Trekking in Nepal with Kids

So you have finally freed yourself from your chaotic schedule and are looking forward to bonding with your kids? 

Do you want to have fun with your children and take them on adventures at the same time? If yes, then you are in the right place. 

Welcome to Nepal, home to countless trekking destinations with magnificent beauty and ancient history. 

Adults often opt for trekking as an adventure and they love the thrill of seeking extraordinary experiences. Whereas for kids, trekking can be a wonderful opportunity to explore, understand and learn something beyond the usual.

 Trekking with kids can be an excellent adventure where they come across new lifestyles, cultures, panoramic hills and landscapes, highlands, mountains, plains, historic monuments, temples, monasteries, and various species of flora and fauna. 

Thus, traveling is an efficient medium for the kids to learn and the experiences can help shape their minds.  

My two cents: There are effortlessly easy as well as difficult trekking routes in Nepal. However, the soft itinerary is recommended when you are traveling with kids. 

It can help you locate the destinations at less altitude without high passes and having transport mediums like porters, horses readily available along with medical facilities nearby to your camp location.       

Top 6 kids-friendly trekking destinations

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most suitable trekking destinations for kids aging from 4-5 to 10-12 years old, at the very least.

Poon Hill trek is connected within the Annapurna region, with beautiful views of mountains and landscapes. It is a brilliant way to introduce the outdoors to your little explorers.

This trekking spot is best known as the ‘sunrise and sunset view trek’ in Nepal. Ghorepani- Poon Hill Trek is probably the best way to embark on a journey that reflects rich diversity-heritage trek experience. It also offers superb mountain scenery and charming villages that trace back to the native folks of Gurung, Tamang, and Magar ethnicity.

The maximum elevation of this trek route is 3,210 meters. This means that there is a very low chance of altitude sickness (Source: Migrationology.com). Any altitude sickness reported so far is zero, so it won’t be hard for your kids to travel. 

However, there are some steep steps that will keep you and your kids challenged and entertained. It is a pleasant trek that passes through local villages and beautiful rhododendron forests. 

There are lodges on the way with basic accommodation facilities but are very comforting. A variety of meal choices are available in these lodges, so you need not worry even if your kid is a picky eater. 

In case of any emergency, the direct access route with a good infrastructural facility to Pokhara, one of the biggest cities of Nepal is just a few meters away. 

Major highlights to look out for

• Panoramic view of Annapurna Range- once the sun rises, it touches the covering summits of the mountain range, Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) Annapurna (8,091 meters) peaks that delicately appear like magic before your eyes, a sight that can’t be expressed in words.
• During the journey, children will observe and adore the village-life of Nepalis, natural beauty, native people’s mannerisms, typical Nepali village, authentic food and cultures with each footstep.

Itinerary for Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek

Chisapani- Nagarkot Trek

Chisapani-Nagarkot-Dhulikhel Rim Trek is one of the best trekking destinations for kids below 6 years. 

This trek offers destinations at different altitudes that are nearest to Kathmandu. The elevation of Chisapani (1,915 meters), Nagarkot (1,920 meters) and Dhulikhel (1,431 meters) are suitable for children, meaning they don’t need to worry about altitude sickness.

The Chisapani trekking can cultivate an unusual feeling of being near nature even when you are near the city of Kathmandu. The village units are delineated as the rural parts of Nepal and at the foremost, it offers you fear, inspiring stateliness, escape from chaotic city life and wonderful mountain views.

The trek offers initial destination as Chisapani where your children can enjoy the real boon of nature and escape the hectic life and unpleasantness of Kathmandu. Interaction with the locals can add value to you and your kid’s experiences. 

Early sunrise at Nagarkot offers the most fascinating and mesmerizing sight of the mountains. The village of Nagarkot is at the center of the natural valleys. And it also offers excellent views of the hills along with thirty-two peaks like Mt Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal. 

Beside this trek, you and your kids can visit Dhulikhel, which is peaceful and offers a fresh breath of air. The locals are generally Tamang and Gurung. 

When trekking to Chisapani- Nagarkot- Dhulikhel, you can also take your kids for jungle walks and camps. You can also extend the stay and travel to Chitwan, the hub of wild animals and natural landscapes. 

