Imagine yourself visiting a completely different place from your hometown, with a totally different culture and a lifestyle that you’re completely unfamiliar with. You might find dozens of destinations searching in Google but being part of community-based tourism in Nepal is the best gateway to discover new places and get real life experience of rural lifestyles, preferably in an unspoiled traditional village. Here, visitors can explore the wildlife, local habitats, and be a part of the local culture and rituals. The best way to understand Nepal’s traditions and culture is by visiting its villages.
Community based tourism (CBT) is a form of sustainable tourism that allows travellers to engage with the local communities they visit and learn more about their culture and daily lives. CBT provides travellers with the opportunity to learn about another culture, diversity, customs, language, social norms, cultural beliefs, etc. This type of tourism in Nepal consists of activities such as home stays, village tours, storytelling, cooking and crafting together and farm visits, etc where visitors can observe the local culture and interact with local community members. The hospitality and friendly attitude towards tourists makes them feel at home.
Home stays and other forms of community-based tourism are gaining popularity among travellers today given that they provide authentic, unique experiences while also providing value to local communities. There is already a growing niche market as more and more people today are interested in getting to know the local communities and interacting with the local people. Community-based tourism was developed with the objective of alleviating poverty in low-income and minority communities by developing and promoting the local tradition, culture and local resources. Members of a community join together and take collective actions to achieve all forms of well-being including social, economic, cultural and environmental.
Nepal offers a unique experience for foreign tourists by allowing them to stay with the family as members, and not as guests. These tourists become part of the community during their stay. The villagers greet visitors with flowers, tikas, and even Panche Baza (traditional Nepalese music) in some of the villages. They are also invited to take part in local festivals, rice plantations, production of handicraft works, milking a cow, and even cooking. People of rural villages in Nepal take pride in talking about their everyday lives and sharing personal stories with guests. The villages in Nepal are also known for their breathtaking views of the Himalayas and beautiful sunrises, which tourists will not want to miss out on.
‘Community-based tourism’ originated in Nepal in the Gurung community of Sirubari, Syangja, by developing the village as a model with the purpose of experiencing local life. Homestays including Ghalegaun, Kaulepani, Balthali, Madi village, Machhapuchhre, Ghandruk and Panauti are some of the other popular community based tourism destinations in Nepal. One of the most important aspects of this form of tourism in Nepal is that visitors can experience a completely different environment, breathe fresh air, and eat organic foods and vegetables. Waking up to the sunrise with shining mountains in the background, exploring natural beauty during the day, and engaging in cultural programs in the evening can make anyone forget their home place.
Travelers during hiking, trekking or short tours in different regions of Nepal can engage in different community based activities like purchasing local made products, having a meal at a local tea house lodge or by engaging in cultural programs organized by the local community. Travelers can also participate in cooking with local people as a form of responsible tourism, tasting the local food, learning about traditional recipes, or even taking cooking classes. Taking part in and appreciating local festivals gives the community a sense of pride and inspires people to preserve their culture. The visitor may participate in community projects in various areas, such as parks, health clinics, schools, orphanages, protected areas, libraries, conservation research centers, and protected areas, and an extensive range of other worthy projects. Travelers who are interested in community development can volunteer in the school or instruct local women contributing to their personal growth.
Community-based tourism benefits both hosts and guests, as it enables tourists to gain a true sense of belonging in the community and experience authentic travel, while also ensuring that the revenue generated by tourism stays within the community. Tourism based on the community not only preserves the environment, but also fosters cultural preservation, environmental protection, social responsibility, and enhances livelihoods while enhancing a deeper connection between hosts and visitors.
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