Nepal’s Community Homestay Network unveils FAMs for trade

Nepal-based Community Homestay Network (CHN) is expanding its reach via the travel trade in 2026 by announcing two dedicated FAM trips for agents and operators.

The community tourism organization is now taking applications to join a FAM trip to experience local culture in Nepal, from either May 10 - 19 or August 25 - September 1, 2026.

According to a press release, Community Homestay Network is looking to expand its travel agent sales and is also collaborating with tour operators looking to add community-centric trip itineraries, homestay accommodation and/or curated day experiences – such as cooking or learning an artisan craft – to its existing portfolios of Nepal tour offerings.

The founder of Community Homestay Network, Shiva Dhakal, said the social enterprise has completed its most successful year in terms of growth and awareness since it began in 2017, and affirms it is time to turn its attention to evolving trade relationships in 2026.

“There is work to do with both agents and operators in terms of enhancing and changing perceptions of both Nepal and the experiences Community Homestay Network offers travellers. Travelling with us means seeing a completely different side to the country, beyond trekking and climbing, in a way that supports and empowers local people, particularly women, in lesser-known parts of Nepal,” Dhakal said in the release.

“As well as selling community-centric itineraries, accommodation and hands-on experiences through our agency partners, we work with operators looking to differentiate or expand their presence in Nepal. Our model is designed for us to co-create community-led interactions that integrate smoothly into established itineraries with existing DMCs, and we also work as a DMC to arrange logistics in the absence of a local supplier.”

Community Homestay Network’s experiences can be sold directly by travel agents, with on-the-ground knowledge and logistical support delivered by the Nepal-based team.

"The team also shares honest and inspiring stories from communities that agents and operators can confidently share with travellers, helping to sell Nepal by seeing it through the eyes of its people," said the company 

"The rare gift of belonging"

Applications can now be submitted by agents and relevant tour operator staff to join one of CHN’s two FAM trips being hosted during 2026.

The two FAM opportunities are as follows. In every conversation, every shared meal, and every ritual witnessed, the trips “offer the rare gift of belonging, reminding participants that meaningful travel is built not on distance covered, but on human connection,” the company said.

• Stories from our Himalayas - (10 - 19 May, 2026)
• Valley of Festivals - (25 August - 01 September, 2026)

Click the links for details.

Applications of interest for the two FAM trips can be made at this link by February 27, 2026

For more information on Community Homestay Network, click here.

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