Trekking in Nepal with Kids

Trekking in Nepal with Kids

• December 26, 2022
• Ram Kumar Adhikari

Nepal is a marvelous country with unparalleled Himalayan beguiles, a myriad of multiculturalism and natural beauty to forbye. It is the country where Lord Buddha was born, and where the world’s tallest mountain peak- Mount Everest, is located. In addition, it is also home to eight of the ten tallest peaks in the world. With over a hundred cultures and ethnicities, languages spoken and traditional customs and practices in play, Nepal has a lot to offer to its visitors, even, and especially, kids who love the outdoors.

Kids-Friendly Trekking in Nepal

From many UNESCO World Heritage Sites to adventure sports and jungle safaris, there is definitely something for everybody in Nepal. It is perfect for cultural tours, short nature hikes, and best of all- trekking. Because of the Himalayan beauty Nepal possesses, it is the number one destination for trekking among enthusiastic trekkers from all over the planet. Every year, thousands of trekkers visit the country to undergo various trekking adventures all over Nepal, and a substantial number of those visitors also sometimes include kids who visit with their families.

The special thing about trekking in Nepal with kids is that they can experience the adventure of trekking from Nepal’s context, where they can visit the rural villages where they can interact with the children of the villages as well, along with enjoying the Himalayan beauty. Besides, trekking with family is much more fun! Here are three treks in Nepal that are suitable for kids.

Ghandruk Trek

One of the popular stops for trekkers doing the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung village that is blessed with amazing views of the Annapurna peaks, like the Machhapuchhre and the Hiunchuli Himal. It lies at an altitude of 2,010 meters deep in the Modi river valley. Ghandruk Trek is suitable for kids to do because of its relatively undemanding terrain. The village is a beautiful destination perfect for an overnight stop after beginning the trek from the popular tourist hub of Nepal- Pokhara city.

The Ghandruk Trek presents a mild physical challenge as it is accessible by road, followed by a short hike from the city. From Pokhara, the trekking trail passes through many small ethnic villages and settlements like Hyangja, Phedi, Naudanda, and Lumle. From then on, the path goes to the village of Nayapul from where the hike starts on steep slopes that include crossing suspension bridges over the Modi Khola. Onwards from Nayapul lies the bazaar of Birethanti.

The Ghandruk Trek is easy and offers good views of the Annapurna Himalayas, along with the chance to experience the rural life of the Gurung people in the mountains, suitable for kids to do with their families without any hassles.

Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley Trek is another amazing trekking adventure suitable for kids to do. It takes place in the Langtang Valley- one of the most gorgeous valleys in Nepal also called the valley of glaciers.

The trek includes the Langtang National park, situated north of Kathmandu. The valley also borders Tibet. The Langtang Trek starts from Sybrubensi, which can be reached via a 10-hour drive from the capital. From Sybrubensi, the trek then starts, with the path going over several suspension bridges over the Langtang Khola. The trek meanders through the Langtang Valley all the way to the Kyanjin Gompa, situated at an altitude of 3,870 meters, towers over by the gorgeous Langtang Lirung Himal. From the village of Bamboo, the trekking path goes uphill until reaching the settlement of Rimche.

The Langtang Valley Trek is a breathtaking journey through rhododendron woods and emerald pastures. It is an easy trek with stable flat uphill and downhill terrain where kids can get excited by the yaks and cattle herds in the pasturelands, the huge colloidal Langtang Himalayas looming just a few distances away and the other-worldly feel of the valley, especially when low mists cover the area in a milky hue.

Tengboche Monastery Trek

The Tengboche Monastery Trek is a journey that takes place in the popular Khumbu region. It is perhaps one of the most visited regions of Nepal by trekkers, for this is the home of Mount Everest and the destination of the famous Everest Base Camp Trek. The Tengboche Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in Khumbu and is a spiritual hub of the region.

The Tengboche Monastery Trek is a suitable option for kids trekking as it is a moderate trek that includes trekking on a well-established path that starts from Lukla. Lukla can be reached via a short flight from Kathmandu, from where the path goes through the Sagarmatha National Park- a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Mountain peaks like the Thamserku, the Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Everest among many more present the most spectacular views while trekking. The journey also includes an overnight stop at Namche Bazaar as well, where various activities can be done, like visiting the Everest View Hotel from where panoramic views of the Everest massif is seen from all of its windows. Likewise, Namche also has a Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery. The Tengboche Monastery Trek can be done at a comfortable pace and the terrain includes a well-trodden path- a consequence of the place being so frequented by visitors for the base camp trek to Everest.

Poon Hill Trek 3 Days
Poon Hill Trek 4 Days 
Poon Hill Trek 5 Days are also the best option.

Other Options

There are many off-beaten trekking adventures for kids to do in Nepal. The journeys also include suitable guesthouses and many shops scattered throughout the area. Among the many options, you can choose the right one for your kids to do with family, in accordance with the length and duration of the trek and its difficulty level. The treks can also be adjusted and are flexible to changes. Moreover, the treks can also have contingency days in case of any delays. As the treks are focused on the kids, they include ample acclimatization time, like the Tengboche Monastery Trek, and have trekking trails that are comparatively easier than the regular routes.

By following simple important regulations, like packing all of the necessary things for the kids while on the journey and having a good mode of communication method, trekking with kids in Nepal is a fantastic way to let the children enjoy the natural beauty of a world that they will surely find fascinating, exhilarating and thrilling.

Some Major Tips for Trekking in Nepal with kids

Choose the right trip

Where kids are concerned, choosing the right trip is important. The trip should be comfortable for the kids to do without any difficulty. This means choosing a trip with the right altitude coverage, length, and duration.

Right Packing

Packing in accordance to the kid’s necessities is the best way to be prepared for the trekking journey. If the kids have any particular preferences or needs, like medications or food allergies, then the right precautions should be taken.

Check Weather

It is important to check for the right weather condition while trekking because unwanted weather can cause delays. Best time for treks in the autumn and the spring months (March to May and September to October).

Interact with kids regularly

While trekking, it can sometimes make kids anxious, especially considering they are visiting a place for the first time. Thus, it is important to have healthy conversations with kids on a regular basis to have them be in the best state of mind while trekking.

Have Contingency Days

The weather, along with other factors while trekking, can be unpredictable. In order to avoid the return flights back home, having spare or contingency days is best, as they are backups for any unexpected delays that might occur while trekking.

Free-time while trekking

Enjoying free time during trekking is also important to have, as it helps in the rejuvenation of the sore muscles that occur with long-distance trekking. Use your free time to relax with your kids, like having food, talking about the trek or taking pictures.

Useful Information

For the most part, Nepal experiences peak trekking seasons in the months of March to May (the spring) and September to December (the autumn, early winter). The spring and the autumn months are the best for high-altitude treks, while low-altitude treks can also be done all year round. As such, it is best for kids to do low-altitude treks, during the spring and autumn months, rather than high-altitude ones.

In like manner, there is always something for all people of every type of preference and demand. For the most part, itineraries of the trekking journeys are also pretty flexible and can be adjusted according to one’s needs and wants. As such, trekking in Nepal with kids is also a good option. It can certainly be done and is a very plausible feat to do. Nepal has many easier treks that are suitable for kids to do. As long as the kid is capable of basic outdoor trekking, he/she can definitely do trekking in Nepal.

In conclusion

Trekking in Nepal is a must-do adventure, and it should not be missed out on simply because of the assumption that it cannot be done with kids, as the situation is quite the opposite. Thus, choose Nepal for your next family holiday.