Major highlights to look out for 

• Trekking route suitable for children below six years. 
• Escape from the chaotic city life, perfect for parent-kids bonding time.
• Surreal views of the mountain peaks from the trekking routes- an adventure in itself. 

Itinerary for Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Ghandruk Village Trek 

Ghandruk Village Trek, also known as the ‘Gorkha Ex-British army village’ offers a magnificent view of mountains in the Annapurna region. Ghandruk is a rapidly developing village in Kaski district. It lies between the Lumle and Dangsing Villages Development Committee in the northern part of Pokhara.

Ghandruk trek offers excellent mountain views of Annapurna Range of Himchuli (6,441 meters) Fishtail (6,993 meters) Gangapurna (7,455 meters) Singu Chuli (6,501 meters), and Gandharva Chuli (6,997 meters). 

This short trek offers a charming view of the Himalayas, diverse cultures, religions, the lifestyle of Gurungs, local cultural heritage, Gurung Museum, and interaction with the locals of the area. 

Ghandruk Village is at an altitude of 2,010 meters. As a trekking destination, it successfully capitalizes tourist lodges through warm hospitality and charming natural scenery. A short Ghandruk village hike is easily doable with family, kids, solo and even in a group. 

Ghandruk Village trek starts from Pokhara city. Driving to Nayapul divide trails in Birethanti ACAP Checkpost with Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and the junction of popular trekking destination Annapurna base camp.

Ghandruk Village Trek is ideal for families, kids and also older people in the form of short trekking sites in Nepal. It is easy to trek in Ghandruk compared to other destinations. It just takes a few uphill and downhill hikes through the bank of the Modi Khola.

Major highlights to look out for 

• One of the clean and rapidly developing villages in Nepal.
•  Popular tourist destination of Annapurna region.
• Hub of historical Gurung culture.
• Honey hunting beehive bottom of the Ghandruk village.
• Annapurna base camp trekking trails divide the village.

Itinerary for Ghandruk Village Trek

Dhampus Trek

Dhampus trek from Pokhara is one of the shortest treks around Pokhara Valley that takes you through 3 different popular viewpoints; Dhampus, Naudanda, and Sarangkot. 

Dhampus is not only the best view-point but also a small village of ethnic Gurung community, which gives you an opportunity to witness their culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Hike to the Dhampus hill is short but quite a rewarding trek. 

Walking through sparse villages, farm terraces, and forests, you can reach  Dhampus hill after a few hours of walk from Pokhara. An intimate view of Annapurna and other mountains greets you on reaching Dhampus.

You can enjoy the amazing sunsets on the Himalayas in the evening and sunrise the next morning, a scenery that you will treasure for a long time. 

Besides the breathtaking mountain views, Dhampus also offers you an opportunity to experience the peaceful and beautiful scenery of the Nepali countryside. Watch the daily lives of the villagers, look at the work on the farms and interact with local people, all this is guaranteed to give you an extraordinary experience. 

This trek is ideal for all age groups, even for elderly people or families with small kids.

Major highlights to look out for 

• Panoramic view of Annapurna massif, explore the valley.
• Unobstructed sunrise and sunset view, picturesque villages.
• Experiencing the lifestyle and culture of Gurung people.
• Walking in the narrow and stone-paved trail, waterfalls.
• Scenic mountain flight to and from Pokhara, explore lake city of Pokhara.
• Walking through dense Rhododendron forest which is even more beautiful in Spring.

Itinerary for Dhampus Trek

Balthali Village Trek

Balthali is one of the best destinations for those looking for a relatively easy, short and family trekking with children. 

Balthali village lies 40km east of Kathmandu, known for its old small settlements and cultural richness. Balthali village trek is listed as one of the best multi-day low altitude treks by Lonely Planet, one of the biggest travel sites in the world. 

Balthali is a habitat of various species of flora and fauna, colorful rhododendron forest, magnolia and Sal trees. This trip can be perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. They can spend days exploring and discovering rare species of wildlife, tradition, and culture untouched by modernization. 

It also offers a spectacular view of the sunrise and spectacular views of the Himalayan range from Manaslu to Mt. Everest. The hiking track has many trails leading to some ethnic tribes and offering an excellent experience of culture, short hike, and landscapes.  

Many of the sacred and ancient temples and monasteries such as Namo Buddha, Indreshwar Mahadev, Brahmayeni temple are located in this region which is some of the very famous temples of Nepal.

