Nepal-based Community Homestay Network (CHN) is inviting travel agents and tour operators to experience its community tourism model on the ground, announcing two dedicated famil trips for 2026 as it looks to deepen engagement with the travel trade.
Following what it describes as a defining year of growth and awareness in 2025, the social enterprise is now taking applications for two immersive fam programs designed to showcase a different side of Nepal – one that moves beyond trekking and mountaineering to focus on culture, connection and community.
The two departures will run from 10–19 May and 25 August–1 September 2026, offering agents and operators firsthand insight into CHN’s homestay experiences, community-led activities and partnership opportunities.
Founder Shiva Dhakal said the organisation is shifting its focus towards evolving trade relationships in the year ahead.
“There is work to do with both agents and operators in terms of enhancing and changing perceptions of Nepal and the experiences Community Homestay Network offers travellers,” Dhakal said.
“Travelling with us means seeing a completely different side to the country, beyond trekking and climbing, in a way that supports and empowers local people, particularly women, in lesser-known parts of Nepal.”
CHN is looking to expand agent sales and collaborate with operators seeking to incorporate community-centric itineraries, homestay accommodation and hands-on experiences — including cooking classes and artisan workshops — into their Nepal programs.
Dhakal said the model allows CHN to co-create community-led interactions that integrate into existing itineraries alongside destination management companies, while also providing full logistical support where required.
“CHN is collaborative and flexible in meeting the needs of agents, operators and customers to deliver immersive experiences that ensure local people benefit and travellers take home lifelong memories,” he said.
Travel agents can sell CHN experiences directly, supported by the organisation’s Nepal-based team, which also provides storytelling and destination insights to help position Nepal through the lens of its communities.
Stories from our Himalayas (10–19 May 2026)
The 10-day itinerary begins in Kathmandu before travelling to Pokhara and the Magar village of Narchyang, where participants will hike to Upper Narchyang, visit waterfalls and natural hot springs, and experience village life. The journey continues into Mustang to explore Jomsom, Thini and Lubra — home to one of the last remaining Bon monasteries — before concluding with a Gurung homestay experience in Hemjakot and a return to Kathmandu.
Valley of Festivals (25 August–1 September 2026)
This eight-day cultural journey focuses on Nepal’s festival season, starting in Kathmandu with the Newar Buddhist pilgrimage month of Gunlā at Swayambhunath. The itinerary includes visits to Patan, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur and Panauti, hands-on activities such as momo cooking and Paubha painting, and participation in major celebrations including Janai Purnima and Gai Jatra, alongside village visits and community experiences.
Applications for the two fam trips close on 27 February 2026.
CHN said the programs aim to give trade partners a deeper understanding of meaningful, community-based travel experiences and how they can be incorporated into future Nepal offerings.
For partnership enquiries and rates, agents and operators can contact the organisation directly.
