Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation and Facilities

1. What is a community homestay and how does it differ from a traditional hotel or resort stay?

A community homestay is a type of accommodation where a person stays in the home of a local host, typically in a village. The host acts as a guide and cultural ambassador, offering insight into the community and its customs. This type of stay allows travelers to experience the local culture, customs, and way of life by living with and interacting with a local host and their family in a more authentic and immersive way. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about the daily lives and routines of the local people, which can be a valuable and enriching experience for anyone looking to gain a more authentic understanding of the local community.

In contrast, a traditional hotel or resort stay is typically located in urban or tourist areas and provides standardized amenities such as room service, housekeeping, and a front desk. The focus of a hotel or resort stay is often on luxury and convenience, rather than on cultural immersion. So, community homestay is an ideal option for individuals who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and people.

2. What is the difference between Community Homestay and Homestay?

A homestay is a type of accommodation where a person stays with a single host family in their home. The host family provides a room, meals, and a welcoming environment for the guest. The guest may also have the opportunity to participate in the daily activities and routines of the host family.

Community homestays are those homestays that are run by the community, not by a single family. In a Community homestay, if the guest wants they can stay with multiple host families within a community. The guest may move from one host family to another during their stay, allowing them to experience different lifestyles and cultures within the same community. The whole community is at the service of the guests. Community homestays are often used as a way for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the community.

In summary, a homestay is a stay with a single host family, whereas a community homestay is a homestay organized and run by a community within a community.

3. Can I request a specific homestay or accommodation type?

Yes, you can request a specific homestay or accommodation type. Please let us know your preference in advance when you make your booking. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but please note that it is subject to availability

4. Is the room shared with other guests?

No, you will only share your room with your travel partners.

5. Can I expect western toilets?

Unfortunately, we don’t have western toilets at our homestay. However, we do have traditional squat toilets that are cleaned and maintained regularly for our guests to use.

6. Is there hot shower available?

Unfortunately, hot shower is not available. However, upon request, your host will provide a bucket full of hot water.

Meals and Foods

1. Are meals included in the Barang Community homestay experience? If so, what types of food will be served?

Meals are included in the Community homestay experience. The types of food that will be served are traditional Nepalese dishes, such as dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), Dhindo, Gundruk (dried spinach) and momos (steamed dumplings). The meals will be prepared using locally sourced ingredients and include vegetables and spices. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in cooking and learn about Nepalese cuisine.

2. Is drinking water provided?

Your hosts will be happy to provide you with boiled water, which is safe to drink. We strongly encourage our guests to choose this option over purchasing plastic bottles. Let’s do our part to save the world, one bottle at a time.

Activities and Services

1. Are there any activities or excursions offered during my stay?

During a community homestay in Nepal, there are a variety of activities and excursions that can be offered, depending on the specific location and community. Some examples may include

Trekking and hiking: Our community homestay is located in a rural area with beautiful natural landscapes, making them perfect for trekking and hiking. Guests can have the opportunity to explore local trails, visit nearby villages, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
Cultural activities: At our homestay, we often provide guests with the opportunity to learn about and participate in local customs and traditions. This may include cooking traditional Nepali meals, learning how to make handicrafts, attending festivals or marriages or Bon cultural ceremonies, and going to the jungle to cut the grass for the goat and buffalo.
Volunteer opportunities: We offer guests the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the local community. This may include working on community development projects, teaching English at the local school, teaching computers to the village kids, involving in agricultural activities, or teaching the locals important environmental conservation.

Note: Please be aware that the activities available in our village may vary depending on the season or month of your visit. (visit the Things to do section)

2. Is there internet access available at the homestay?

Yes, WiFi is available in our village.

3. Can you provide transportation to and from the homestay?

Yes, we can provide it. There are a few transportation options to and from our village. These include:

Local bus:You can catch a local bus from Lakeside’s Hallan Chowk at 3 pm, which will take you directly to our village. It is about 1 hr 30 min of a drive. This is the only local bus that arrives at our village. Alternatively, you can catch a bus every hour from Lakeside’s Hallan Chowk to Ghattichhina and then walk uphill for 15 minutes to reach our village.

Taxi: For those who prefer a more private mode of transportation, taxis can be arranged from Lakeside to Ghattichhina. From there, it’s a 15-minute uphill walk to reach our village.

Jeep: If you are traveling in a group, a jeep is a great option, as it can easily navigate the terrain and arrive directly at our village

Communication and Community Engagement

1. Does my host speak English?

While most of the hosts in the village do not speak English but the children in the village are able to effectively communicate with you.

2. Are there any volunteer or community service opportunities available during my stay?

Yes, volunteer and community service opportunities are available in our village. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit our volunteerism section on our website.