Kathmandu. The Gaver Valley Community Homestay in Baijnath Rural Municipality of Banke has become popular with domestic tourists as wild animals such as tigers, elephants and leopards can be seen easily. With the end of major festivals like Dasain Tihar, the tourist traffic in Gaver Valley is increasing. According to the president of Gaver Valley Community Homestay, Krishnalal Choudhary, the arrival of guests has increased in the homestay, which used to be deserted during the rainy season.

Tourists visiting the Gaver Valley are particularly attracted to trekking and jungle safaris. A large number of tourists are coming not only from Banke, Bardia but also from the districts of Karnali, Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces. Gaver Valley, which has succeeded in creating a tourist zone within a short period of time, is located in the central area of ​​Banke National Park. Domestic tourists coming here recently prefer to go on jungle safaris within the park. According to Chairman Choudhary, the importance of this area has increased due to the opportunities to see wild animals such as tigers, elephants and leopards and enjoy nature.

The Gaver Valley Homestay, run by the Tharu and Mugali communities, currently receives around 500 domestic tourists daily. Not only traditional homestays but also large investment comfortable hotels have been added here, which are providing infrastructural services to the guests.

According to Chairman Choudhary, Gover Valley Homestay has moved beyond livelihood and pioneered a new concept.

"We have not only earned a living, but for the first time in Nepal, we have introduced the concept of income generation, promotion of culture, conservation of nature and tiger tourism," said Chairman Chaudhary, "Gover Valley Homestay is a leader in domestic tourism promotion and a place to start a new dimension in the tourism industry."

According to Chairman Choudhary, old homestays have been upgraded and hotels with large investments have also been added. Gaver Valley Community Homestay, which started in 2070, is now known as a model of Nepal.

The homestays run in Banke have become not only a source of livelihood but also a source of income. President Choudhary said that although the business was started with Rs 20,000-30,000 in the initial days of Gaver Valley Homestay, now the investment is between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000.