Major highlights to look out for 

• Soft and easy trek in a short period of time.
• Magnificent views of Himalayas.
• Incredibly beautiful sunrise and sunset view.
• Explore unique rich culture and religion.
• Visit Namo Buddha Monastery and many other ancient temples.

Itinerary for Balthali Village Trek

Everest View Trek

Everest View Trek with children allows travelers to explore the rich culture and landscapes of the Khumbu Region while exposing their children to the world of adventure and the way of life in the Himalayas. 

This trek is a great opportunity to enjoy the fantastic panorama of the Himalayas whilst trekking along with the Himalayan settlements.

One of the major attractions of the trip is the picturesque view of the mighty mountains. Ascending different altitudes, one can witness the beautiful landscape. 

From mesmerizing sunrise to the beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, the Everest View Trek is a natural therapy on its own.

As this is a trek with moderate difficulty, the entire family can enjoy this trek. This trek package not only gives you the opportunity to see the mighty ranges like Lhotse (8,516 meters), Nuptse (7,855 meters), Ama Dablam (6,812 meters), and Mount Everest (8,848 meters), but also allows to observe the Sherpa culture and their way of life. 

You can explore the different monasteries of the Khumbu Region, and the local eateries can enhance your experience.

To make the trek child-friendly, you can take time with the trek by covering short distances at a steady pace every day. If the child cannot walk or needs to rest during the trek, you can opt for horses or porters to carry them. It is available in most of the trekking routes.

Trek to Everest is short, romantic and scenic for a family vacation. If you’re traveling with kids, the trek itinerary can be modified to suit your needs.  

Major highlights  to look out for 

• Ancient Buddhist monasteries and monuments.
• Spectacular views of the high Himalayan range.
• Crossing high suspension bridges.
• Picturesque villages along with the trail and meeting local people.
• Smooth walking up and down through the dense Rhododendron and Pine forest.
• Scenic mountain flight in and out of Lukla.

Itinerary for Everest View Trek

Tips for trekking in Nepal with kids

•  Prepare some extra packets of food of kids’ diet, as their bodies can be sensitive to unfamiliar delicacies. Pack an anti-allergy drug if your child is allergic to something.
•  Check for the availability of a doctor or a registered nurse before visiting Nepal.
•  If the child is below two years, carry a baby carrier while trekking in Nepal with kids. 
•  While indulging in any of the trekking activities, make sure your child is safe and comfortable. Don’t force anything on your child if they hesitate.
•  Learn more about trekking in Nepal and choose a trek that is short, with less altitude, and which would meet the interest of children.
•  Opt for short hikes, jungle safari, and wandering off to local eateries. These are eye-catching for kids and they’d love to indulge in such activities.
•  Don’t plan high altitude destinations and high passes trek more than 4,500 meters altitude. It can be exhausting and may result in altitude sickness. 
•  Always pack a jacket, a hat and an extra set of clothes along with the trekking gears.
• Stop often for snack breaks. Food and water break can be helpful for the children to revive their energy.
•  Pack a lot of patience and praise. Since it’s all about the journey and their experience, let them explore every nuke and cranny. At the same time, praise them for their little achievements.

Deciding to bring a kid along to trek with you is a brave choice. Rest assured, Nepal is a destination worth exploring with your little ones. 

From remote village tours to animal spotting, jungle safari, and small hikes, the kids will have an astounding experience in Nepal.

Trekking in Nepal with kids can come with its own set of challenges. However, journeying with kids can be both surprising and amazing beyond your expectations. The trip will be an amazing memory for the growing kids. That we assure you!

Remember: 

Higher-difficulty trekking isn’t recommended for children below six years. Usually, traveling with small children is not advisable above the elevation of 4,000 meters as they can be prone to altitude sickness. Your trekking agent can suggest easy trekking routes and redesign the itineraries. 

Choose the trips package that is relatively short and doesn’t go too high if you’re trekking with kids. We encourage you to set your own leisurely pace while trekking and not let your children be over-exhausted. High altitude sickness is a fatal attitude ailment that can be checked by acclimatization. 

Adequate fluid intake is a factor that significantly helps in acclimatization. Therefore keep in mind that you should take great care of them, providing nutritious food during the trek.