Nepal offers some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world, and trekking and hiking are the best ways to experience them. You can enjoy the snow-capped mountain peaks, lush forests, terraced farmlands, local culture and tradition, and typical Nepali and mountain villages. All of these elements will give you a real taste of the local culture of Nepal. Here are many types of trekking routes – for individuals, and groups, and some of those routes are considered the best family treks in Nepal.
Trekking and hiking in Nepal’s Himalayas can also be a great way to upgrade physical and mental well-being. It is a countryside venture that can improve our overall health and fitness. The beautiful and peaceful environment of the Mountains also provides an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. So, trekking together with your family allows you to focus on spending quality time with each other.
Moreover, trekking with a guide and porter can provide an opportunity to learn and experience the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of Nepal. The guide will provide the right information about the local culture, tradition, religion, places, flora, and fauna. As well as give the kids a good time to learn about the culture and the lifestyle of the local people.
Also, provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of being environmentally and socially conscious.
Why Trekking in Nepal is Perfect for Families?
Trekking in Nepal is one of the most popular ways to explore the country and enjoy the beauty of nature and culture. There are various trekking routes that offer different levels of trekking for different age groups and physical abilities. So there are many trekking routes which perfect for families as well, and each year many families do trek with their children. These are the main reasons why trekking in Nepal is perfect for families such as
- Accessible Trekking Trail and Itinerary for all levels
- Best Trekking Tea House Culture
- Cultural and Traditional Encounter
- Affordable and Flexible
Best season for family Treks
Weather is the key point of a successful trek in the Himalayas; when you’re doing a trek with your kids, it matters more. In Nepal, trekking seasons usually follow the same patterns each year, such as Autumn, Spring, and Winter.
Autumn – September, October, November.
Autumn season is the best trekking season in Nepal, during these months the skies are usually clear, superb visibility, and stable weather. That makes trekking in Nepal a great experience for travelers.
Spring Season – March, April, and May
Spring is the second-best trekking season in Nepal. During the spring season, warm weather, great views, and rhododendron flowers bloom.
Winter Season – Winter season is a cold season, but if your family members are good enough to bear a bit of cold, then this season is the best time for your family treks in Nepal. Because during winter crystle clear views of snowy peaks and surroundings.
These are some popular trekking routes for families
Poon Hill Trek – One of the best family treks in Nepal.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is shorter, and this is one of the best family treks in Nepal. The trek can be done in just 3 to 5 days, and the highest elevation is 3,210 meters. Poon Hill Trek offers great scenery of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges and is a great introduction to trekking for your kids in Nepal.
It is a great option for families because it is comparatively very easy and doesn’t require any prior trekking experience. The walking trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, and a bit crowded. Therefore, this trek is fitting for people of all ages. There are very good lodges/tea houses with normal and western toilets, and even an attached toilet in the room.
The trek also passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and traditional Magar and Gurung villages, which is perfect for families to experience the local culture and natural beauty of rural Nepal. Overall, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a perfect trek for families in Nepal.
Here is a suggested itinerary for the Poon Hill Trek:
| Day 1: | Drive to Birethanti and trek to Ulleri, 1950 meters |
| Day 2: | Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,850m) |
| Day 3: | Early morning visit to Poon Hill (3,210m) to see the sunrise over the Annapurna Mountain range, and then trek to Tadapani (2,610m) |
| Day 4: | Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m), drive back to Pokhara |
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
This trek is also known as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is a great option for families with their children, as it is relatively easy and provides spectacular views of the Annapurna and other mountain ranges. The Annapurna Base Camp trek will take trekkers through beautiful mountain landscapes, lush forests, and traditional Himalayan villages
The trek typically takes 7 to 14 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekkers. However, if you are doing this trek with family, then it might take more days. The highest elevation during this trek is around 4130 meters at the Annapurna Base Camp
A typical itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp trek might look like this:
| Day 1: | Drive to Jhinu Danda and Trek to Chomrong (2170m) |
| Day 2: | Trek to Dovan |
| Day 3: | Trek to MBC |
| Day 4: | Trek to ABC and back to Deurali |
| Day 5: | Trek to Sinuwa |
| Day 6: | Trek to Ghandruk |
| Day 7: | Drive to Pokhara |
This is the basic itinerary of the family-friendly Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek – The best and nearest family treks in Nepal from Kathmandu.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is known as the Kathmandu Rim Valley Trek as well. It is a short but beautiful trekking route near the Kathmandu valley. This trek is perfect for the family because it is near Kathmandu and easily accessible to the trailhead. Well-marked and properly managed trekking paths from beginning to end. Properly arranging tea houses and lodges on the day’s destination to welcome and serve the visitors.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park, which is very famous for its flora and fauna. Walk through the typical villages, jungle, man-made lake, motorable road, with the panoramic views of the snowy peaks. You can enjoy a glimpse of the world’s highest mountain, Everest, on a clear day from Nagarkot. That is why this trek is the shortest and best trek for your family to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of Nepal.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek Itineray
| Day 1: | Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisapani |
| Day 2: | Trek to Pauwa Bhanjyang |
| Day 3: | Trek to Nagarkot |
| Day 4: | Trek to Changunarayan and drive back to Kathmandu |
If you have more time and want to explore more place then you can also continue this trek to Dhilikhel Namobuddha, Panauti, or Balthali.
