PALPA, Jan 11: Homestay facilities in rural areas of Palpa have started getting tourist.
The number of tourists served by Baugha Ghumha Homestay had decreased after the earthquakes of 2015. But the number nearly doubled in 2016, according to Lekh Bahadur Thapa, president of Homestay Management Committee.
The rising number of tourists has encouraged the management to extend the facility to 18 homes from existing homes. Each house can accommodate two guests per night.
Baugha Ghumha village started offering homestay facility from 2010.
“Tourists can enjoy local culture and food at our village,” Thapa said.
The village has also started commercial vegetable farming. Ghana Shayam Rana, secretary of the committee, said that the number of tourists is rising as homestays provide services at relatively cheaper rates. Rana added that one can get room and food at just Rs 350 per night.
Thapa said more tourists could be attracted to the village if the government provided needful support to the villagers. “We request the government to create environment conducive for starting paragliding service the village,” Thapa added.
The homestay facility in Suketal of Dovan VDC is also attracting domestic as well as foreign tourists. Locals say that geographical situation, suitable climate, and traditional culture are the reasons behind increasing tourist footfalls in the village.
Locals say that the homestay facility has helped in women empowerment as local women are earning money by serving tourist,” Keshar Singh Gaha, a promoter of Suketal homestay, said.
Homestay facilities in Palpa have been attracting tourists from Pokhara, Kathmandu, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi, among others.
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