Village Tourism Fair in Bandipur, Gandaki Province Attracts Tourists with Local Products

A village tourism fair has been organized in Bandipur, Gandaki Province, where about two dozen homestays are showcasing local products to attract tourists. Yashoda Rimal, Minister for Industry and Tourism of Gandaki Province, emphasized the need to link local communities with tourism by considering tourism as a main foundation for village development. Deepkaraj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted that such fairs help spread tourism awareness and enhance professionalism. April 30, Pokhara.

Wrapped around the neck is thread spun by villagers, and on the chest are fiber charms, alongside local items found on the nearby grassy hills. Tilmaya Gurung invites visitors saying, “Come to Kaulepani village, this is your invitation.” Traditionally, in Kaulepani, young women used to place such charms on men during the Rodi cultural ceremony. It was believed these charms provided protection and divine safeguarding. “This tradition was fading, but now when we bid farewell to our homestay guests, we follow the practice of sending them with these charms,” Tilmaya explained the custom.

At the Kaulepani stall near the old market of Bandipur, Tilmaya and Shanti warmly introduce domestic and foreign tourists to the village’s unique features. “If you plan to bring a group, please inform me in advance. I have facilities to accommodate up to 90 guests across 15 houses,” Tilmaya told Nepali visitors. “Come to our village, where the Himalayas are clearly visible, and you will have a wonderful time.” Fifteen members from the Tangting Homestay in Kaski rented vehicles to arrive here from Damouli Bazaar. The homestay’s stall is located near the stage of the village tourism fair organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board, Bandipur Rural Municipality, and the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal.

Representatives of community homestays from across Gandaki Province have gathered in Bandipur, the tourist city of Tanahun. The village tourism fair has been running here since Friday. At the fair, nearly two dozen homestay representatives from Gandaki are selling local products, promoting their village’s unique qualities, and working to attract tourists. They are also exchanging experiences. This fair has been held twice previously in Pokhara, but this time it is being hosted in Bandipur, Tanahun.