Best Short Trek in Nepal for Families with Young Children.
Nepal is a land of beautiful sights with magnificent Himalayan peaks. So many different types of treks go well with the families traveling with small kids in this area. The Nepal has numbers of short and soft trek ideal for those families who travel to Nepal with their little children. Mostly these offer wonderful views along with local culture and tracks.
Some of the family-friendly treks include:
1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill has been known as the soft and friendly hike in Nepal. It begins in Nayapul, through plush forests of rhododendrons to charming villages of Gurungs, and Magar besides well-laid stone staircases. So it’s quite a developed trail with pretty comfy teahouses which could quite well manage children. Amongst all its wonders, the best-known is probably Poon Hill at an altitude of 3,210 meters, with an altogether breathtaking sunrise over both Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Attractions:
- The sunrise view with peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in brilliant panoramic way,
- Easy well-maintained trail along with the rise in altitude,
- Cultural experience amongst traditional villages of Gurung and Magar tribes,
- Brilliant forest of Rhododendom during Spring,
- Comfortable and family-friendly teahouses.
2. Australian Camp Trek
The Australian Camp Trek is a rather short rewarding trek close to Pokhara and great for families with kids. Contoured through forests and small villages from Kande, the route leads to Australian Camp 2,100m with spectacular views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. It’s rather soft, well-marked, and only a few hours in, hence quite suitable for kids who are new to trekking.
Source- Google
Attractions:
- Panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre,
- Good easy trails that are perfect for first timers and children,
- Quiet and peaceful, with comfortable lodges,
- Birdwatching and nature walk.
3. Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Trek
A short and easy trek near Kathmandu where families get the best treks. From the beautiful hill resort of Nagarkot, which stands high at an altitude of 2,175m affording super views of sunrise over the Himalayas, it goes down to the famous Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site via thick forests and small villages. This is a short, beautiful, and culturally rich walk.
Source- Google
Attractions:
- Excellent view of sunrise on the Everest and Langtang ranges,
- Beautiful easy gradual downhill trek with spectacular views,
- Historic Changunarayan Temple,
- Easily accessible to get access, especially for families with kids from Kathmandu.
4. Ghandruk Trek
The Ghandruk Trek is one of the best options for short, easy family trekking tours to Nepal. It begins either from Nayapul or from Kimche and reaches the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk, standing 2,012 meters high with breathtaking views of the Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. It was very easy, with most of the walking tracing along well-maintained stone paths that even kids can keep up with.
Source- Google
Attractions:
- Scenic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre,
- Cultural experience amid Gurung culture and hospitality,
- Visits to the Gurung Museum and other local monasteries,
- Scenic trails with comfortable lodges.
5. Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Trek
For the families that did not want to travel too far and just wanted to spend some time with nature, Namobuddha is a lot closer to Kathmandu and, therefore, one of the better options. The Shivapuri trek from Budhanilkantha goes uphill through thick forests full of flora and fauna of all kinds. Hike up to Nagi Gompa-a Buddhist monastery or as far up as Shivapuri Peak at 2,732 meters. The walk is soft and gentle hence ideal for children.
Attractions:
- Visit Namobuddha, one of the most holy places of Buddha,
- Easy and peaceful trail with beautiful views,
- Cultural interaction with locals and monks,
- Beautiful sunrise and sunset views from Dhulikhel.
6. Shivapuri National Park Trek
The best option for those families who want to spend time in nature without having to travel very far, it’s pretty close to Kathmandu. Shivapuri Trek from Budhanilkantha goes through thick forests full of all kinds of flora and fauna. Hike up to Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist monastery, or as far up as Shivapuri Peak at 2,732 meters. The trail is shady and refreshingly cool apart from the city.
Attractions:
- Unspoilt beautiful forests for wildlife viewing and birds,
- Short and relatively shady treks, well suitable for children,
- Visit Nagi Gompa, very tranquil Buddhist Monastery,
- Ideal for a one-day trek.
Trekking Checklist for Families with Young Children
1. Trekking Shoes
Comfortable, fitted shoes with good traction will be of great importance in order to keep kids and adults steady on uneven trails. Wearing appropriate trekking shoes keeps the feet blister-free and wipes out fatigue after a long walk.
2. Warm Jacket
As it is at an altitude, it will be quite cool early in the mornings and late evening apart from windproof clothes; he needs to carry some light and warm jackets as that saves the human body from any unwanted fall in the body’s temperature.
3. Quick-Dry Clothing
The breathing, wicking shirts and pants will definitely help the body to dry out and cool down on a trek. These dry up sooner hence making less discomfort when one is badly sweating, or rain suddenly occurs.
4. Rain Jacket/Poncho
Whether the mountain condition is unpredictable, hence carrying water-resistant rain jacket or poncho becomes highly necessary in order to save the body at times if suddenly rain arrives.
