Community Homestay Network has unveiled its first series of guaranteed-departure multi-day itineraries across Nepal, timed to support the country’s newly announced Visit Nepal 2028 campaign. The initiative marks a strategic shift for the Kathmandu-based operator, moving from ad-hoc bookings to a structured schedule of over 100 departures running from September 2026 through December 2027.
The eight itineraries, co-created with local communities, aim to broaden Nepal’s tourism appeal beyond its traditional mountain-trekking core. The Balen government’s 2028 strategy targets 2.5 million annual visitors by 2029 and a doubling of per-tourist spending, with a focus on community-based experiences, cultural immersion, and nature tourism. Infrastructure upgrades, including online visa systems and enhanced aviation facilities, are also part of the plan.
Itinerary Details and Pricing
Among the new offerings is the eight-day “Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature”, priced from $1,165 (US$1,165) and starting 6 September 2026. The tour explores Newari heritage sites, artisan workshops, and rural landscapes around the valley.
Another nine-day itinerary, “Live The Tharu Way”, priced from $2,245 (US$2,245) and launching 11 October 2026, takes travellers into the Terai region for wildlife safaris and interactions with Tharu communities. A third option, “Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken”, is an eight-day journey from Kathmandu to Janakpur, priced from $1,770 (US$1,770) and starting 20 September 2026.
Shiva Dhakal, founder of Community Homestay Network, said the fixed-departure model provides certainty for both travellers and local hosts. “The government’s emphasis on community-led tourism aligns perfectly with our mission,” Dhakal stated. “These itineraries are designed to empower local communities by sharing their stories and traditions directly with visitors.”
The move comes as Nepal seeks to diversify its tourism product, a trend echoed in other parts of Asia. For instance, the Mekong Tourism Forum has highlighted the need to shift from arrival numbers to community value, a principle that Nepal’s new strategy appears to embrace.
Industry observers note that guaranteed departures reduce risk for tour operators and agents, making it easier to sell Nepal as a year-round destination. The structured schedule also supports airline route planning; carriers such as Emirates SkyCargo have been expanding their Asia freighter network, and passenger airlines serving Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport could benefit from increased demand.
Community Homestay Network’s approach mirrors broader trends in sustainable tourism. The Royal Caribbean Group recently reported $61 million in community impact, underscoring the growing importance of local engagement in travel. For Nepal, the focus on community homestays offers a way to distribute tourism revenue beyond the Everest and Annapurna trekking corridors.
Dhakal emphasised that all itineraries are developed in partnership with local families and guides. “We are not just selling trips; we are creating platforms for cultural exchange,” he said. “Every dollar spent stays within the community.”
The fixed-departure schedule is expected to appeal to international tour operators and travel agents looking for reliable, pre-packaged experiences in South Asia. With the 2028 strategy providing a long-term framework, Nepal is positioning itself as a destination that values quality over quantity—a shift that could reshape its tourism landscape for years to come.
