Ayarpani homestay attracts tourists

By Radhakrishna Dumre,Waling, Nov. 27: Syangja's Phedikhola Rural Municipality is well-connected to the tourist city of Pokhara. Tourists travelling to Pokhara often visit the Ayarpani Community Homestay located in Phedikhola-1.

Situated near the Siddhartha Highway and equipped with road access, various initiatives are being carried out to attract tourists visiting Pokhara.

Chairperson of Ayarpani Homestay Sapana Gurung said, “Recently, there has been a large presence of domestic tourists, and we are collaborating with businessmen and stakeholders to bring tourists travelling to Pokhara to Ayarpani homestays.”

She added that the number of visitors travelling from Pokhara to stay overnight at the homestay has also increased significantly.

The homestay, which began with four houses, is now joined by additional houses of the village. Chairperson Gurung informed that around 300 tourists visit the homestay every month.

Amrit Chhetri, ward chair of Phedikhola-1, said from Ayarpani tourists can enjoy the views of the Gorkha Monument, Mattikhan View Tower, the Pokhara Valley, capital of Gandaki Province, and the surrounding mountain ranges. 

Syangja is renowned for its homestay facilities, including the popular Sirubari homestay, which operates in the district and attracts a steady flow of tourists.

According to homestay operators, people come to Ayarpani homestay to enjoy organic products.

Nibu Gurung, a homestay operator, mentioned that locally grown vegetables and millet-based dishes are especially popular among domestic tourists.

Gurung mentioned that the operators of Ayarpani Homestay are always busy serving their guests. She informed Ayarpani Community Homestay was established with the active participation of women.

Ghanshyam Subedi, chairperson of the Municipality, said efforts were underway to make the homestay more convenient.

Chairman Gurung informed that the package at Ayarpani will cost only Rs. 1,200 per person per day. She added that guests will be able to enjoy the cultural programmes at the same price.

Locals remarked that the village has transformed since the establishment of the homestay, which is located within a 5-km paved and unpaved road from the Siddhartha Highway.

Sirubari homestays struggle to meet demand

Finding a room at Sirubari Homestay, Nepal’s first rural homestay, has become increasingly difficult.

Chairperson of Sirubari Homestay, Urmila Gurung, said, “During the season, the rooms at the homestay are booked in advance. We have not been able to accommodate everyone who wants to come at their preferred time.”

She explained that arrangements are made to accommodate guests by rescheduling their visit. Both domestic and international tourists visit Sirubari Homestay.

In Sirubari, 25 houses are fully operated as guest houses, while others can accommodate guests partially.

Homestays help reduce migration rates

Homestays have been established at nearly all local levels in Syangja. Locals reported a decline in migration in areas with operational homestays.

Tulsiram Regmi, Mayor of Putalibazaar Municipality, said homestays have been instrumental in reducing migration in the local levels.

He explained, “People prefer homestays because they offer ample facilities and a reliable source of income.”

Mayor Regmi also mentioned that community homestays are operational in areas such as Ramkosh within Putalibazar Municipality.