About Community Homestay Network

Founded in 2012 by Shiva Dhakal of Royal Mountain Travel, CHN connects travellers with 270+ host families across 22 communities in Nepal — bringing genuine cultural exchange to places mainstream tourism rarely reaches.

What it is

Not a hotel, not a tour. You stay with a local family, join their daily routines, help with cooking, learn traditional crafts, and experience Nepali life as it actually is. CHN handles all arrangements with the host community, so everything feels natural, never performed.

Where you can go

From Panauti in the Kathmandu Valley to Nuwakot in the hills and Chitwan in the Terai lowlands — with over 50 experiences and multi-community circuits available across the country.

The impact

Most hosts are mothers and housewives who earn independent income and receive training in hospitality, English, and sustainable practices through CHN. It is a largely female-led organisation, from the community hosts to senior leadership.

Recognition

Named in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2025 and National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026. Winner of the PATA Gold Award, UNWTO Global Startup Competition, World Responsible Tourism Awards, and Gender Equality Champion of the Year.

Book an experience

Visit communityhomestay.com or contact the Royal Mountain Travel team to include a CHN stay in your Nepal itinerary.