When you step into Sirubari, you are stepping into a community that pioneered eco-conscious, village-based tourism in Asia. This beautifully maintained Gurung settlement in Syangja offers an escape from commercialized trekking tracks.
If you are planning your first trip, here are the top 5 experiences you cannot afford to miss during your stay.
1. Witness the Himalayan Sunrise from Thumro Juro Viewpoint
Standing at 2,300 meters, Thumro Juro is the highest geographic point south of Pokhara. A short morning hike from the village brings you to a dedicated viewpoint tower. On a clear day, you will be treated to a staggering 360-degree panorama of the western Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
2. Participate in Traditional Rodhi Evening Music
The heart of Gurung hospitality shines after the sun sets. Every evening, the community gathers at the local town hall to host traditional cultural programs. Visitors are treated to historic folk songs, unique local dances, and community Rodhi sessions where you are warmly invited to join in alongside your hosts.
3. Experience a True Community-Allocated Homestay
Unlike typical tourist destinations where you choose a hotel, Sirubari’s Tourism Development and Management Committee (TDMC) assigns visitors to local families on a strict rotational basis. This ensures every household benefits equally from tourism. You will sleep in clean, slate-roofed homes, live as a member of the family, and share authentic, organic home-cooked meals.
4. Explore the Local Buddhist Monastery & Heritage Sites
At the center of the peaceful village sits a beautiful, historic Buddhist Gomba (monastery). Take a quiet stroll through the stone-paved streets to visit the monastery, interact with the resident lama, and appreciate the seamless coexistence of Buddhist and shamanic traditions that define the heritage of the region.
5. Walk Through an Eco-Conscious, Award-Winning Model Settlement
There is a reason Sirubari won the prestigious PATA Gold Award. The village is highly celebrated for its extreme cleanliness, organized community sanitation, and green initiatives, including local plant nurseries and chemical-free, organic agricultural farmlands. Taking a slow afternoon walk to observe their daily routine rural activities is an education in sustainable living.
Plan Your Cultural Escape
Ready to see a different side of Nepal? Sirubari offers a rare combination of cultural preservation and pristine nature. Head over to our Contact Page to find out how to coordinate your trip with local organizers!