Everest Panorama Trek – Feel Everest with your family
Everest Panorama Trek is the best option to show the world’s highest peak to your child from close by. This trek is popular as the Everest View Trek, and it is also called the mini Everest Trek. As it is a family-friendly trek, it only takes you to the viewpoint and villages like Lukla, Namche Bazar, and Khumjung.
This trek is a combination of natural beauty, cultural harmonies, and religious beliefs. Also greatest experiences to fly in and out at the world’s most dangerous airport, Lukla Airport. The spectacular view of the giant peaks, the dramatic glimpse of the surrounding landscapes, and the scary but beautiful suspension bridges. All these attractions make this trek one of the greatest family treks in Nepal.
Everest Panorama Trek Itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding |
| Day 2: | Trek to Jorselle |
| Day 3: | Trek to Namche Bazar |
| Day 4: | Explore Namche Bazar |
| Day 5: | Trek to Khumjung |
| Day 6: | Trek to Tengboche |
| Day 7: | Trek to Manju |
| Day 8: | Trek to Lukla |
| Day 9: | Fly back to Kathmandu |
This itinerary can be customized according to your preference. This one is designed based on my experience to lead the family group to the Everest Panorama Trek.
Langtang Valley Trek – Beautiful Journey inside the UNESCO Heritage Site
The Langtang Valley Trek is another perfect option for families with their children. The trek takes you through beautiful forests, typical mountain villages, and stunning mountain vistas. Langtang trek can be completed in approximately 7 -10 days, and the highest altitude during this trek is around 4,500 meters.
The Langtang Valley Trek takes you through the Langtang National Park, which is home to various types of flora and fauna, including the elusive red panda. The trek offers stunning views of the Langtang Lirung, the highest mountain in the Langtang Himalayan Range.
As well as a glimpse into the unique culture, tradition, and daily lifestyle of the Tamang community, which lives in this region. With all factors considered, Langtang Valley Trek is one of the great family treks in Nepal.
A typical itinerary for the Langtang Valley Trek might include the following:
| Day 1: | Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,460m/4,790ft) |
| Day 2: | Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,830ft) |
| Day 3: | Trek from Lama Hotel to Thangshayp |
| Day 4: | Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,700ft) |
| Day 5: | Day 6: Rest day in Kyanjin Gompa (Explore Kyangin Gumba and Kyangin Ri) |
| Day 6: | Trek down to Ghoda Tabela |
| Day 7: | Trek down to Bamboo |
| Day 8: | Trek down to Syaprubesi |
| Day 9: | Drive back to Kathmandu |
Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a relatively short and newly opened trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best family treks in Nepal because it is relatively short, making it less physically demanding than some of the other trekking trails in the Annapurna region.
Additionally, this trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, surrounding landscapes, and rhododendron forests. And give families the opportunity to see a wide range of flora and fauna.
It is also important to note that the trails are well-maintained and the teahouses are good enough and family-friendly, so that the Mardi Himal Trek can make for a safer and more enjoyable experience for families.
The standard itinerary for the trek typically takes about 5-6 days and involves a total distance of approximately 40 miles (65 km).
| Day 1: | Drive to Kande and trek to Pritam Deurali. |
| Day 2: | Trek from Pritam Deurali to Forest Camp. |
| Day 3: | Trek from Forest Camp to Badal Danda. |
| Day 4: | Badal Danda to High Camp |
| Day 5: | Hike up to the Mardi view point |
| Day 6: | Trek down to Low Camp |
| Day 7: | Trek down to Sidding and drive back to Pokhara |
Helambu Trek – The cultural family treks in Nepal
The Halambu Trek is one of the best family treks in Nepal, located just north ofthe Kathmandu Valley. Also, one of the short treks near Kathmandu offers the combined beauty of nature and the authentic culture of the region. The scenic Himalayan landscapes with traditional Tamang and Sherpa culture, Buddhist religion, and faith.
This trek is ideal for beginners or family groups and travelers with limited time who want to have the best trekking experience. Helambu Trek offers spectacular Mountain Views, typical and peaceful villages, ancient monasteries and stupas, and lush forests. And this is a less crowded family trekking trails compare to the Everest and Annapurna region family treks.
