Trekking in Nepal with Your Kids
Nepal is one of the best countries to visit in the world, for it has everything to offer, from adverse adventure activities to staggering ancient monuments and more. There are many thrill-seeking adventure activities to do in Nepal but out of all the reasons, trekking in Nepal is the most favored one. With the wide option of destinations, depending on your budget, time, and fitness, trekking in Nepal is definitely the best sport.
When the word “trek” is mentioned, we instantly think of challenging routes, giant mountains, perfect physique; well, you need them in the strenuous one, but there are various destination in Nepal that is equally adventurous and pleasing as any other. And trekking in these destinations is the perfect time to spend a quality holiday with family.
Nepal is a destination completely worth holidaying with your kids. Trekking in Nepal with your kids will be adventurous and an educational one as well. It is an excellent option for spending quality time with your kids. They will obviously get closer to nature more than ever, at the same time, they will learn a great deal about cultural diversity, unique traditions and practices, and extreme lifestyle at Himalaya and Hilly regions. The friendliness and warmth of the Nepalese people are always welcoming you and your kids with a big smile. So, if you have a family, then trekking in Nepal with your kids pay off in the best way.
Here are some of the popular destination for trekking in Nepal with your kids, which are less challenging and equally fulfilling.
You can also combine your trek with a Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park and rafting in Trisuli river
POPULAR DESTINATIONS FOR TREKKING IN NEPAL WITH YOUR KIDS
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. It is a short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is typically a four days trek in the Annapurna foothills with the most incredible view of mountains including Annapurna I-IV, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri ranges, Manaslu ranges, Lamjung Himal, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Machhapuchhre, Barasikar, Barasikhar, and others. Apart from being a short trek, the maximum elevation reached is 3,210 at Poon Hill, so very low chances of altitude sickness.
The trek starts from the beautiful valley of Pokhara and gradually takes us to the delightful settlement of Gurungs and Magars, dense forest of rhododendron, and the stunning mountain scenery all along. You don’t have to worry about accommodation and food, as there are enough teahouses on the way.
Itinerary for each day
Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul (an hour and a half drive) and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,960 meters) – 3/4 hours.
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (2,855 meters)
Day 3: Trek to Poon Hill (3,200 meters) and Tadapani (2,630 meters)
Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk (1,951 meters)
Day 5: Descend to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
Visit Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and get full information about the trek.
Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp is one of the most visited treks in Nepal and is perfect for trekking with your kids. It is about a week-long journey through the diverse landscape and cultural settlement with magnificent mountains, rich biodiversity, and enticing terraced fields. It is a journey to the base camp at 4,130 meters of the 10th tallest mountain in the world, Annapurna I (8,091 meters).
Like every trek in the Annapurna region, this one too starts from Pokhara. Its well-groomed itinerary, accessibility, and availability of guesthouses throughout the route have constituted more reason as a destination for trekking in Nepal with your kids.
Itinerary for each day
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1,770 meters) and trek to Landrung Village (1,565 meters) – approx 5/6 hours.
Day 2: Trek to Chhomrong (2,170 meters)
Day 3: Trek to Dovan (2,600 meters)
Day 4: Trek to Machhapurchhre Base Camp (3,700 meters)
Day 5: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters) and return to Dovan.
Day 6: Descend to Chhomrong.
Day 7: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
Get the detailed information on cost and itinerary form Annapurna Base Camp.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal trek is one of the best destinations for trekking in Nepal with kids. It is a popular off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal that offers a picturesque and overwhelming experience of Himalayan scenery. The highest elevation reached during this trek is 4,500 at the base of Mardi Himal, so there is no big threat of altitude sickness unless you keep a slow pace and acclimatize.
The trek starts from Kande which takes around 40 minutes of drive from Pokhara, Then scale towards the Base Camp of Mardi Himal. We will pass Forest Camp (2,600 meters), Low Camp (2,950 meters) and High Camp (3,550 meters) before arriving at the main camp. Altogether, it takes form 6-8 days to complete the trek.
Itinerary for each day
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (around 45 minutes) and trek to Pothana – approx 4 hours.
Day 2: Trek to Forest Camp (2,500 meters) – approx 7 hours
Day 3: Trek to Low Camp (2,900 meters) – approx 4 hours
Day 4: Trek to High Camp (3,580 meters) – approx 4 hours
Day 5: Trek to Mardi Base Camp (4,450 meters) and back to High Camp – approx 8 hours
Day 6: Descend to Siding Village (1,885 meters)
Day 7: Descend to Lwang Village (1,460 meters)
Day 8: Descend to Khora Muk (around 1 hour) and drive back to Pokhara.
