COVID-19 Stories: How the locals are coping with the Pandemic and current Lock down in Nepal

As the nation faces a nation wide lock down Community Homestays have now taken a pause with few people near the tea station and more at staying home with the loved ones. As all the communities are home they are now trying their hands on the digital world with their children. We asked our homestay host on how things are like in the homestay amidst the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Sudeep Yogi, Nature guide and Community Manager at Bardia Community Homestay
“I feel the national park animals will be very happy with the lock down as the national park is closed. We are now proceeding with our field works in rice and paddy fields. During the lockdown, everyone in the village is taking safety precautions, and they are also proceeding with the disinfection of the village.  Personally, I am a little bored as I am sitting at home but I feel joyful when I see lush green forest outside my house which has become greener without the vehicle dust and hopeful for the guest in next season as they will get to experience the lush Jungle.”

Anshu, Community Manager at Patan community Homestay
“I am currently working from home as some of the paperwork of our homestay is still needed to be done. It’s very sad news that this pandemic is affecting our business. Everyone here is in isolation. This is the situation which is not in our hand so further, I can stay at home and wait for the lock down to finish. Being a working mother and house-wife, I have not been able to look after my children properly. But I am happy that I am getting enough time to look after the study of my children and spending a lot of time being with them.I am positive for the upcoming season.”

Sarada, Host  at Kapan Gyanmala Homestay
“I am in isolation with my family at home. It’s a little bit difficult to even buy basic needs as all the shops are closed. We only get to move out from the house to buy vegetables in the morning till 8 am. This is really sad that we are facing harsh days as the time passes by. I am also happy that I am getting enough time to spend with my family. I am a little bit scared as the epidemic is not affecting the people but also the whole country. Considering the current situation, I am afraid that our homestay will be in great loss. But I am confident that we can recover in the upcoming season.”

Laxmi Narayan Bakharia, Community Manger at Bhada Community Homestay
“I am in isolation  with my family. Compared to other places, Bhada is a little bit sensitive because it’s nearer to the India border. Considering the current situation including me in my community, we are aware to keep safe our place by not allowing any unknown to enter our place. And focusing on our personal hygiene as well.”

Uttam Regmi, Reservation  Coordinator at Nuwakot Community Homestay 
“Our small farming village has not been affected much by the lock down but most of the tea shops where the local chitchats happen are closed and all the villagers are very conscious of sanitary precautions. My mom is saddened by the news of cancellations of the guest but a tiny bit happy as the whole family is now together. I am learning some cooking with my mom. We are hopeful for the next season for welcoming guest.”

Buddhi Sen Chaudhari, Manager  at Tharu Community Lodge

“Because of the lock down, everyone here is in isolation in their house. Life has become hassle free these days. However I am taking advantage of this situation. We are making time to reconstruct and plant  and make it ready for the upcoming season.”