Helambu Trek Itinerary
| Day 1: | Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisapani |
| Day 2: | Trek Chisapani to Kutumsang |
| Day 3: | Trek from Kutumsang to Tharepati |
| Day 4: | Trek Tharepati to Tarkegyang |
| Day 5: | Trek Tarkegyang to Semerthang |
| Day 6: | Trek from Semethang to Melamchi Bazar |
| Day 7: | Drive back to Kathmandu |
Upper Mustang Trek with kids
The Upper Mustang trek is an amazing and culturally very rich region of Nepal. The Mustang region is the home of numerous monasteries, caves, stupas, and other cultural attractions. It is also called the “Last Forbidden Himalayan Kingdom” due to the fact that the Upper part of the Mustang remained forbidden until 1992.
The Mustang Trek offers a breathtaking view of mountain peaks like Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri, as well as many others. Trek to Upper Mustang is a culturally rich, comparatively easy trek in Nepal. So the Upper Mustang Trek is one of the best family treks in Nepal that you can do with your loved ones.
The Upper Mustang possesses an exotic beauty that cannot be found anywhere else on earth except perhaps in your dreams! During this trek, your kids will get to explore the local culture and traditions of the Mustang region. As well as visit some of the historical monasteries in different villages. For details, Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary click here
In conclusion,
Overall, trekking with your family in Nepal can be a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience that you will treasure forever. Traveling with your family in Nepal can be a great way to bond and create lasting memories together.
As a trekking guide, I guided many families on various trekking trails and gave them the best trekking experience in Nepal for their family.
FAQ – Why Nepal is the Best Family Trekking Destination in the world?
Q 1: Are Family Treks in Nepal safe for children?
Yes, the family trek routes in Nepal are generally safe because it is well well-established and popular trekking trails in Nepal.
Q 2: What is the best age for children to go trekking in Nepal?
Children from above 5 years old can join comfortably any family trek in Nepal, depending on the difficulty level and the type of trek you choose. Short treks like Chisapani Nagarkot, Poon Hill, Australian Camp to Dhampus are suitable for younger kids. Trek like Langtang, Mardi Himal, Upper Mustang, and Everest Panorama are suitable for kids above 10 years old.
Q 3: What is the best season for family trekking in Nepal?
The best time for family trekking in Nepal is spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). During these months weather is best for trekking, the skies are clear for viewing, and trekking trails are safe for children. Also, winter (December, January, and February) offers the best experience on the lower altitude family trek routes.
Q 4: How difficult are the family treks in Nepal?
Most of the family treks in Nepal are easy to moderate level treks, with walking ranging from 3 to 5 hours per day. The difficulty depends on the itinerary you follow.
Q 5: Do family treks in Nepal involve high-altitude passes?
Most of the family-friendly trekking itineraries are around 3000 meters in altitude. And some of the routes are even below 3000 meters in altitude? So there are no high passes in any family treks in Nepal.
Q 6: Is altitude sickness a concern for children on family treks?
Altitude sickness is not a big deal on family treks in Nepal because it stays mostly at lower elevations. However, taking precautions about altitude is always better, such as walking slowly, allowing acclimatization, and staying hydrated. If got altitude sickness, immediately descending is the solution.
Q 7: What kind of accommodation is available on family trekking routes?
The accommodation on the family treks is in tea houses and lodges that provide private rooms, and in some places, even attached rooms are available. And the accommodations are child-friendly.
Q 8: What kind of food is available on family trekking routes?
All the tea houses and lodges will serve various foods, Nepali, continental, and American. But better to eat local Nepali foods such as Dal Bhat, Momo, Tibetan Breads, etc. Because those foods are freshly cooked and healthy, on the other hand, the Continental and American foods do not actually taste as their authentic taste, so…
Q 9: Do we need a guide and porter for family treks in Nepal?
Non-restricted region trekking routes, trekking guides are not mandatory in Nepal so that to do a family trek in Nepal not necessary to have guide and porter. I highly recommend hiring a guide and porter; it will give you an inside story and information about the trek, and an opportunity to share culture and tradition between you, your children, and the local people.
Q 10: Can elderly parents join family treks in Nepal?
Yes, some family treks in Nepal are suitable for elderly people as well if they are in good health condition. Easy trekking path, lower altitude, shorter walking hours, and comfortable lodges make some of the trekking routes multi-generational, like Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Australian Camp, and Dhampus Trek.
Q 11: Can family treks in Nepal be customized?
Absolutely Yes, you can customize all the trekking itineraries as you prefer, because there are lodges and tea houses available along the route.
