Sirubari: The Pride of Rural Tourism
पुष २५, २०८१ 
NP Koirala
NP Koirala
Sirubari is a clean, beautiful, and captivating village dominated by traditional houses with fluttering five-colored Buddhist prayer flags. It is located at an altitude of 1,610 meters above sea level in Ward No. 1 of Aandhikhola Rural Municipality, Syangja district. Situated northwest of the district headquarters Syangja Bazaar, the village is home to the Gurung community.
Sirubari is synonymous with rural tourism in Nepal. It has gained recognition as South Asia’s first homestay village, earning fame both nationally and internationally. The practice of rural tourism with community homestay facilities in Nepal began in Sirubari in 1997 (2054 BS). Under the leadership of Captain Rudraman Gurung, who envisioned rural tourism in Nepal, the Sirubari community homestay started hosting guests on November 9, 1997 (23rd Kartik 2054 BS). In recognition of its contribution to rural tourism, Sirubari was honored with the PATA Gold Award in 2001. With nearly three decades of experience, Sirubari serves as an exemplary school for sustainable rural tourism.
The village consists of 45 houses where visitors can witness the sunrise in the early morning. Its well-maintained environment, with stone-paved paths and yards, ensures no dust or mud underfoot. The natural beauty, Gurung culture, rural lifestyle, warm hospitality, and delicious food bring immense joy to visitors. Tourists leave Sirubari with countless positive memories, renewed energy, and hundreds of photographs. Indeed, Sirubari can be called a university that teaches the potential and prosperity of rural tourism in Nepal.
The surroundings of Sirubari also include significant tourist destinations such as Olivas Hill, Dahare Deurali, Thumro Juro, and Thaple. Additionally, attractions like Gurung culture, community forests, monasteries, and museums captivate tourists. Sirubari has become a model for rural tourism, inspiring similar initiatives in other parts of Nepal. Even today, Sirubari Homestay Coordinator and Vice President of the Homestay Association of Nepal, Urmila Gurung, personally trains others on homestay operation and management.
Modern infrastructure has been developed in Sirubari to promote tourism. The village is connected by road to Syangja headquarters, Nagdanda, and Helu-Arjunchaupati. Each household has clean drinking water, electricity, internet, and access to a primary health facility.
Sirubari is primarily home to retired personnel from the Indian and British armies. The villagers actively work to preserve their culture and develop the community. Tourism has contributed to the conservation of local traditions, cleanliness, and income generation. For the past 27 years, this village has been dedicated to serving domestic and international tourists, holding a prestigious and living history in rural tourism.
The main occupations of the villagers are tourism, agriculture, and foreign employment. Visitors can observe farming activities, milking buffaloes, poultry farming, weaving traditional baskets, and grinding grains in stone mills. The village is culturally, artistically, and traditionally rich, with its people practicing Buddhism and celebrating festivals like Tamu Lhosar, Buddha Purnima, Saune Sankranti, Maghe Sankranti, Udhauli-Ubhauuli, Basanta Panchami, Holi, Teej, and Dashain-Tihar.
Sirubari exemplifies inclusivity in tourism. Among the Gurung community, three Brahmin households run homestays. Neighboring villages, like the Pariyar community of Dharu, are involved in welcoming guests with traditional music. Upon entering Sirubari, visitors are greeted with Pancha Baja music and garlands. Evening cultural performances feature songs and dances, including Sorathi, Jhora, Khyali, Kauda, and Thali Naach, which entertain the guests.
There are no hotels or restaurants in Sirubari, as the community relies entirely on homestays. The 22 houses offering homestays can accommodate up to 150 visitors at a time. Rooms are well-furnished with comfortable beds, clean linens, mirrors, towels, and attached bathrooms with hot and cold water. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, solar-powered electricity, and CCTV cameras.
The hilltops near Sirubari, such as Dahare Deurali (2,300 meters) and Thumro Juro (2,364 meters), offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung ranges. Sunrise and sunset views from these spots are mesmerizing, requiring a two-hour hike from the village.
Sirubari can be reached from Pokhara via Siddhartha Highway, passing through Nawdanda to Syangja. Public buses and jeeps operate regularly on this route. Motorbikes are another option for transportation.
From Nawdanda, there are several routes to Sirubari:
Nawdanda-Seti Dobhan-Bejang-Sirubari (19 km)
Nawdanda-Badhkhola-Satau-Darau-Sirubari (35 km)
Nawdanda-Jugle-Karkinetta-Sirubari (38 km, a bit winding)
Helu-Arjunchaupati-Sirubari (18 km)
Sirubari, the origin of rural tourism, continues to inspire and shine as the pride of Nepal’s rural tourism.
