The Home Stay: Kinley's Homestay at Mendrelgang, Punakha

Women Entreprenuer

The Home Stay: Kinley’s Homestay at Mendrelgang, Punakha

In Mendrelgang Village under Punakha Dzongkhag, the homestay is surrounded by lush greenery with well-manicured gardens that offer a tranquil escape. The exterior boasts a charming blend of rustic and modern architecture, creating a welcoming atmosphere. As you step inside, warm hues and tasteful décor greet you, setting the tone for a cozy stay. Large windows provide ample natural light, allowing glimpses of the picturesque landscape. The surrounding area is quit and calm, the homestay offers a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Kinley Choden who has bachelor’s degree started her business in the year 2017. YDF officials visited her place in and around 2015 or 2016 and recommended her if she could turn her home into homestay for the tourist. She shared that she tried as per their recommendation and to her surprise it turn out to be quite good. It has not only given tourists and guests have an experience of the real Bhutanese village life but also benefited herself. Like Kinley’s Homestay have carved out a niche in the hospitality industry by providing an authentic and immersive experience for travelers seeking more than just a place to stay. Unlike hotels, her homestays offer a glimpse into the local way of life, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Kinley’s homestay prioritize creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This includes attention to interior design, thoughtful amenities, and personalized touches that reflect the local culture. she often play a crucial role in ensuring guests feel at ease and have access to local insights and cook them with typical traditional Bhutanese food. She said, “I attended a few capacity development trainings on homestay management from Tourism Council of Bhutan, and now I am able to run my homestay beautifully.”

“Besides being encouraged by YDF to start my business, I got inspired by what I earned in a week is what most earn in a month. Further our homestay is nature retreat for many tourist, they can escape to a tranquil oasis nestled in nature. Our homestay offers a peaceful retreat, surrounded by lush greenery and chirping birds. So, these things got inspired most along the way of entrepreneurs,” Kinley resonates.

While the homestay business has its merits, she said it comes with challenges such as “some tourists they book the room and wouldn’t show up, because some guide and driver recommend them another place, so this kind of cancellation affect booking of room for next guest. These are the some of challenges I face while doing business.”

According to Kinley entrepreneur’s means “individual who embrace innovation or adding values, take risks and actively engage in the creation and management of business. Entrepreneurs often see opportunities where others might see obstacles and they are driven by passion to bring their ideas
into commenced.”

In the next five years Kinley is hopeful about her business, she is planning to continue her homestay with better services and better facilities. Kinley told us that so far the feedback she have received is very good. Most tourist and guest said that they had so much fun and good time in her property and some said the best food they had ever in Bhutan. “Sometimes I took our guest for a visit in our village to experience the rural life and get some hands on experience programs. Apart from showcasing all the practicality of lives here. Even as a host, we enjoyed having new visitors come in and sharing and talking life,” she added.

On the final note, she shared to you entrepreneurs who are just about to start their journey of entrepreneurship is that, “embrace challenges as opportunities, learn from every setback and stay persistent in pursuing your dreams. Surround yourself with mentors, seek knowledge relentlessly and never underestimate the power of resilience. Your journey will be tough but each obstacle is chance to grow. Believe in your vision, trust your instincts, and remember that success is often a result of hard work and unwavering determination. Keep pushing forward and don’t be afraid to innovate and make positive impact.

She concluded by encouraging those of you who are going to embark on an entrepreneurial path to “embrace challenges as opportunities, learn from every setback and stay persistent in pursuing your dreams.” Be in the company of mentors, pursue knowledge with tenacity, and never undervalue the importance of resilience. It will be a difficult trip, but every setback is an opportunity to learn. Remember that hard work and unshakable commitment are frequently the keys to success. Have faith in your vision and trust your instincts. Continue moving forward, don’t be scared to experiment, and have a positive influence.

In conclusion, Kinley’s homestay presents a unique opportunity for both hosts and guests to experience cultural exchange and authentic Bhutanese hospitality. By fostering a welcoming environment, aintaining high standards of service and leveraging online platforms for booking. As travelers seek more ersonalized and immersive experiences, a well-managed homestay like Kinley’s hold the potential for sustainable growth and positive reviews, contributing to the success her homestay.