Friendship Home Stay

Sharing meals and being part of the family's everyday life makes the Friendship Homestaye a lovely base for a longer stay, perhaps for studying Buddhism or taking shorter trips from Kathmandu. The hosts keep everything very tidy and are helpful in every way. It’s on a quiet hilltop street in a peaceful neighbourhood. Boudha Stupa is a bit of a walk away, while the Himalayas are close enough for a day hike. There are also small farm remnants and gardens nearby, with goats and cows basking in the sun.

The rest of the family were lovely. I especially liked Nima, his brother, and their father and mother. But my stay itself wasn’t pleasant because the woman host, Swathi, complained about people behind their backs. I heard her criticize other guests, then later she complained about me to other guests too. We don’t eat gluten, and she was happy for me to use her gas and our powder to make a pancake, since I paid, but afterward she complained about each of us. My friend bought clothes and candy for her son, and we all treated her like a close friend. We even introduced other friends who came to stay. I don’t think she meant harm, and maybe she’s just someone who complains a lot, but it caused a lot of tension. The longer you stay and talk with her, the more you hear her complain about everyone and everything: her husband, his brother allegedly taking money from him without paying for the house, her sister-in-law taking money from Nima, her husband, and her parents-in-law. After this experience I had PTSD. It was a lesson for me about not making friends with these locals, who I feel care only about money. This was my first stay in Nepal.

It’s lovely to be away from the touristy area, and this place feels like home. I adore the family and kids. They’re always happy to answer my questions about trekking and stargazing.

One of the best homestays in Nepal. 💥💥💥💥💘💘💘❤❤