5th October 2025, Kathmandu
The community and privately-operated homestays in the rural areas of Parbat district are currently experiencing a period of severe inactivity, as the lingering effects of the monsoon season have physically severed the primary access routes for tourists.
Homestays in Parbat Empty
This situation highlights the acute vulnerability of rural, community-based tourism to adverse weather conditions, a major concern for a key sector of local economic development in Gandaki Province.
The district, which boasts over 60 registered homestays across its seven local levels, is currently grappling with a months-long tourist drought. Continuous rainfall and associated landslides have rendered many of the rural roads impassable, effectively isolating these local hospitality businesses. Even with the monsoon season reportedly drawing to a close, homestay operators remain in an anxious state, recognizing that the infrastructural damage from the travel disruptions is substantial enough to prevent an immediate rebound in tourist arrivals.
Homestay Distribution in Parbat District
The data from the Tourism and Industry Office in Parbat demonstrates the broad distribution of homestay tourism across the district’s administrative divisions. The numbers illustrate that the majority of the operations are community-driven, which underscores the profound social and economic impact of the current slowdown on local families and community funds.
Local Level Number of Homestays
- Modi Rural Municipality 19
- Kushma Municipality 11
- Mahashila Rural Municipality 9
- Bihadi Rural Municipality 7
- Jaljala Rural Municipality 6
- Phalebas Municipality 5
- Paiyun Rural Municipality 3
- Total 60
Of the total, the vast majority, 62 homestays are managed under the community-based model, with only two being privately operated. This community-centric structure means that the revenue generated often supports local initiatives, education, and infrastructure projects, making the current lack of business a blow to collective development efforts. The concentration of operations in Modi Rural Municipality (19 homestays) suggests this area is the current epicenter of this form of tourism in the district and thus, likely the most heavily affected by the ongoing disruption.
The Case of Chitre and Modi-1 Homestays
The situation is particularly telling at flagship locations like the Panchakoshi Community Homestay in Chitre, Modi-8. Recognized as one of Gandaki Province’s leading rural homestays, it successfully catered to over 4,000 domestic and international tourists last year. Its proximity to the famed religious and natural site of Panchase, combined with its reputation for stunning mountain vistas and rich Gurung cultural heritage, makes it a prime destination for cultural and trekking tourism.
However, the continuous road closures have silenced this once-bustling hub. The critical trekking and cultural route that connects Syangja, Kaski, and Parbat, which Chitre sits upon, is no longer feasible for visitors. Similarly, the Lapsibot Community Homestay and Bhuk Deurali Namuna Community Homestay in Modi-1 are also deserted. Ward Chair Tek Bahadur Gurung confirmed that the essential Patichaur–Deupur–Lapsibot road leading to these sites has been blocked for over a month due to the incessant rain, cutting off the final mile access.
The Cultural Experience and Economic Loss
The cultural loss due to the inactivity is as significant as the economic one. Homestays like Chitre are vital showcases for authentic Nepali rural life. Tourists, traditionally greeted by Gurung women in full traditional attire, are immersed in the local culture through:
Authentic Cuisine: Enjoying local delicacies like pua and sel roti (made from millet flour), gundruk curry, local tomato chutney, and cool highland curd.
Cultural Performances: Experiencing local folk songs, bhajans (devotional songs), and the vibrant sound of Panchaybaja music.
This unique, immersive experience, which adviser Madhusudan Adhikari described as adding to the cultural charm, is currently on hold. The committee chairperson, Sushila Devi Gurung, expressed the collective hope that the tourist flow will normalize once the weather definitively improves and the subsequent winter season begins.
Outlook for Recovery
The consensus among officials at the Tourism and Industry Office in Parbat is that a rise in tourist arrivals is anticipated, but only after two key periods have commenced:
The Festive Season: This period typically marks the transition away from the monsoon, bringing clearer weather and spurring domestic travel during major festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
The Winter Season: The official winter tourist season in Nepal generally begins in late November to early December. This season is known for clear skies, providing the best mountain views, which is a significant draw for the Parbat homestays located near high-altitude viewing areas like Panchase.
Until then, the immediate task for local authorities and the homestay management committees is likely the urgent repair and maintenance of the rural road networks damaged by landslides, as the physical infrastructure remains the primary barrier to the return of visitors. The current crisis serves as a stark reminder of the need for more resilient, all-weather road access to sustain rural tourism initiatives, especially those that depend on trekking and cultural immersion activities in high-altitude, rain-prone regions. The long-term success of community homestays in Parbat hinges on capital investments to secure these vulnerable routes, ensuring that the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Gurung villages are accessible year-round.
For More: Homestays in Parbat Empty