Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

• Problem – Many remote villages have empty homes because residents leave for jobs elsewhere. The villages lose income, culture, and a sense of community.

• Idea – Restore the abandoned houses, equip them with basic services (water, electricity, simple furnishings) and let long‑term tourists stay in them. The guests will stay weeks to months, paying a modest rent.

• Why it matters –

  • Creates jobs for villagers in construction, maintenance and guest service.
  • Keeps money in the local economy.
  • Gives tourists an authentic rural experience – no over‑tourism, no mass‑tourist crowds.
  • Encourages preservation of traditional building techniques and local crafts.
  • Offers a model that can be copied in other villages.

• First pilot village – Bhedpu in Dolakha district. It has many abandoned houses and a road link, making it a good test case.

• Key actions

  1. Survey and classification – List houses by size, condition and location.
  2. Renovation – Use local materials and artisans. Provide basic amenities; higher‑end rooms can have private bathrooms and better insulation.
  3. Staffing – Train villagers in housekeeping, basic maintenance and guest communication. Keep services low‑key so guests have privacy but can call for help.
  4. Marketing – Target remote workers, budget travelers and families through online communities, travel blogs and social media. Emphasise privacy, freedom and cultural immersion.
  5. Guest support – Provide a 24/7 hotline for emergencies and a simple guide on local attractions and activities.
  6. Sustainability – Install water‑saving fixtures, use solar or local energy sources where possible, and set up a small waste‑recycling system.
  7. Community benefits – Share a portion of profits with homeowners, support local shops and help improve basic infrastructure (roads, communication, waste).

• Social and environmental impact – Job creation, income diversification, preservation of heritage buildings, reduced environmental footprint through local sourcing and energy efficiency.

• Financial outline –
  • Up‑front costs: renovation, utilities, marketing.
  • Recurring costs: staff wages, maintenance, utilities.
  • Revenue: monthly stays, optional extra services (meals, laundry).
  • Expected return: modest profit after 2–3 years, with profits shared with villagers.
• Next steps – Prepare a detailed budget, obtain the necessary permits, secure initial funding, and begin renovations in Bhedpu. Once successful, scale to other villages with similar conditions.