The richness of valley in pure natural beauty is indeed one of the main attractions to the visitors from all over the world.
Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini
Driving from Pokhara to Lumbini via Palpa, we drive along the magnificent mountain views and past small tons and village settlements until you reach Lumbini, the place where Siddhartha Gautam, Buddha of this era, was born in 623 BC. This sacred place is marked by a stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BC, is listed as a World Heritage Site. Lumbini is a place of pilgrimage and symbol of world peace. Many countries have built shrines and monasteries here reflecting the architectural traditions of their respective cultures.
Transfer from Lumbini to Bardiya
From Lumbini, it is about 267 km to Bardiya via the East-West Highway and takes approx. 6 hours’ drive.
The Bardiya Community Homestay was created to help the local Tharu people to preserve their rich culture and as a way for them to interact with the rest of the world and benefit more directly in tourism. Villagers take care of you in their Community Homestays where you stay in relative comfort.
Half Day Jeep Safari, Half Day Jungle Walk
Bardiya National Park has unspoiled wilderness of grassland and riverine forest. You get to explore the rarest of wildlife in Nepal along with a peek into the lives of local Tharus that remains unchanged over time. Bardiya National Park is one of the most pristine conservation areas in the Terai and is home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger and Nepal’s famous One-horned rhinoceros besides countless other mammals and reptiles. The park located in the far western district of Bardiya, is bordered by the Karnali River in the west, the Churia range in the north, while the Babai River flows right through it.
For a jungle jeep adventure, set onboard with one of our refurbished open-top jeeps. Explore the mystery and majesty of the jungle from the comfort of your seat, guided by an experienced driver and knowledgeable naturalist.
Enter the jungle by foot & go exploring with one of our naturalists. This is a great opportunity to spot wildlife, as it is much quieter than travelling by jeep. It is also the perfect opportunity to observe various foliage & smaller fauna around such as butterflies and insects. Walks can be done in buffer zone or inside the National park depending on interest.
Transfer from Bardiya to Rana Tharu Community Homestay
The Rana Tharu Community Homestay is ideally situated at the Shuklaphanta National Park. Rana Tharu is home to the indigenous Tharu people. By day, the villagers work on their artisanal products & tend to their crops while the kids play near the jungle.
Transfer from Rana Tharu to Dhangadi Airport and Flight to Kathmandu. Free day in Kathmandu
This flight route connects Kathmandu, the capital city to Dhangadhi, the gateway to API Base Camp trek in Darchula. The diverse nature of Kathmandu will give you breathtaking experiences and is capable of catering all kinds of tourists. Whereas Dhangadhi offers some of the popular attractions such as Khaptad National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park.
The duration of flight is 1hour 15 minutes
International airport departure transfer
As per airlines regulation, travelers need to check in to their respective airlines counter at around 2.30 hours before the scheduled flight time.
Your booked airport transfer will be at your hotel, ready to take you to the airport. Depending upon the traffic on the road, the drive from your hotel to airport may take around 30 minutes or more.
At the airport, security will check for your flight ticket – either hard copy or on your mobile along with your passport before you are allowed to enter the departure hall.
