Connect with Locals for an Unforgettable Travel Experience

As travelers, we don’t just want to know where to go and what to see and do in a destination. We want to know what life is like, what the customs are and not just where to eat, but what to try, among other things. And there’s only one way to find out this kind of information — ask a local, connect with locals.

Experiencing a place through a local’s eyes is the surest way to connect with a culture. When guests book one of our homestays, it’s very rarely just about finding a place to stay, but about the experience they can have with our local hosts. Guests are able to immerse themselves in the way of life and learn a great deal about Nepal from our hosts.

Here are a few things travelers can learn from Nepali locals:

Where to go

Without an insider’s knowledge, many travelers visit the temples in Patan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Kathmandu and don’t venture much further. But local hosts at Patan Community Homestay will make sure travelers know to explore the side streets, how to find the best local snacks and where to find traditional handicrafts (tip: the Newar people are famous for wood, metal and stone carving.)

How to get around

The women who run the Panauti Community Homestay often take guests around town and can lead them to the recently developed Sanga to Panauti trail. It’s an easy-to-moderate 10-kilometer hike with beautiful mountain views.

How to cook local foods

Travelers who want to get a taste of Nepal can learn to prepare some traditional Tharu dishes in the Barauli Community Homestay. Try ghonghi, an edible snail often boiled with spices, or dhikri, made of rice flour and often eaten with chutney or curry.

How to dance like a local

Piprahar is another Tharu village close to the Narayani River, which is considered sacred by Hindu pilgrims and is host to many religious celebrations. Learn folk songs and cultural dances that reveal a good deal about local traditions from the hosts here.

Where to see local wildlife

Bardia National Park is one of the best places to see Bengal tigers, elephants, rhinos and more. Hosts of the Bardia Community Homestay can share their tips on the best places to spot local wildlife. Options for a jungle walk, Jeep safari, rafting trip and more exist.

What life is like on a local farm

Patlekhet is an organic farming village. Travelers staying at the homestay can learn various skills, from milking a cow to collecting honey from a beehive. Even those not wanting hands-on experience can observe villagers in their day-to-day farming activities.

While these lessons can be village-specific, Nepali hosts often engage guests in discussions about local customs and history. They also provide exclusive travel tips known only to locals. Guests gain more than just accommodation; they leave with memorable experiences and a fresh perspective on local culture—something hotels cannot match.