Dhankuta, Nov 8: Sipting Village can be reached after a walk uphill of about five kilometers from Dhankuta Bazaar. The village, which remains as the part of Ward No 3 of Dhankuta municipality, is predominantly inhabited by the Aathpariya Rai community.
The homestay services operated by the Aathpariya people have become a new hallmark of tourism in this area. Rich in cultural heritage, the community warmly welcomes every visitor as a member of their own family. Blessed with natural beauty, the village offers an unforgettable experience to all who visit.
According to the latest National Census, the total population of the Aathpariya community is 5,878. Various organizations including ICIMOD, the Community Homestay Network, the STLRP under UNDP, and the local government have joined hands with the community to promote prosperity through homestay-based hospitality services.
Women of the village greet guests with red tika, garlands, and cheerful smiles. As part of their traditional welcome, visitors are offered water mixed with local honey. Guests also have the chance to learn about the community’s history, traditions, and ongoing efforts to preserve their unique cultural and historical identity.
Orange farming is another major attraction of Syaule Sipting. Visitors can stroll through the orange orchards, interact with farmers, and learn about orange cultivation, honey production, and local seed conservation.
A stay in Siptling is not only a peaceful retreat but also an opportunity for research and deeper understanding of the Aathpariya community’s lifestyle, it is said.
Last year, we were able to welcome 72 tourists here, said the homestay’s chair Hira Bahadur Rai. Of them, 24 were foreign guests. This year, 82 tourists have arrived so far, he said.
Developed to accommodate up to 17 guests per night, this homestay presents local cultural dances every evening with the aim of entertainment, preserving culture, and informing the new generation about their culture.
Another attraction is waterfall and a cave. The waterfall can be reached after a 15-minute drive and about an hour and a half walk from the community homestay. There is a cave one kilometer before reaching the waterfall. The STLRP has constructed a hiking trail to make this area accessible.
The Aathpahariya community is one of the endangered tribes of Nepal. They have their own language, songs, dances, and traditions. Hira Bahadur of the community however is concerned that their culture is being lost with modernity. “As the new generation indulges in modernity and abandons its culture, it seems that history is being erased. As a result, we have been organizing cultural programs every evening to transfer and share our culture and traditions.”
He also said that tourism has become a medium of preserving culture. Homestays are not just a business here but a means of keeping our culture. Local youth are active in this project, as they also become skilled in tourism management, guest service, and guiding.
Khagendra Khadka, Sustainable Tourism Project Officer, said, “The Sayule Sipting Community Homestay is giving a new definition to cultural tourism in Nepal. In the evenings of Sayule Sipting, when the drums beat, the Aathpaharias perform traditional dances. This will not only having a strong impact on the rural economy but will also prove to be a milestone in preserving culture.”
