POKHARA. Battimaya Thakali of Thini, Gharpajhong Rural Municipality-5, now feels a deep sense of self-belief. She has found the courage to face any adversity. That confidence was gifted to her by a homestay and a small enterprise.

Following the implementation of the provincial structure, homestay operations officially commenced in Mustang in 2017. When the homestay initiative started in Thini village, only five women, including Battimaya, were involved.

Despite being close to Jomsom, Thini was not a major tourist destination at the time. Tourists were mostly drawn to Jomsom, Marpha, or Dumba Lake. Nestled in the lap of Mount Nilgiri and adorned with houses of traditional architecture, Thini village had remained in the shadows. The homestay project succeeded in bringing this hidden village into the spotlight.

The path shown by the homestay

After the ‘Thakali Community Homestay’ came into operation, tourists began visiting Thini. In a village of about a hundred houses, 12 homes are now connected to the homestay network. For tourists seeking organic flavors, Thakali hospitality, and a peaceful village setting, Thini is gradually becoming a preferred destination.

After getting involved in tourism, Battimaya felt herself becoming financially stronger. The earnings made it easier for her to step out of the house, speak in groups, and make decisions.

Exchange of souvenirs at the Thakali Community Homestay. Photo: Thakali Community Homestay’s Facebook

“Money goes first, then the person follows,” Battimaya says. “When you have money, you get the courage to say, ‘Let’s go there, friends.’ If you can manage financially, it becomes easier to take a step forward.”

The homestay did not limit women merely to hosting guests, serving local food, and promoting the village. It also led them toward another enterprise.

Enterprise from native crops

Alongside the homestays, a Koseli Ghar (Souvenir/Gift Shop) is in operation in Thini. There, the women prepare various food items from local produce, including buckwheat and apples.

They have started making products like buckwheat biscuits, buckwheat cookies, dried apple slices (sukuti), apple fruit leather (mada), and juice. These items made from local produce have also found a market. Being near the district headquarters, Jomsom, has provided them with additional opportunities.

“Since the headquarters is nearby, we have a steady market,” says Battimaya. “Trainings are also available. The rural municipality has helped too. If we request what we need, they manage to provide it.”

Thini Koseli Ghar. Photo: Thakali Community Homestay’s Facebook

Gharpajhong Rural Municipality provided ovens and refrigerators to prepare and safely store the food items. After receiving training and equipment, the women learned the skills to process village produce and make it marketable.

Meena Kumari Thakali is also one of the five women who started the homestay. According to her, it has been about two years since they started making biscuits and cookies at the Koseli Ghar. Initially, one member of the homestay took a training course on organic native crops. Later, that skill spread to other members.

Following that, the women began making apple juice, mada, sukuti, and buckwheat items. They do not worry much about the products going to waste due to a lack of sales. Accessibility to the local market, guests, and Jomsom has aided in selling the goods.

Confidence grown alongside income

Though not on a massive scale, the enterprises run by the women of Thini have supported household expenses, given them the experience of earning their own money, and boosted their confidence.

Mount Nilgiri as seen from Thini village. Photo: Thakali Community Homestay’s Facebook

“It’s not a huge income,” Meena Kumari says. “But it’s decent for generating an income. It’s enough for food and clothes. We have also seen some money. We realized that income can be generated from this kind of work too.”

When producing, they use local ingredients from their own village as much as possible. Initially, there were challenges regarding training, equipment, marketing, and continuity. However, by working as a group, they persevered. The homestay brought guests, the Koseli Ghar provided a market for the products, and the earnings gave the women confidence.

This effort by Thini village demonstrates that even a small enterprise can hold immense meaning in a woman’s life. The homestay put the village on the map, the native dishes provided a market, and the earnings gave Battimaya and her companions the courage to stand on their own feet.