To the detailed itinerary and cost, visit Mardi Himal Trek.
Langtang Valley Trek
One of the most accessible trek from Kathmandu Valley, Langtang Valley trek is short trek that takes through the lush forest of rhododendron and bamboos, cascading waterfalls, diverse settlement of Tibetan-influenced tradition of Sherpa and Tamangs and incredible mountains panorama including Dorje Lakpa (6,990 meters), Langtang Lirung (7,245 meters) and Langtang Ri (6,370 meters). Kyanjin Gompa, the ancient monastery near Tserko is the center of reverence for locals.
Also trekking through Langtang National Park is another best part of this trek. Witnessing the yaks grazing in the green pasturelands amid the most beautiful setting is just too exquisite. Langtang Valley trek is ideal form every point; it is full of natural beauty and cultural wonders, so this might be the destination for trekking in Nepal with your kids.
Itinerary for each day
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi – approx 7 hours
Day 2: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,560 meters) – approx 5 hours
Day 3: Trek to Langtang Valley (3,506 meters) – approx 7 hours
Day 4: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,811 meters) – approx 3 hours
Day 5: Descend to Lama Hotel.
Day 6: Descend to Syabrubesi.
Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Plan the trek with the detailed information about cost and itinerary of Langtang Valley Trek.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek comprises two popular trekking region of Nepal, Annapurna, and Mustang. Although not completely, but still you will experience enough of both regions’ beauty. You will walk past the mesmerizing mountain views, old settlements, temples, and monasteries along the windy valley. In this trek, you will get a different picture of Nepal, with scattered settlements and desert-like areas.
The trek has a moderate level of difficulty, and it won’t be challenging either with kids. From bathing in the natural hot spring to visiting one of the most revered pilgrimage sites of Nepal, Jomsom Muktinath Trek is one of the best for trekking in Nepal with kids.
Itinerary for each day
Day 1: Pokhara – Nayapul (drive) and trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (2,530 meters)
Day 3: Trek to Tatopani (1,189 meters)
Day 4: Trek to Ghasa (1,951 meters)
Day 5: Trek to Tukuche
Day 6: Trek to Jomsom (2,713 meters)
Day 7: Trek to Muktinath (3,760 meters)
Day 8: Descend to Jomsom and Fly to Pokhara
To view the detailed of the trek, go through our Jomsom Muktinath trek article.
AGE RANGE
Now when we talk about kids, age play a crucial factor in determining whether to take them to a distant land for an adventure trek or not. I would say an ideal age would be 7 and up – when they are more agile, active and full of energy. They can walk faster and quite well adapt and acclimatize with the change in environment and high altitude.
WHAT TO PACK WHILE TREKKING WITH KIDS?
-The first thing to think of is the appropriate destination, which the above-list will help. As the trekking is with kids, you might consider customizing the itinerary. Although it isn’t packing per se, it is important to consider.
-Best to take extra food and snacks, especially chocolates, candies, and cookies. Dried fruit and nuts are good too. This type of food will help keep up the energy as you scale higher on the trek and it will also indulge the kids.
-Keeping yourself hydrated is already an important part of trekking. With kids, you have to take plenty of water. Take 3-4 water bottles as you can refill them on your way; it saves money and supports the environment purity as well.
-Before embarking, re-check everything from the boots of children to foods you have packed. It is the small things like this that causes the problem in the trek.
-For protection from the sun, carry a hat, sun block cream, and lotion. As the skin of a child is more delicate, the constant heat of the sun can harm them more.
-It is best to take a guide and porter with you while trekking in Nepal. They will carry your heavy backpacks, guide through the right way, and moreover, they will help you with your kids.
-There are enough guesthouses and lodges on the way. But still, take sleeping bags with you because the quality of service can’t be perfect. A beanie for each one of you will be a great thing to carry.
-Bring along the games and toys like cards, colorful pens, and paper, so your kids can spend some time having fun despite the exhaust.
DO YOU NEED VACCINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO NEPAL?
No, you don’t necessarily need vaccination while traveling to Nepal. The country possesses no threat of any epidemic. As a parent, you must be sound enough to get your child immunized on timely intervals. Talking about animals threat, you can easily avoid dogs and be cautious of monkeys while visiting Pashupatinath and Shwoyambhunath.
