The Local Experience: Community Tours
Highlights
- You will see how a typical family will start their day milking the cows and carrying the milk back to the house.
- You will be visiting a local school to introduce yourself and learn how the schools operate.
- Experience local life.
Overview
Traveling to the community is the best way to experience a natural and simple way of life with local cultural immersion. So the community tours are the best recommended tours as it opens the door to experience the brotherhood by participating or observing in the ancient old traditional activities.
The community tours are best form of responsible travel, thus the best model of sustainable tourism. Your contributions to these communities motivate these communities to conserve their environment and promote their culture. Be ready, what awaits you is the full of surprises in a positive way, traveling and staying in these eco-friendly communities of Nepal and get the real experience of being a local.
You will wake up with your host family and participate in their morning routine and household activities. We can guarantee this will be very different from what you are used to. A typical family will start their day milking the cows and carrying the milk back to the house. We highly recommend you take this opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and embrace this morning routine. As with all animals, cleaning the cowsheds is another priority for a family. You can either watch how they do this or participate if you want the fuller experience.
Early in the morning is the perfect time to take a walk through the neighbourhood and meet the people. Do not be surprised if the elders call on you to take a sip of tea. This warm hospitality will follow you everywhere you go.
Breakfast will usually be served between 9-10 am. This local meal is made from fresh products and will consist of steamed rice (Bhat), lentils soup (Daal), vegetables with hot and sour pickles. Take this opportunity to enhance your cooking skills and join in with the family in the kitchen. They will be more than happy to share with you their family recipes and secrets.
After you have eaten you will be visiting a local school to introduce yourself and learn how the schools operate. The children will be excited to see you and we recommend you integrate yourself accordingly and get to know the children. There will be English speaking teachers in the school who will provide information on the education system, culture and the community. Visiting a school is the perfect opportunity to get to know the village and the people.
In the afternoon you can explore the farmlands. Here you will have the chance to join a local group of women to engage yourself in farming. This can include going to the rice fields, working in vegetable farming or helping with the traditional animal farming. Activities will vary depending on the season but rest assured, there will be plenty of activities for you to choose from.
The evenings will be mostly spent with your host family reflecting on the day and having quality time with locals. Save some energy for the evening as you may find yourself learning traditional dance, listening to traditional music and if you are feeling brave, some singing! The children will also want you to play with them or help with their homework. Dinner will be served in the evening, much like with breakfast, feel free to help out and learn more about the local cuisine.
- Day 1 - Arrival in the community, Nepal
Today you will be guided to the community. Upon arrival in the community you will be greeted by local guide, who will be coordinating your stay. You will be introduced with the host family and will have enough time for easy integration.
- Day 2 - Community Exploration
Today is the first morning in the community. The families begin the day with their regular household activities. It is very interesting to see the milking of cow. You can carry milk pot to the kitchen. When the families’ clean cow shed and feed fodders to the cattle, you can take part in these activities. Early in the morning is always the best time to walk through the neighborhood. Don’t be surprised! When you are called upon by the elders to sip a cup of tea, a warm hospitality follows you wherever you go.
In between 9 am to 10am your first meal of the day will be served, the locally fresh food consist with steamed rice(Bhat) lentils soup (Daal) , vegetables with hot and sour pickles. Those who are interested can enhance their cooking skill morning and evening; the family will welcome you in the kitchen.
After the morning meal your visit to the community school will introduce you the school environment and the children whole heartedly. There will be English speaking teachers in the school who will be happy to provide you the information about the education system, cultural and moreover the potentiality of the community.
Rest of the day you can explore the farmlands, do not hurry to work today. There are still many days to come. Try to locate your own view point where you can have your private time.
In the evening you can spend the quality time with your host family, be it: learning the Local traditional dance, music and songs. You still can help in the children’s study or play with them. Dinner will be served in the evening and many surprises awaits you next morning. - Day 3 - Hike to the viewpoint
Today is the day to spend time with schools children. You can come up with the best of your creative skills to ensure the active participation of the local kids. After your time with the children, comfortable hike leads you to a view point. Be ready for this soft adventure. Your community guide will take you through the single tracks of community forest. These viewpoints provide you a panoramic view of the surroundings. Carry your camera all the time during this trip. So this is going to be amazing and busy day.
- Day 4 - Neighboring community Tour
Today is the day to make a community tour of the neighboring community. Explore the farm activities therein. The local guide can arrange an interaction program with the members of the community. Every Nepalese community is endowed with its own distinct features. It could be your next adventure because Naturally Nepal: Once is not enough.
- Day 5 - The cultural immersion
Today try to be a perfect local, try cooking Nepali food. You can blend the local taste with western flavor which could be a huge surprise for you and the host family. Your innovative recipe can be a ultimate gift to your family and friends back home. Afternoon you can join your host family in the farm and participate actively.
Finally the community host will organize a local cultural show to honor for you for your precious time and active participation in the community tour. In the local tradition they will offer you the garlands of flower. So prepare yourself to be hidden. - Day 6 - Departure from Community
After participating in a responsible tour in the community, your departure to the next destination is awaiting you. The host family will finally give you the cultural farewell. You can exchange the moments of departure with your beloved host family.
We hope that the days you spent in these beautiful natural communities have been one of the best memorable tours of your life time. We wait for your next community tour in Nepal.
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Ground Transportation
- Farewell program by host family
- Meals full board
- Local Community Homestay
- Short Hikes and community tours
- All Drinks & Personal Expenses
- Gifts to the host family
- Educational materials to the school.
- Unforeseen expenses beyond the control