Western Nepal is an emerging destination when it comes to wildlife spotting, and Community Homestay Network, the pioneer of community-led tourism in Nepal, is announcing a new tour taking travellers to this lesser-visited part of the country, simultaneously helping to distribute wealth via tourism, to empower women and youth, and safeguard Indigenous traditions and cultures.
The communities of Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal are home to the Indigenous Tharu people. The new, multi-day itinerary – Live the Tharu Way: Journey through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – is available to book now, and as well as wildlife spotting in remote areas, travellers will be hosted by local families at homestays as they are introduced to their way of rural life.
Highlights of the new Live the Tharu Way: Journey through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life trip include:
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Spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people. The Tharu originated in India centuries ago, and now have traditions, language and cuisine that resemble both hill Nepali and North Indian cultures.
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Experiencing local community life, cooking classes and culture at the Bhada Community Homestay and Bardiya Community Homestay in western Nepal.
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Going wildlife spotting on a Jeep safari in Bardiya National Park, searching for elephants, rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Shiva Dhakal, the founder of Community Homestay Network says community tourism is a powerful force that goes well beyond travel.
“This new itinerary epitomises what Community Homestay Network stands for. At a time where overtourism is a real concern, there are places that can benefit greatly from having a well-managed number of travellers visit. Our homestays and other experiences offer visitors a two-way exchange, building meaningful connections between travellers and local people.
“Both Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal see very few tourists, making them an exciting alternative for wildlife-spotting to more well-known Chitwan, with Bardiya very much still opening up to tourism.
“As well as having a special wildlife and cultural experience, this itinerary will help to preserve the traditions that are so unique to the Tharu people. Community tourism empowers women and youth in terms of employment, brings money into the local community’s economy, and helps mitigate urban migration as more jobs are created,” says Dhakal.
Locally owned and operated, Community Homestay Network – which was this year named one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’ – currently has 50 different experiences available to book. Forty communities in 23 destinations operate community homestays, while 10 communities provide cultural experiences led by local artisans to showcase their culture and traditions.
