Nepal is widely famous among adventurers as an adventure hub with a wide variety of activities to choose from but don’t let that hold you down. Nepal is a versatile trekking destination offering various options to choose from as per your requirements considering the level of difficulty, destination, and attractions.
Nepal is an emerging family trekking destination in Asia. Due to the wide scope and variability in trekking trails, it is the most suitable location for beginners and travelers with children.
Trekking must not be all about endurance and pushing your limits. While it can be quite an experience to conquer the most challenging trips in Nepal, nothing compares to the joy of sharing a trek with your family.
Traveling with the family is a unique experience in itself. Family Trekking in Nepal is one of the best ways to introduce your family, including children, to a completely new cross-cultural exchange. Thus, providing a wonderful opportunity to explore different cultures, languages, and lifestyles.
Of course, trekking in Nepal with children certainly requires some special planning. Worry not, apparently transportation and communication isn’t much of privilege in Nepal. Roadways nowadays are spread to almost every part of trekking destinations in Nepal. Similarly, communication isn’t as difficult as it used to be. Thus, making your trek easier in case of emergencies.
So, if you are thinking about family trekking, Nepal is definitely your best destination. One gets to experience the best of nature, culture and valuable family time within Nepal.
Here, we introduce you to the best family-friendly destinations while trekking in Nepal.
The Poon Hill Trek
The Poon Hill trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Four days route around the Annapurna range with beautiful views of mountains is a brilliant introduction to the fun outdoors to the little explorers who cannot sit still. The maximum elevation of this trek route is 3210m which means very low chances of altitude sickness. Any altitude sickness reported so far is 0 for a few decades.
In case of any emergency, the direct access route with good infrastructural facility to Pokhara, one of the biggest cities of Nepal is just a few meters away. There are some steep steps that will keep you and your kids challenged and entertained. It is a pleasant trek which passes through local villages and beautiful rhododendron forest. There are lodges on the way which are basic but comforting. The variety of meal choices are available so you need not worry about the food for your young one.
The Royal Trek
This trek route is named the royal trek since Prince Charles walked this trek route in the 1980s. The maximum elevation of this route is 1700 m with no risk of altitude sickness at all. The beautiful scenery of white snow cladded Mt. Annapurna greets you not so far as you trek through the route with your mischievous little one. And the trek ends at a peaceful and mesmerizing Begnas lake which is in Pokhara.
The Royal Trek is one of the shortest treks along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley. It is a less crowded trail among the other route in the Annapurna region, so this trek is suitable for people who love being around mountains but do not have time for long and strenuous hikes. This four-day trek starts from the north of Pokhara valley and passes through several Gurung villages. This trek provides opportunities for meaningful cultural experiences with a diverse mix of people and cultures that inhabit this region. Throughout the trek, one can enjoy stunning views of the eloquently built hillside rice terraces, the magnificent Annapurna range, Machapuchhre [fishtail] and the Langtang Mountain views. The Royal trekking trip is an ideal trek for family traveling within a limited time frame.
Ghorepani Poon Hill
Ghorepani Poon Hill is another best trekking destination for family travelers. This trek traversing through traditional Nepali village offers spectacular views of Annapurna ranges.
This 8-day trek is a short and fairly easy route ascending and descending through the picturesque village of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk offering us some of the best views of the Annapurna Himalayas. One of the major highlights of this trip is a climb to PoonHill (3,210m), viewpoint to possibly the most spectacular mountain landscapes on Earth flaunting impressive panoramic view of the Himalayan giants (Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Fishtail/Macchapuchre (6997m), Annapurna (8,091m), Annapurna II and many more.
This trek offers you an amazing view of mountains, icy waterfalls, and sub-tropical valleys. The trail will lead you through a dense forest of orchids, Rhododendron and Magnolia. Your children will also get an impressive view of different species of birds and animals.
Altitude is less of the problem while on this trek. Thus, one need not worry about possible altitude sickness during the trek. Additionally, this venture is less strenuous and short in duration. Thus, anyone physically fit irrespective of age with limited time can be a part of it.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Family Trekking is another perfect holiday destination for family trekking. It is a trek to an ‘off the beaten path’ in the quieter parts of the Annapurna region of Nepal with Mardi Himal trek, this 11-day trek guides you through the amazing villages to the least visited trekking peaks in Nepal.
The Mardi Himal trek starts from the beautiful village of Phedi Leading up to Mardi Himal base camp and finally the high camp. Appreciate the beautiful trails complete with dense forests, interesting villages, valleys, terraced farms, dazzling rivers and the splendid views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli Mountains while trudging through the less crowded trail.
