Homestay Trek
Immerse yourself into Nepali culture.
- 9 daysDuration
- 1,825 mHighest point
- EasyLevel
01Overview
6 highlights and what travellers say
Trek from village to village, exploring beautiful Himalayan valleys, taking in mountain sights, and discovering Nepali culture through homestays.
Highlights
- Airport to airport itinerary
- Stay at Ethico Retreat
- Stay in homestays in our partner village
- Experience Tamang culture first-hand
- Swimming in mountain streams
- Volunteering in community development projects
What travellers say
The trip was incredible! It gave us a chance to see and experience real Nepali culture away from the usual tourist traps as well as give back to the community through a building project. Working alongside the Nepali people was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
02Itinerary
9 days, airport to airport
Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu
Our team meets you at Kathmandu airport and drives you to Ethico Retreat, where you settle in, get a short welcome and rest.
Day 2Orientation and city tour
Breakfast at the café, then trek preparation with your guide: local customs, the route on a map and a simple packing list. The rest of the day is a tour of Kathmandu to understand its culture, faith and the social issues behind our work.
- Day 3Travel to GP (1600 m / 5249 ft) 5–6 hr drive;
- Day 4Hike to a village nearby and back to GP
- Day 5Hike to next village Bolung (1725 m / 5823 ft) 4 hr hike
- Day 6Hike to next village Shikharbesi (1825 m / 5987 ft) 4 hr hike
- Day 7Back to KTM (1400 m / 4600 ft)
Day 8Rest and debrief
Breakfast at the café and a chat with the team about your trip, then a free day: mountain biking, bungee jumping or shopping for gifts are all options nearby.
Day 9Depart
A driver takes you to the airport a few hours before your flight, after your last goodbyes.
03Map
Gyangphedi to Bolung to Shikharbesi
- 1KathmanduDays 1–2, 7–9 · Ethico Retreat, Patan · 1,400 m
- 2GyangphediDays 3–4 · Village homestay · 1,600 m
- 3BolungDay 5 · Village homestay, about 4 hours on foot · 1,725 m
- 4ShikharbesiDay 6 · Village homestay, about 4 hours on foot · 1,825 m
The map zooms in on the walking part: Gyangphedi, then on foot west to Bolung and Shikharbesi. Kathmandu is off the map, where the road leaves it. The Day 4 walk to a nearby village is not shown. Where the trip comes back the same way, the line is drawn once. Contours every 250 m, traced from real elevation data (Terrain Tiles on AWS: SRTM and others). Roads, places, districts, water and landmarks © OpenStreetMap contributors.
04Photos
7 photos from the trip, as a slideshow
05What's included
9 things included, 8 to plan yourself
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- 4 nights in a private room at Ethico Retreat, with breakfast
- Orientation with your guide
- A Kathmandu city tour
- All private transport on the trek
- All meals and lodging on the trek
- Guide fees
- National park fees
- Government taxes and trekking permits
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal visa (on arrival for most nationalities)
- Travel insurance
- Porters to carry bags (can be added for a fee)
- Personal costs such as laundry, a SIM card and charging at teahouses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Meals in Kathmandu not listed above
- Extra day adventures in or near Kathmandu
06Services
Airport pickup, Ethico Retreat, your local guide and add-ons
Airport pickup and drop-off
Someone from our team meets you when you land and sees you off when you leave.
Ethico Retreat, your base in Patan
A clean, quiet guesthouse with The Brewtable café downstairs, before and after your trip.
A local guide
Every Empact trip is led by local guides who know the culture and the land.
Transport, permits and fees
Drives, park fees, taxes and permits are arranged for you.
More village & homestay treks
See them allReady for Homestay Trek?
Send us your dates and questions. A trip expert in Kathmandu will write back to plan it with you.
