LAMJUNG: With the increased attraction of tourists towards 'home-stay', living standard of the locals has also improved in the touristic village 'Ghale Gaun' of Lamjung district.

Homestay — where arrangements are made for visiting tourists to eat and sleep at a local home in the village — is becoming very popular in Ghale Gaun. According to Ghale Gaun Tourism Development Committee secretary Umal BK, more than 100 domestic tourists and 15 foreign tourists visit the village daily.

BK further added that the arrival of tourists has not decreased in comparison to last year despite the dip in temperature.

Among the 120 households in the village, 33 houses are involved in the home-stay business and five are in the process of starting operation. The remaining houses engage themselves in reception of the guests, while some perform cultural events.

Home-stay in the village that started in the year 2000 has now extended to the Dalit settlement as well, informed Ghale Gaun Tourism Development Committee Chairman Prem Ghale.

"After I have started operating home-stay, earnings from the business have made my life comfortable and easier," according to local Kamala Ghale, who have been operating home-stay for the last 15 years.

Attractive scenery of half a dozen mountains including Manaslu, Annapurna, Lamjung, Gangapurna, Dr Harka Gurung Peak and pleasant environment of the village have been the centre of attraction for the tourists.

Similarly, Uttarkanya Temple, tea garden spread across 12 ropani, local arts and culture, and cattle sheds among others have further attracted the tourists to Ghale Gaun.