Nepal has a wide range of trekking options that cater to the needs of almost all trekkers. From the experienced and matured to kids, there are options for a different type of trekkers in Nepal.
With the wide option for the easy and short trials, trekking in Nepal with Kids is absolutely possible and doable throughout the year.
You can choose from a wide range of easy/effortless grade treks to difficult grade treks in Nepal to do with your kids. All these offer amazing and memorable trek experience for you and your kids.
But, while trekking with your kids you need to choose treks that fit your kid’s physique. After all, they will trek for relaxation and adventure.
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Popular Trek Destinations for Trekking in Nepal with Kids
Annapurna Region
This popular trek region of Nepal offers a wide range of trails and trek destinations. It offers wonderful views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges along the trails. It also offers a chance to witness the diverse culture and rich flora and fauna of Nepal. Trekking in Annapurna region can be short or long, easy-difficult level. This wide range offers many options suitable for family treks as well. Some of the best treks in this region doable and suitable for treks with kids are:
Poon Hill Trek
At an altitude of 3210m at its highest point, this trek is a brilliant introduction to treks in Nepal.
Although short and easy, it offers some of the most fabulous views of sunrise and mountain peaks. You also pass beautiful villages rich in culture and forests with rich flora and wildlife.
Royal Trek
This trek has little to no risk of altitude sickness. You only travel to 1700m and hence this is one of the popular easy trails suitable for beginners and young kids. This trek offers views of high snowy peaks along with walks through several villages.
Jomsom- Muktinath Trek
This trek shows a different side of Nepal with dry Himalaya landscapes. You can do this trek in a few 3-4 days or lengthen it to 17 days.
On this trek, you can see the diversity of culture along the trails with visits to temples, chortens, monasteries. You will also pass through beautiful villages that have scenic photographic setups.
You can also do this trek on a horse for some of the ways. The highest elevation of this trek is Muktinath Temple at only 3,780m.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a short and a moderate-strenuous level trek. It takes you through the less trekked paths of the Annapurna Region.
You get stunning views of snowy mountain peaks and also get to witness the vivid faces of nature.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Here, the highest elevation you reach is 4130m. ABC trek is a moderately difficult trek.
It offers an amazing journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas. You get panoramic Himalaya views along with a look into the rich and diverse culture of the Annapurna Region.
If you are short on time, you can opt for the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Langtang Region
Treks in the Langtang region are the most accessible from Kathmandu. Home to various trek destinations and routes, it is a great way to take part in treks with kids. It has the easy-difficult level, short-long duration treks.
Along with wonderful views of the Langtang ranges, you get a look into the remote, rural life of Nepal.
Helambu Trek
This trek is a low altitude and short trek ideal for families. It is one of the most accessible treks of Nepal. On this trek, you get views of beautiful mountains, unspoiled nature. You also get to visit traditional and remote villages of Langtang Region.
Langtang Valley Trek
This moderate to strenuous level trek takes you the valley of glaciers- Langtang Valley. This trek is perfect for families with kids looking for a more adventurous trek.
This trek also offers the chance to view the beauty of the Langtang Himal range. You also get a look into the Tamang culture of Nepal.
Tamang Heritage Trail Trek
This short and easy trek is perfect for families with kids (very young as well).
This trek does not have long or hard walks. It is one of the new trekking trails of Nepal. You pass through beautiful Tamang villages and get beautiful views of hills and mountains.
Everest Region
Locally known as Khumbu Region, this is one of the most famous trekking regions in Nepal. It also offers a wide variety of trails and destinations with many options for treks with kids as well.
Some of the popular ones in this region are:
Everest Panorama Trek
If you are looking for an easy trek with great views of the Everest Range, then this trek is for you.
Enjoyable by beginners and with your family (kids, elders), this is a short trek. The highest elevation is only at 3,962m at Tengboche.
On this trek, you get the stunning mountain views. You will also walk in the footsteps of early mountaineers and get to explore the Sherpa capital of Nepal-Namche Bazaar.
Treks In and Around Kathmandu Valley
Chisapani – Nagarkot Trek
This short, easy trek is perfect for families who are short on time. It is also perfect for those who don’t want to take lengthy bus journeys or take domestic flights.
This popular 3-day trek takes you to the rims of Kathmandu Valley. It offers a chance to visit beautiful, hill villages of Nepal like Chisapani and Nagarkot. These hills are also great vantage points for incredible Himalayan views. These hills also offer great sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas.
Accommodation Services while Trekking in Nepal with Kids
Nepal has options of both tea house and camping treks. For treks with kids, the tea house option is more comfortable and safer.
You will spend your nights in tea houses that offer basic rooms. These are the basic and simple ways of living in the mountains. Kids will enjoy the details of the tea houses.
These rooms are on a twin sharing basis with bed, mattress, pillow, and blanket. You can ask for extra blankets if you need them. There are many tea houses along the trails in the popular trekking routes. You may also get options for more luxurious tea houses on these routes.
In the remoter treks, there are fewer tea houses that are more basic. These tea houses can have communal squat toilets or adjoined toilets to the rooms. They also offer a free cold shower. Hot water shower will be available for a small fee. Do carry your own toiletries including toilet paper. Some of the toilets will not have them.
Meals and Drinks while Trekking in Nepal with Kids
In the lower regions of most treks, you will have some variation in the menu for meals and drinks.
These can include basic Nepali cuisine along with some Indian and Continental options. In the higher regions, it is good to avoid meat. These are not always fresh and you don’t want to catch stomach flu when traveling with kids.
