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Gre Village Community Homestay is a unique opportunity to experience authentic Tamang culture in a remote Himalayan village. Located about 100 km from Kathmandu, this homestay is run by the local villagers who welcome you into their homes and lives. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, the warmth of the hospitality, and the richness of the traditions. You can also participate in various activities that showcase the village’s culture, history and development.
Unique or special aspects
What makes Gre Village Community Homestay special is its social impact and sustainability. The homestay is a cooperative enterprise that benefits the whole village. Each host family contributes a portion of their earning to the Community Homestay Fund, which supports projects such as safe water infrastructure, waste management, clean cookstove construction, school improvements and more. The homestay also empowers women, who often have strengths in relevant areas such as caretaking, cooking, resource management and communication. The homestay also preserves and promotes Tamang culture, which is at risk of extinction due to migration and modernization.
Setting
Gre Village Community Homestay is situated in a picturesque valley at the base of the mighty Himalayas. The village is surrounded by lush green hills, terraced fields, forests and streams. The village has about 200 households, mostly belonging to the Tamang ethnic group. The Tamang are one of the oldest indigenous people of Nepal, who have their own language, religion and customs. The village has a rich cultural heritage, with temples, monasteries, festivals and rituals that reflect their beliefs and values.
Style
Gre Village Community Homestay has a simple yet cozy style that reflects the rural lifestyle of the villagers. The homestay offers private rooms with locking doors and shared toilets (typically outdoors). The rooms are clean and comfortable, with beds, blankets and pillows. The rooms are decorated with traditional motifs and paintings that depict the Tamang culture and history. The rooms also have amenities such as Wi-Fi, kettle, wardrobe and safe. The homestay also has a dining hall, a games room, a library and an indoor sports equipment that cater to the guests’ needs.
Sustainability
Gre Village Community Homestay is a model of sustainable tourism that respects and protects both humans and nature. The homestay follows the principles of zero waste management, renewable energy generation, water conservation and organic farming. Some of the notable features of the homestay are:
Solar panels that provide electricity for lighting and charging devices
Biogas plant that converts animal waste into cooking gas
Rainwater harvesting system that collects and stores water for drinking and washing
Vermicomposting unit that produces organic fertilizer from food waste
Organic farm that grows fruits, vegetables and grains without chemical pesticides or fertilizers
Animal shelter that houses cows, goats, chickens and dogs
Gre Village Community Homestay is not only a place for guests but also a source of income and opportunity for the villagers. The homestay provides jobs for the host families and their neighbors, who are involved in various aspects of the homestay such as cooking, cleaning, guiding, teaching etc. The homestay also supports various social welfare activities that aim to improve the quality of life of the villagers. Some of the projects undertaken by the homestay are:
Eye care program that provides free eye check-ups and glasses for the villagers
Primary health center that provides free medical services and medicines for the villagers
Innovative education program that provides scholarships, books and uniforms for the students
Organic farming program that provides training, seeds and tools for the farmers
Water resource program that provides pipes, tanks and taps for the households
Entrepreneurial program that provides loans, training and markets for the women self-help groups
Skills development program that provides courses on sewing, knitting, handicrafts etc.
Rooms
Gre Village Community Homestay offers two types of rooms to suit different budgets and preferences: standard rooms and deluxe rooms. Both types of rooms are spacious, clean and cozy, with comfortable beds, blankets and pillows. The rooms have large windows that let in natural light and fresh air, as well as balconies or terraces that offer panoramic views of the mountains or the fields. The rooms have attached bathrooms with hot water supply and toiletries. The rooms also have amenities such as Wi-Fi, kettle, wardrobe and safe.
The standard rooms are located in the host families’ homes, where you can experience the authentic village life. The standard rooms have a rustic style, with wooden furniture, earthen walls and traditional paintings. The standard rooms can accommodate up to 3 people.
The deluxe rooms are located in a separate building, where you can enjoy more privacy and comfort. The deluxe rooms have a modern style, with metal furniture, concrete walls and colorful paintings. The deluxe rooms can accommodate up to 4 people.
Food and drink
Gre Village Community Homestay serves delicious Nepali food that is prepared with organic ingredients grown in its own farm. The food is cooked in a hygienic kitchen using biogas and solar energy. The food is offered to the deities before being served to the guests, ensuring its sanctity and purity. The food is served in a spacious dining hall that can accommodate up to 100 people at a time. The menu includes a variety of dishes from Nepali cuisine, such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), momo (dumplings), sel roti (rice flour doughnuts), aloo paratha (potato stuffed bread), thukpa (noodle soup), chatamari (rice flour crepe) and more. The food is usually spicy, but can be adjusted according to your preference. The homestay also serves tea, coffee, juice and water.
Things to do
Gre Village Community Homestay offers a range of activities to keep you engaged and entertained during your stay. Some of the activities are:
Farm tour: A guided tour of the organic farm where you can learn about various crops, techniques and benefits of organic farming. You can also participate in farm activities such as planting, weeding or harvesting.
Animal care: A visit to the animal shelter where you can interact with cows, goats, chickens and dogs. You can also feed them, milk them or groom them. You can also adopt them if you wish.
Cultural tour: A tour of the village where you can explore various aspects of Tamang culture such as temples, monasteries, festivals and rituals. You can also witness various performances such as dance, music, drama etc. by the villagers.
Cooking class: A class where you can learn how to prepare some of the delicious Nepali dishes such as momo, sel roti, aloo paratha etc. You can also learn about the ingredients, spices and methods used in Nepali cuisine.
Hiking: A hike to the nearby hills or forests where you can enjoy the fresh air, the scenic views and the wildlife. You can also visit some of the attractions such as Nuwakot Durbar, Trishuli River, Kakani or Surya Chaur along the way.
Wider region
Gre Village Community Homestay is located in Nuwakot district, which is known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The district has several attractions that are worth exploring, such as:
Nuwakot Durbar: A historical palace built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century. The palace has a museum, a temple and a watchtower. The palace offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Nepal.
Trishuli River: A scenic river that originates from the Himalayas and flows through Nuwakot. The river is ideal for rafting, fishing or enjoying the views.
Kakani: A hill station that offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks such as Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The hill station is also famous for its strawberry farms and trout fish.
Surya Chaur: A hiking trail that leads to a grassy meadow at an altitude of 2100 meters. The meadow offers panoramic views of the mountains, the valley and the Kathmandu city.
Getting there
Gre Village Community Homestay is located in Nuwakot district, about 100 km from Kathmandu. The easiest way to reach the homestay is by car or taxi, which takes about 3 hours from Kathmandu. You can also take a bus from Kathmandu to Bidur, which takes about 4 hours, and then take a jeep or a rickshaw to the homestay, which takes another hour. The homestay can arrange for pick-up and drop-off services from the station or the airport upon request.
