Chitwan, Aug. 6 -- When Jeet Bahadur Chapagain proposed launching a homestay in his remote village of Laxmibash-located about 35 kilometres from Sauraha through the dense forests of Chitwan National Park-his idea was greeted with disbelief.

As one of the most isolated corners of the district, the thought of attracting tourists there seemed far-fetched.

Laxmibash, tucked deep within southern Chitwan, was long defined by its isolation. With a nightly travel ban in place and access requiring a journey through dense, wildlife-rich forests, the village suffered from poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and regular disturbances from wild animals.

During the monsoon, the lack of bridges over seasonal streams made the area nearly unrea...