5. Hat & Gloves
A warm hat and gloves help in keeping off cold particularly during the early morning and late evenings. Best insulation derived by using wool or fleece material. Water proof gloves would be handy at times when wet terrain is a part that one has to walk on.
6. Extra Socks & Undergarments
A spare sock and extra undergarments will maintain personal hygiene and comfort on treks extending to many days. Wool or moisture-wicking socks avoid blisters, keep feet warm.
7. Child-Friendly Backpack
This requires a light, small and adjustable back so that the kids can get used to feeling comfortable carrying stuff.
8. Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
Staying hydrated very important. Carry refillable water bottle or hydration pack would enable them to take sips of water even while walking.
9. Snacks & Energy Bars
Dry fruits and nuts go well along with healthy and power-packed snack bars and energy bars.
10. First Aid Kit
First-aid shall be completely packed with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, killers, and regular medicines. First aid is important in case one experiences an injury, blistered feet, and stomach pain amongst others.
11. Sanitizer and toilet paper
Hygiene on a trek is quite a challenge, but wet wipes and hand sanitizer do help in cleaning the hands, especially after meals and usage of a public toilet facility. This will come in very helpful at any stoppage for bathroom breaks and at any place where surrounding facilities may not be scanty.
12. Headlamp or Flashlight
A headlamp or flashlight is handy for treks in low light or at the start of an early morning. It provides good visibility and safety when there is no electricity around.
13. Whistle for Kids
A whistle is a rather simple but efficient safety tool when a child happens to get lost or needs some urgent help. Teaching kids how to use it in an emergency gives parents additional peace of mind.
14. Basic Medications
Carry essential medicines such as motion sickness pills, altitude sickness medicine, and fever reducers. Consult with the doctor before going for the trek as to which medicine for which condition.
15. Notebook & Pencils
A small notebook and pencil empower the children to write about the experience, draw something, or simply jot down about nature. It keeps the trek interesting and allows them to remember the memory as long as it stays.
Conclusion
Our Happy Mountain Nepal Trekking Company offers a number of family trekking activities in Nepal that can be highly rewarding and enriching for the interested families in wilderness and culture. These are short, easy, attractive, and reachable treks offering excellent views and exciting adventure. Be it the kingly sunrise from Poon Hill, the serenity at Namobuddha, or the cultural appeal of Ghandruk, each trek has something different to offer and is friendly to families in its own particular way. Contact us today at Happy Mountain Nepal, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
FAQs
1. Are short treks in Nepal safe to embark upon with small children?
Yes, take them for trekking in Nepal since most treks include fairly gentle slopes in an easy range, and usually have comfortable lodge stay at somewhat relatively low elevations. During trekking ensure hydration, not getting too cool and rest to prevent over working
2. From what age should the kids trek in Nepal?
Children between 5-6 years can begin with easy trek such as Nagarkot to Changu Narayan or Australian Camp. Children above 8 years can enjoy longer or relatively harder treks such as Ghorepani Poon Hill or Ghandruk.
3. What should I pack for a short trek with kids?
Some of the items things you need to include are-:
- Warm clothes and rain cover,
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses,
- Snacks and water in the hydration packs,
- First-aid kit and general medicines,
- Light back pack only with basic things.
4. Which trek best for first time family trekkers?
Australian Camp Trek offers some nice easy trekking and spectacular views in a rather short period of time this is recommendable for beginners.
5. Are decent accommodations easily available on the treks that are recommended to families?
Yes, most of the options above offer a family room, hot food, and basic facility teahouses or lodges, and at some places, even small hotels with an attached bathroom.
6. Do we need a guide for short treks with kids?
Though the short treks can be done without guides also, one local guide or guide helper will not only help to explore better but also about the culture of the place besides helping during the time of need.
7. What is the best time for family-friendly treks in Nepal?
Some of the best time for family- friendly treks are-:
- Spring(March–May): Clear weather, Rhododendrons in bloom
Autumn: Crystal clear skies, warm temperature - Winter (December–February): Possible though it gets cold in the high altitude
- Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended as it rains heavily and leeches appear
8. Can babies and toddlers accompany on these treks?
Yes, but it would be much better if parents can bring a baby carrier or arrange for one porter to assist them. Nagarkot to Changu Narayan or Dhulikhel to Namobuddha treks would be best for families with very young kids.
9. Do these short treks require a trekking permit?
While some treks such as Ghorepani Poon Hill and Ghandruk require both ACAP and TIMS card others, like Nagarkot to Changu Narayan require no either.
10. What is the major problem in trekking with kids?
Some of the major issues are-:
- Change in altitude,
- Tiredness, they might want to stop frequently,
- Alteration in the weather condition.