about Community Homestay Network

Community Homestay Network (CHN) is a leading social enterprise in Nepal, committed to creating authentic and responsible community tourism experiences that directly benefit local communities while preserving their culture, traditions, and environment. By collaborating with 36 communities across rural and semi-urban areas, CHN develops immersive travel experiences through community homestays, curates local experiences, and community circuits, promoting less well-known destinations.

CHN challenges traditional views of community tourism by advocating for a collaborative model that fosters genuine cultural exchange and economic empowerment. The organization emphasizes co-creation and meaningful connections between travelers and hosts. CHN works closely with communities, building capacities through training programs, co-developing products, and establishing market linkages. Additionally, CHN raises awareness among travelers and industry professionals through various communication channels and conducts workshops for local Destination Management Companies on the essence and importance of community tourism. Our expertise has led to destination development, creating mutual benefits for both travelers and communities.

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Region(s) of operation

Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Kirtipur, Bungamati, Patlekhet, Panauti, Chitwan, Pokhara, Bardia, Jomsom, Tatopani, Palpa, Ilam, Maipokhari, Dobato, Parsa

Area of Expertise

Community-Based Accommodation: Reliable, traveler friendly community homestays offering consistent comfort and authentic local experiences.

Cultural Immersion and Community Engagement: Facilitated interactions and immersive experiences that enhance traveler satisfaction and community connection.

Sustainable Tourism Solutions: Eco-friendly practices and support for local economies, promoting responsible tourism and reducing environmental impact.

Customized Itinerary Development: Tailor-made travel programs showcasing Nepal’s culture, nature, and adventures, designed to meet diverse client needs.

Capacity Building and Training: Investment in local host development and training to ensure high-quality service and long-term sustainability.

Most popular journeys

Community Homestays

Offers travellers a unique opportunity to stay in local homes and experience authentic Nepali life together. Their five clusters of community homestays are based around Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Far East and Far West Nepal, opening new destinations and offering unique experiences in regions which are away from the main tourist trails. Experience being part of a community, sharing meals, stories, and daily activities with CHN hosts. This immersive experience allows visitors to learn about the local culture, customs, and traditions, while also contributing directly to the livelihood of the host families. …

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Community Experiences

Offers a wide range of community experiences that showcase the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Nepal and supports the local communities and are ideal for clients who prefer more traditional hotel accommodation. These experiences include learning traditional crafts, such as pottery or weaving, to participating in festivals, farming, or local cooking classes. Whether exploring ancient temples, hiking, or attending a cultural program, these experiences offer a deeper connection to the local way of life and provide meaningful, hands-on engagement that goes beyond the normal pattern of travelling….

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Community Circuits

Circuits are multi-day travel routes connecting multiple homestays across different regions of Nepal. They allow travellers to experience bustling cities, jungle activities and off-the-route villages or towns while staying with local families. Along the way, enjoy interacting with the communities, visiting heritage sites, and learning about different ethnic groups. Each circuit provides a well-rounded, immersive journey while supporting multiple communities across the country and can be customized according to your needs and interests….

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What's New

Mask Painting

Our mask painting workshop in Thimi, enroute to Bhakktapur offers a unique opportunity to engage with the artistic part of the Nepalese culture through a hands-on workshop. This traditional craft is tied to local festivals and rituals, and in the workshop, you’ll learn how to paint vibrant masks under the guidance of skilled local artisans. From sketching the intricate designs to applying colours, every step reveals the significance of these cultural symbols. This experience can easily fit into your travel plans while visiting Bhaktapur, a city known for its beautiful Newari architecture and vibrant craft scene. At the end of the session, you will take away a mini-size of the traditional mask as a souvenir.

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Community Homestay Network

Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu 44600
Contact – +977-4519039/ +9779801902572
Email – info@communityhomestay.com
reservation@communityhomestay.com

 

Meet the Founder

Shiva Dhakal is a visionary and influential leader in Nepal’s tourism industry. With over three decades of experience, Shiva has dedicated his career to fostering community empowerment together with authentic and enriching experiences. His deep commitment to sustainable tourism has driven the significant growth and success of the Community Homestay Network.

These ventures comprise a travel agency, a Heritage cafe, two boutique hotels, and a wellness centre, each contributing to the sustainable tourism landscape in Nepal. His approach integrates community participation, ensuring that tourism benefits are equitably distributed and cultural heritage is preserved. Shiva’s dedication extends beyond business growth to encompass social change and cultural preservation. His initiatives empower local communities, particularly women, by providing them with opportunities to participate actively in the tourism industry. Through the Community Homestay Network, he has created an inspiring business model that connects travelers with local communities, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

His leadership and commitment to positive change have earned him recognition as a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Shiva continues to champion efforts toward a more responsible and inclusive tourism sector in Nepal, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and contribute to a sustainable future for the industry.