Another benefit about this trekking route is the trail makes a small circuit up to the base camp of Mardi Himal which means we don’t have to retrace our way back through the same terrain.
Mardi Himal is also famous for yaks and sheep. Your children will definitely enjoy watching these local animals.
This trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal is not as difficult and anyone in good shape irrespective of age can easily complete it.
Experience staying in teahouses (lodges), local food, the excellent hill and mountain landscape, the panoramic views of the massive Himalayan mountains including Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal within a short duration of time with Mardi Himal trek!
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom Muktinath trek is one of the most interesting treks for family adventures. It lets you experience the off the beaten Jomsom-Muktinath trek which lies in the heart of the lower Mustang district.
This trek takes you from the Pokhara through the Kali Gandaki River, which originates in the Tibetan plateau to the famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus- Muktinath.
In the upper reaches of Kaligandaki, one can look for the fossilized ammonites which are also known as Shaligram.
If you happen to visit this place during September, chances are you will get to enjoy the annual horse race known as Yartung in the Muktinath and explore the fascinating villages around Jomsom. Jomsom Muktinath trek is an easy trek that can be done in any season except for monsoon.
This trek to a beautiful windy valley lying in the rain shadow of Mt. Dhaulagiri is absolutely strained free and can be completed within a short time period. Anyone physically fit irrespective of the age can be a part of this astounding experience in Mustang region.
Mustang trek
Mustang is one of the most popular places to visit in Nepal. The maximum height of this trek is about 3,780 meters. The plus point of Mustang trek is that the option to hire a horse is available. Mustang trek has too many options as to which one to decide the final destination. The trek is classified into Lower Mustang, Upper Mustang, and the high-point of Lo-Manthang. It takes 17 days to trek until Lo-Manthang on a horse.
Although the mountains here are not as high as in some parts of the country, they are only about 6,000 and 7,000 meters, they are still impressive, especially as the Langtang Valley opens up. Children will enjoy spotting yaks and admiring red mountains.
The Silver Triangle Trek
Experience touring around the most popular cities in Nepal with your family. Silver Triangle guides you to the three most important and famous cities: Pokhara, Chitwan, and Kathmandu. Tour starts with the city of lakes - Pokhara; goes through the oldest national park in Nepal- Chitwan and finally, steps to the ancient city- Kathmandu.
Children will definitely enjoy a short hike to the world peace stupa, amazing Davis falls, Mahendra cave and others. While in there, nightlife around the lakeside is also set to be an astounding experience.
Next, the jungle safari tour around the UNESCO enlisted national park - Chitwan National Park is sure to keep your kids interested and excited as they encounter different animals while riding on an elephant back.
The final destination - Capital Kathmandu is an ancient city sheltering a plethora of diverse monuments, temples, and stupas. Kathmandu tour begins with sightseeing to the popular UNESCO enlisted attractions like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and others. Traveling to three different cities in Nepal offers spectacular scenery, a wide range of adventure activities and plenty of memories.
Anyone can be a part of a tour without having to think twice about physical or age restrictions. Apart from short walks during sightseeing, there aren't any strenuous walks involved.
So, if you are eager to visit the three most popular destinations in one setting without having to compromise with safety and comfort then this trip is definitely for you. Silver triangle Nepal binds adventure activities, jungle safaris with spirituality, and relaxation.
Note
- Some higher elevation trekking above 4000m is not recommended to small children below 6 years. As there will be certain risks like high altitude sickness and which can turn out to be fatal.
- For very young children of 0 - 12 months in child carriers, it is probably best to be based at a single location. That way, everything will be ready for you on your return at the end of the day.
- Young children, however, can come along on low altitude treks. Short walking tours or day walks are also a good option for young children. Remember to make regular stops for children and note that your progress will be a lot slower than walking without children.
- Older children of 7 years or more who are active and acclimatize well can make great trekking partners — but don’t get too upset when you realize they are faster than you.
- The most difficult age to take children walking is probably from 5 to 7 years as they are too old to be carried and too young to walk long distances. In this case, it depends upon the child and the parents as they know them the best to decide what kind of holiday to book.
- Remember to trek only in favorable weather.
- For family trekking, it is better to hire guides or porters. A Guide or porter will help you to take care of your child/ children.
- When traveling with family, it is always smart to carry extra supplies of food and water. Extra items like medicines or sun protection are also preferred.
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