If your trip to Nepal is confined to hotels and luxury only, you are missing out on a lot. In much less money, you can instead live with the local people in a homestay, making new friends, tasting their cuisine and dabbling into their culture.
Experience cultural and outdoor activities in nature in a Magar ethnic village in the hills of eastern Nepal, away from the tumult of the cities. Namje is a picturesque village in Nepal’s eastern hills. Namje village, located at an elevation of 1585 metres in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality, Dhankuta District. In Magar language, eastern yam (Tarul Khayo) means Namje.
The Namje Community Homestays are conveniently located between Kathmandu, Janakpur, the eastern Terai, and Ilam, making them an excellent addition to an Eastern Nepal Road Trip. There’s plenty to see and do in Namje. So, plan on spending a couple of days exploring the area.
Guests at the Namje Community Homestay can participate in a variety of cultural activities. Attend an evening performance featuring local dances and costumes, and even try your hand at dancing yourself. Participating in Namje community’s customs and art forms provides a renewed reason for the local youth to preserve and appreciate these traditions. Some folk songs and practices that were on the verge of extinction are given new life, and the locals can be proud that their culture is being celebrated.
Hiking up to a ridge overlooking the village, as in many Nepali hill towns, is a major attraction. You can also hike up to Thumki Hill, known as the “place of spirits” by the local Magars. Animist traditions are still practised here, and villagers visit the hill to pay their respects to their forefathers. Thumki hill also has spectacular sunset views.
White-water rafting, paragliding, the refreshing Namaste Falls, and Rani Lake in Rajarani, where you can spot beautiful birds, are also nearby attractions and activities. You can also take an hour-long trip to Dharan for some sightseeing.
Best season to travel
The best seasons to visit Namje are spring (March – May) and autumn (October – November). If you are visiting during the winter, bring some warm clothing (December-February). The area has a hot and humid monsoon season (June- early September) that is best avoided because the views aren’t that clear.
Homestay in Namje
The Namje Community Homestay is made up of around 13 homes that provides cosy homely accommodation with enough modern features to keep you comfortable. Rooms have fans to provide a welcome breeze during the warmer months.
Bathrooms are separate from the main houses and they are private and include hot water and clean towels for your convenience.
Photo Credit: www.communityhomestay.com
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