Sirubari – The First Homestay Village In Southern Asia | Your Guide

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I had been to Sirubari last weekend during the festival of colors – Holi on March after two years of planning! I found more than what I had expected with Sirubari. As it is the first homestay village in Southern Asia, it has well managed committee with 27 houses that serve as homestay. Its capacity is around 150 people and it receives 100+ people every day from different corners of Nepal and from outside Nepal. Though you cannot find any mountain views from this village, you can still witness some exotic weather fluctuations and outstanding cultural vibe.

If you are planning to make a refreshing trip away from busy cities, it can be a perfect destination for you. I have tried to put down some points in this blog that might be helpful for you to plan a trip to Sirubari!

 

Specifications:

• Altitude: 1700 m above sea level
• District: Syangja
• Specialty: First homestay in Southern Asia
• Duration: 4 hours (from Pokhara)
• Vehicle supported: Bike, mountain bike, jeep, bus
• Public vehicle available: local bus, jeep

Things To Carry:

• Raincoat or umbrella
• Extra pair of clothes and socks
• Flip-flops
• Snacks (if you crave anything that might not be available in village like in big cities)
• Medicines

Things To Wear:

• Light and loose clothes
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen

Specialties:

• Comfortable, well facilitated rooms
• House of cultural and historical importance
• Delicious food, local rooster, local alcohol, cultural cuisine
• A closeness and warmth of family
• Cultural dance performance by committee
• Panche-bajaa welcome by committee
• Can wear Gurung cultural dress

Route & Vehicle Details From Pokhara:

• Pokhara – Naudada – Karkineta – Sirubari (jeep or bus)
• Pokhara – Badkhola – Daraun – Sirubari (jeep or bus)
• Pokhara – Helu – Arjunchaupari – Sirubari (jeep or bus)
• Pokhara – Naudada – Bejang – Sirubari (jeep or bus)
• Pokhara – Helu – Rapakot – Sirubari (jeep or bus)

Pros of making trip to Sirubari!

1. You can finish this trip over a weekend! All you need is one day from Pokhara and the trip is over.
2. Despite all the rainfall in the morning, off-road route, and no Wi-Fi, I enjoyed this homestay experience as it was well managed.
3. It is a perfect destination for refreshing stay either solo, with friends, families, or for couples.
4. You get nice hospitality in the homestay. Plus, it is super cheap. As there are people of the committee who decides where one shall be placed, the prices do not fluctuate from one house to another and overall, the stay comes under NPR 3000 per person.
5. This I would call an underrated village. Though it is the oldest village that started as homestay in Nepal, the place is still unnoticed and does not receive more than 150 people per day.
6. Well, who would not like to flaunt “I have been to the first homestay village in the Southern Asia”? Of course everyone would love that. So, go there!
7. There is no chance you get to buy a coke or snicker after you reach the place as it is a village away from modern stores and stuff. So, carry whatever you might crave during the stay. Well, carry your wrappers back with you!
8. Local kodoko raksi, Nepali tato khana, cool breeze, perfect weather, and satisfactory hike, and what else? You will get cultural experience as a bonus!

Contact Info:

Make sure you book your homestay at Sirubari one week ahead so that you get proper services. During peak months like October and November, it might be difficult to get accommodation so make pre-bookings.
Capt. Purna Bdr. Gurung (Treasurer): +977 – 9846122946
Sunil Gurung (Secretary): +977 – 9846176991

Hope this article helped you in some ways. Even if this one is your first time in Nepal or in village of Nepal, you need not panic, it is not as awkward as you think! If the blog was worth reading, do share and leave your feedback.

Aleena Rayamajhi
4/3/2021