Homestay Experience in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal 9 Days - 8 Nights Group: According To Need
Special

Trip Description

This journey offers a deep and meaningful immersion into daily life in Nepal through a homestay experience with local families. Far from conventional travel, it invites you to share meals, conversations, rituals, and routines with your hosts, gaining an authentic understanding of Nepali culture, traditions, and values. Over nine days, the itinerary reveals the diversity of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding regions, from ancient royal cities and sacred temples to remote hill villages shaped by Himalayan landscapes. Living alongside local families allows for genuine human connection, cultural exchange, and a slower rhythm that reflects the true spirit of Nepal.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to take you to your host family. You will stay south of Kathmandu in Langol, within the municipality of Kirtipur, an area that feels timeless and deeply rooted in local life. After settling in, you are free to explore the surroundings, where rice fields, small villages, and neighborhood temples define the landscape. Friends and relatives of your host family may invite you to sit with them on the floor in the traditional Nepalese way, sharing stories and simple moments. This first day sets the tone for an honest and heartfelt introduction to Nepalese society. Overnight with your host family.

DAY 2 – Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazaar

In the morning, you travel by road to Gorkha Bazaar, a small town perched along the hillside. High above the valley stands the historic Gorkha Palace, reached by climbing approximately 1,700 stone steps from the base of the hill to the summit at around 1,000 meters above sea level. The ascent takes about two hours and rewards you, weather permitting, with sweeping views of the Himalayan range, including Manaslu and Himalchuli, as well as panoramic vistas over the surrounding valleys. You will also visit the Gorkha Museum, located in a former palace in the heart of town, offering insight into the region’s history and royal heritage. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3 – Gorkha Bazaar to Barpak

The journey continues along a scenic route following the Daraudi River toward the mountain village of Barpak. Along the way, you pass farms, small settlements, streams, and waterfalls that cascade down forested slopes. The road is unpaved and occasionally rough, making the drive adventurous and immersive. After four to five hours, you arrive in Barpak, where local residents welcome you and escort you to your homestay. The village is picture-perfect, with stone houses topped by tiled roofs and a setting framed by Himalayan peaks. Barpak is also a key stop on trekking routes leading toward the Manaslu region, known for its striking natural beauty. Overnight with your host family.

DAY 4 – Exploring Barpak

The day is dedicated to discovering Barpak and its surroundings. A walk leads you to a viewpoint offering impressive views of Mount Manaslu and neighboring peaks. You will visit the local monastery, school, and the Ghale and Gurung community museum, gaining insight into the traditions, history, and daily life of the region’s ethnic groups. From another side of the village, Bouddha Himal comes into view, while below, rivers carve deep gorges through lush jungle. The Daraudi River, fed by glaciers from the Manaslu region, flows powerfully through this dramatic landscape. Overnight with your host family.

DAY 5 – Barpak to Kathmandu via Patan

In the morning, you begin the return journey to Kathmandu. Along the way, you stop in Patan to visit Durbar Square, one of the architectural and artistic highlights of the valley. The city is renowned for its intricate stone and metal sculptures, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and historic monuments that reflect centuries of craftsmanship. By late afternoon, you arrive back in Kathmandu. The evening is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight with your host family.

DAY 6 – Discovering Kathmandu

Today is devoted to exploring Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks. You visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is filled with palaces, courtyards, temples, and living traditions that continue to animate daily life. You then head to Swayambhunath, another UNESCO-listed site, often called the Monkey Temple. Perched atop a hill, it is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. The all-seeing eyes of Buddha gazing over the valley have become a powerful symbol of the country. Overnight with your host family.

DAY 7 – Kathmandu to Dhulikhel

This morning, you travel east toward Dhulikhel, located about 30 kilometers from Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,550 meters. Set close to the Himalayan foothills, Dhulikhel is a traditional Newar town known for its peaceful atmosphere and temple-lined streets. Upon arrival, you meet the family who will host you and begin discovering village life and the local community. The setting offers a calm contrast to the bustle of the capital. Overnight with your host family.

DAY 8 – Exploring the Kathmandu Valley

The day is spent exploring three of the valley’s most significant cultural centers. You begin in Bhaktapur, where Durbar Square showcases some of the finest examples of medieval Nepalese architecture. The square is home to masterpieces such as the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairav Nath Temple, and monumental stone statues of past kings. In the afternoon, you visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and one of the most important Shiva sanctuaries in South Asia. Located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, it is a deeply spiritual place. You then continue to Boudhanath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Tibetan Buddhist culture in Nepal. As evening approaches, pilgrims circle the great stupa, prayer flags flutter, and rituals create an atmosphere of serenity and devotion. Overnight with your host family.

DAY 9 – Departure from Kathmandu

The morning is free for rest, reflection, or final walks through the city, with time for last-minute shopping if desired. In the afternoon, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight, concluding a journey shaped by shared lives, cultural exchange, and the everyday beauty of Nepal.
Start Planning Your Journey
Departure Month

January 2026

Duration

9 Days / 8 Nights

Group Size

According To Need

Location

Kathmandu, Nepal

€0/-

Per Person
Included in Your Trip:
  • All necessary arrangements
  • Support throughout your journey
  • Essential travel services
  • Assistance for smooth planning
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