Forget Europe's overpriced culture trips. This Nepal experience delivers something extraordinary.

I was scrolling through my Tassie holiday pictures from exactly one year ago in my Kathmandu hotel room, while desperately trying to call my partner back home in tears.

At the same time, my mum's words echoed in my mind: "As soon as you get off that plane, you'll want to come straight back."

This is how I started my trip to Nepal.

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It wasn't the typical loneliness that solo travel often brings — I've travelled solo plenty of times across Europe, the UK and around Australia, always staying in comfortable hotels with modern amenities. But this was different.

This time, I wanted to challenge myself and have a truly authentic experience — to live with local families, share in their daily life and fully immerse myself in Nepalese culture.

'Why did I make this decision in the first place?'

That was the very first thought that popped into my head the next morning.

The morning after.

Hoping to feel better, I went to the hotel lobby for a morning coffee. What happened next completely shifted my perspective.

I was blown away by the staff's kindness — they offered their personal phone charger when mine wasn't working, brought coffee to my table (despite it being self-service) and even provided complimentary breakfast.

The hotel I was staying at, the Traditional Comfort at Kamalpokhari, had a lovely manager named Tejashwi, who joined me and asked if I needed anything else. She also proudly shared the hotel's sustainability efforts and how the hotel supports local women by sourcing handwoven linens from Kiran Namaste Nepal, a social enterprise empowering single mothers as well as local artists.

This was just my very first glimpse into how Nepalese women are reshaping perceptions: empowering themselves, redefining their roles in society and building stronger community connections from the ground up.

Living like a local in Kirtipur, Nepal.

My destination was Kirtipur, a historic town just 5km from Kathmandu, known for its rich Newari culture, where I would be staying the next few days.

I was warmly welcomed by my host, who greeted me with the biggest smile and genuine excitement, and a delicious Newari lunch. At that moment, what truly stood out was the incredible warmth of the Nepalese people. 

Later that day, what I learned was that in Nepal, guests are treated like gods. I experienced this firsthand as I was looked after in the most thoughtful way imaginable. And this hospitality made all the difference to my experience.

First Night in Kirtipur, Nepal. Image: Supplied.

My first cultural activity was a momo-making (Nepalese dumplings) class with local women, where I learned to make momos from scratch.

Being Kirtipur's most popular activity since 2023, these women have hosted over 2,000 classes, sharing their culinary traditions while creating a sustainable source of income.

During Momo-making session. Image: Supplied.

The next day, I dressed in traditional Nepalese Newari attire to learn Ranjana Lipi (ancient Newari Script) — once used for Buddhist and Hindu mantras on temple walls, prayer wheels and sacred texts.

Though no longer used in daily life, Kirtipur's people are committed to preserving this cultural treasure.

Dressed in Nepalese Newari attire during the Ranjana Lipi session. Image: Supplied.

Beyond the delicious food, cultural activities, local celebrations and homestays, there is one common purpose in all these experiences: they are reshaping family dynamics and transforming women's lives.

These initiatives provide local women with more than just financial independence — they help build confidence, encourage them to learn and improve their English skills and allow them to see the world through the eyes of their guests.

"My family didn't have a proper bathroom before. With this extra income, they renovated our house and installed a modern bathroom. It elevated our whole life." explained Poonam, Chief Operating Officer of Community Homestay Network.

With my other conversations with other local ladies, they shared similar stories:

"I now give money to my husband to support our son who studies in the UK."

"We started cleaning our streets after tourists arrived. We learned what sustainability means."

All these initiatives are run by the Community Homestay Network, a social enterprise focused on women's empowerment, responsible and sustainable tourism. Working with 50 communities across Nepal, they offer various immersive experiences that connect travellers with local families. Their 80/20 model ensures most income stays within the community.

Their approach demonstrates how tourism can be a force for positive change when communities maintain ownership of their cultural experiences.

Back to comfort zone: Namo Buddha Resort.

After an enriching and authentic homestay experience, I treated myself to a night at Namo Buddha Resort — a perfect way to unwind while still honouring Nepal's sustainable ethos.

Nestled amongst forest and organic farmland, I wandered through gardens, enjoyed homegrown vegetarian meals and spent the night in a traditional cottage lit by candlelight — even sharing it with Cookie, the resort's resident cat.

It was a perfect pause before continuing my journey through Nepal.

Relaxing at Namo Buddha Resort. Image: Supplied.

What I learned: Perspective and gratitude.

Nepal is full of culture waiting to be discovered — it is so much more than hiking, backpacking or gazing at the beautiful tops of Mount Everest. 

Before this journey, I had little understanding of the everyday struggles faced by people living in poverty and scarcity, especially in the poorer parts of Nepal. My time there opened my eyes to what I take for granted in Australia. Simple things like clean tap water, hot showers, amenities or proper bathrooms suddenly felt like luxuries I'd never fully appreciated before.

While this style of travel might not be for everyone, for me, it offered an authentic experience I couldn't have found staying in hotels.

The warmth and hospitality of the Nepalese people transformed what could have been a usual overseas trip into one of the most meaningful travel experiences of my life.

If you're open to a challenge, lower your expectations of Western comforts and soak up every moment of Nepali culture.

That homesickness on day one? It was replaced by a different kind of heartache when it was time to leave.

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Feature image: Supplied.