Lamjung, March 19

First time ever in the entire district, homestay facility based on agriculture, tourism and the local Magar culture has come into operation in Lamjung.

Of the total 42 households in Magargaun village in  Naruwal, Besishahar Municipality — which is some 8km from the  district headquarters Besishahar — 10 households have started the service.

“The homestay is an attempt on the part of locals who have been stressing on agriculture and organic production to promote tourism by linking it to  agriculture and the local Magar culture, which is a positive  initiative,” said a local social leader Madan Rana.

Anyone visiting the village can test the local cuisines, savour the natural view the  village offers and observe the cultural Kauda and Jhamre dance of the  Magar community.

While a community building has been built to promote the homestay, an 11-member committee led by local Yam Bahadur Ale Magar has been formed to manage the homestay.

“As of now, the facility has been launched at 10 homes only, but it will spread to other houses too in the future,” said Sirjana Ama Group Chair and a homestay operator Sabitri Ale.

Lamjung Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Rajesh Thapa praised the initiative taken by the local community.