Nestled amid the hills of Tanahu, Rumsi village offers visitors a rare glimpse into Nepal’s authentic rural charm, where stone-paved footpaths wind through clusters of traditional slate-roofed homes, and age-old cultural traditions remain vibrantly alive.

Located in Ward No. 14 of Vyas Municipality, Rumsi is a predominantly Magar settlement that is steadily gaining recognition as one of Gandaki Province’s promising rural tourism destinations. Backed by a strategic partnership between the local and provincial governments, the village has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years under a flagship model village initiative.

Once known primarily as a “village of Lahures” for its long history of recruitment into the British and Indian armies, Rumsi is now carving out a new identity as a thriving centre for community-based tourism, cultural preservation, and rural enterprise.

The turning point came three years ago when Rumsi was selected for development under the Chief Minister Innovation Partnership Programme, aimed at establishing exemplary rural communities through sustainable tourism and livelihood generation.

“Nearly 80 percent of households in the village now operate homestay services,” said Santosh Thapa, Chairperson of the Rumsi Community Homestay Management Committee. “At the same time, equal emphasis has been placed on preserving our historical, religious, cultural, and natural heritage.”

Under the programme, the Gandaki Province Government allocated Rs 6.5 million, while Vyas Municipality contributed Rs 3.5 million to support infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and local enterprise. This fiscal year, the municipality released an additional Rs 1 million to construct a dedicated facility aimed at systematising homestay operations.

Authentic Village Experience

Rumsi’s homestay model has become a key attraction for domestic and international visitors seeking immersive rural experiences.

Guests are welcomed with locally brewed tea and traditional maize-based snacks before being treated to organic, locally sourced meals prepared in authentic village style. Group visitors, particularly those exceeding ten, are offered vibrant performances showcasing Rumsi’s traditional music, dance, and cultural expressions.

The all-inclusive homestay package is priced at Rs 1,200 per person per night, making it an affordable gateway to village life.

Committee member Harimaya Thapa said hospitality remains central to Rumsi’s tourism vision.

“Our effort is to ensure every visitor leaves with a lasting memory of our warmth, culture, and way of life,” she said.

Adventure, Agriculture, and Culture

Beyond homestay tourism, Rumsi has diversified its visitor offerings through a range of experiential programmes, including:

Bandipur–Rumsi Village Tour

Rumsi Eco Trek

Canyoning at Rumsi Waterfall

Farmer Field School experiences

Traditional culinary tours

Cultural exchange programmes

Religious and seasonal festivals

A village safari service has also been introduced, enabling visitors to explore surrounding landscapes and farming communities, according to safari operator Basanta Poudel.

Accessible Rural Escape

Rumsi lies 16 kilometres from Damauli, Tanahu’s district headquarters, and 15 kilometres from Bandipur, one of Nepal’s renowned hilltop tourism destinations.

The village is accessible via road from both locations, with regular morning public transport available from Damauli, while private vehicles can conveniently reach the destination via Bandipur.

Growing Tourism Potential

Tourism stakeholders say Rumsi represents the kind of rural destination Nepal must promote-where tourism development goes hand in hand with community empowerment, cultural conservation, and agricultural productivity.

Recently, a familiarisation trip for media representatives and tourism entrepreneurs was organised in Rumsi following the conclusion of the Village Tourism Mart in Bandipur, according to Maniraj Lamichhane, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Provincial Office.

Chairperson of the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF), Gandaki Province, Shobha Sapkota, said the organisation has prioritised hospitality and homestay management training in villages with strong tourism prospects.

“With its cultural richness, scenic beauty, and community-led tourism model, Rumsi has all the ingredients to emerge as a signature rural destination in Gandaki Province,” she said.

For travellers seeking an experience beyond the conventional tourist trail, Rumsi offers something increasingly rare: authenticity, simplicity, and genuine village hospitality.