For drinks, the options can be water, variations of tea and coffee, flavored cold and hot drinks.
As you go higher, the choices on the menu become limited to local Nepali cuisine and local tea, water.
For your kids, pack some of their favorite snacks. These can be great motivators during the trek as well as options for actual meals.
Packing for Trekking in Nepal with Kids
Depending on your destination, your packing essentials may differ. As a general guideline, you have to bring all the packing essentials for a high altitude trek.
For clothing and trek equipment, you need to bring the same range of clothes for your children as you do for yourself. You need to check the weather and temperature of the place you are trekking to, then you need to pack the most appropriate gears.
Along with these, bring some form of entertainment for your kids. These can be playing cards, colorful pens & paper, movies or videos on your electronics. Also, make sure to bring your kids’ favorite cuddly toys.
Make sure you break into your trekking boots. New shoes can cause blisters. This can cause uncomfortable journeys.
Best Time for Trekking in Nepal with Kids
Most treks and tours in Nepal are doable throughout the year. Yet, the best time to do them is during the local spring and autumn season.
These seasons offer comfortable and stable weather conditions. The days are clear and dry with amazing visibility. During these months, you get some of the best views of the surrounding landscapes and mountain peaks.
Spring is a great season to witness the colorful flora in the lower regions of the trek. While autumn offers chances to witness some of the biggest festivals of Nepal.
For kids, these can be great opportunities to see the diverse flora and fauna of the region. They can also witness the difference in culture between the different regions of Nepal.
Winter and Summer in Nepal see snowfall and rainfall. These can make the trails wet, muddy, and slippery. Hence, for treks with kids, this is an extra set of anxieties.
If you choose winter for treks, try the low altitude treks in Nepal. These regions enjoy cool weather along with little to no snowfall. You get fabulous views of snowy mountain peaks and hills as well.
If you only have summer as your option, you can try the rain-shadow areas of Nepal for treks. These regions of Nepal get little to no rain and hence do not have wet, muddy or slippery trails. You will also enjoy views and the unique culture of these parts of Nepal.
Tips and Extra Information for Trekking in Nepal with Kids
Choose the Right Trekking Destination
You know the strengths and weakness of you and your kids. So, make an informed decision on the right trek destination and routes. While doing this, you should check the highest elevations, passes included and facilities available on the trails.
You should also decide the length of the trek. You can create a custom itinerary to suit your needs for most treks in Nepal.
Learn about Altitude
Choose lower altitude treks if your kids are below 10 years old and have no altitude experience.
Kids are more susceptible to altitude sickness. The symptoms are more difficult to recognize in children as well.
Hence, choose lower altitudes below 3200m for treks with younger kids. Else choose treks that have fewer days in the higher elevations and has enough acclimatization days.
Look for the Trek Alternatives
Well, there may be a chance that you do decide that treks with kids to Nepal are not for you and your family. In such situations, Nepal offers a wide range of thrilling outdoor activities to enjoy.
These include cultural/handicraft tours, village tours, Jungle Safaris. You can also do easy 1-2 day hikes in and around the cities or hill stations of Nepal among others.
Consider the Difficulty Level of the Trek
Some of the higher grade trekking trips are not advised for children below 12 years. This is especially true for families who are not used to high altitudes.
When traveling with small children below 12, it is more advisable to trek the easy-moderate level treks. Also, choose treks with an elevation below 4500 m.
Set Your Own Pace
For families and regular trekkers, setting your own pace is ideal for a safe and comfortable trek. This also helps accommodate everyone in the group.
You need to take many breaks. Children can get tired easily. Let them play and explore the nature and surroundings to divert their mind.
Mental Preparation
You need to be mentally prepared for treks with your kids. This is going to be a different experience than trekking with your peers or by yourself.
It is also important to make your kids aware of this arrangement before bringing them for treks. You should mentally prepare them to become ready to adjust to any situations.
You should also pack a lot of patience and praise. This trip is about the experience and a chance to explore every nook and cranny of a place.
Physical Preparation
You can prepare your kids for the long treks by going for weekend hikes or walks. This gives you a taste of the actual experience of long hour walks along with the temper and abilities of your kids. It also helps you prepare with ways to handle situations that may pop up during the trek.
Get Travel Insurance
Make sure to have good travel insurance for you and your kids. You will see people helicoptered out of the mountains, altitude, accidents, GI problems. If you don’t want to have to pay for it, have travel insurance.
Consult your Doctor
Check with a doctor or a registered nurse before visits to Nepal. This includes getting updated on all vaccinations for you and your kids. You may also get information about any illness or sickness you may face. It also includes the precautions and symptoms to look out for.
Get a Babysitting or carriers
For children between 1-5 years of age, there are porters with dokos used as child carriers.
This person will carry your kid, also help you with taking care of them for the duration of your trek.
Hire a Porter
Hiring a porter to carry your luggage is also ideal. When trekking with kids, you will have more things. This ensures you don’t leave anything behind including snacks and entertainment package for your kids. It also leaves you free to focus on your kids and the trek.
Final Say
Along with the fabulous views of the mountains, trekking in Nepal with kids offers a wonderful look into the rich culture of Nepal. You and your kids can have a great time of adventure, knowledge, and experience from these treks.
You understand your kids better than most people, hence choose the trek destination based on your kid’s stamina and ability. For any further details or queries, questions about any of these treks in Nepal, feel free to contact us.
You can also contact us to create your own custom itinerary for your travels to Nepal.
