This is a guest post by Raushan Jaiswal who blogs at Trek Route. Today he is sharing how families can enjoy trekking in Nepal.
Raushan is from Nepal, a popular travel destination between China and India. He is a traveler and a blogger. He has traveled to several places in Nepal. His favorite place so far has been Annapurna region, which is considered by many as one of the best trekking destination in the world. Raushan regularly blogs about travelling in Nepal on Trekroute.com. He could be reached via Twitter and Facebook.
Nepal houses eight out of the ten highest peaks in the world. Its topographical structure makes it an ideal destination for the best kind of trekking experience.
Ranging from extremely difficult to short and easy trek routes, Nepal has various types of treks to satisfy all kinds of interests and needs.
What is referred to as a family trek is mostly short trek that does not require much skill physical strength. However, the short trek will yield equally thrilling experience as the difficult treks. Your experience has got nothing to do with the level of difficulty. Every region, every route has its own hallmark.
Popular Family Trek Routes:
1. Ghorepani Poon hill
Ghorpani Poon Hill trek lies in the Annapurna region, which is one of the best trekking destinations in the world. The hallmark of this trek is the sunrise and sunset view.
From Poon Hill, some of the highest peaks in the world will come into sight- Mt. Dhaulagiri I (8167 m), Mt. Annapurna (8091 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Himchuli and Tukuche Peak being some of them.
The journey to Poon Hill gives you an opportunity to explore rhododendron forests, rural settlements, unique cultural practices, valleys and many lakes.
2. Everest Panorama Trek
The most popular trekking destination of Nepal is the Everest Region. The park is listed under UNESCO world heritage site for its unique natural composition. This journey offers you with the best view of the highest mountain in the world- Mt Everest.
Some of the major highlights of this route are the traditional Sherpa villages, beautiful landscape, visit to the famous Buddhist monastery of Tengboche, and rhododendron forests. Other than Mt. Everest, you will also catch a glimpse of Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7855m), Amadablam (6812m), Khongde Himal (6200m), and many more.
3. Panchase Family Trek
Being a short and scenic trek, Panchase trekking is a great way to explore the areas around Pokhara- “the city of Lakes”. The route is through rhododendron forests and breathtaking mountain scenes.
You will catch a glimpse of Annapurna I – 8091m, Annapurna II -7937mAnnapurna South 7819m, Varaha Shikhar 7847m, Himchuli 6441m, Dhaulagiri I – 8167m, Dhaulagiri II – 7751m, Nilgiri 6940m, Thapa Peak 6015m, Tukche Peak 6920m, Machhapuchhre 6993m, many other snow-caped mountains.
The trail will also lead you to “World Peace Pogoda” which is a religious site of the Buddhist.
4. Jomsom-Muktinath Family Trek
The trek leads into the Kaligandaki Valley, which is the deepest valley in the world. Comprising mostly of barren and windy landscape, Jomsom Valley’s is an unforgettable one.
On your way to Muktinath, you will catch a glimpse of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Himal. Muktinath is a famous pilgrim site for the Buddhist and the Hindus. The place derives its name from the Muktinath Temple dedicated to Vishu- a Hindu god. This trek is more of a spiritual journey.
5. Ghandruk Circuit Family Trek
A famous short trek in the Annapurna region, Ghandruk Circuit Trek is rather easy and peaceful. The place is famous for its cultural diversity, geographical location, and spectacular views of the mountains.
Most of the houses are made of stone. In fact Ghandruk is also known as Konda Village, which means Stone Village. This trek is ideal for children, hence making it the perfect vacation spot for families. You will encounter the sight of Annapurna South 7219m, Machhapuchre 6993m, Hiun Chuli 6441m, Annapurna III 7555m and many more.
Family Trekking Essentials:
There are yet many more routes you can select from. Some companies also offer difficult routes, but with many resting check points. Here are some of the things you need to keep under consideration while selecting a route for family trekking.
1. Easy route
The route should be an easy one. Avoid routes that are located in the restricted regions, and that have high passes, steep slopes, and rough edges.
Steep slopes can be extremely unpleasant while descending. They generate a lot of pressure in the knee area. This can cause pain and probably permanent damage to the older people.
2. Low altitude
Children under 10 and senior citizens above 60 take time to acclimatize to the changing altitude. Also, young children may not be able to adapt to the changing altitude.
The temperature at higher altitude is also extreme. Your family members are less likely to fall victims to altitude sickness in lower altitude.
3. Lesser number of day
Mountain expedition last minimum for a month. Long trek range from 2-3 weeks. While family treks last for about a week or so. Walking through the wilderness for many days may not be very comfortable for older people or toddlers. At one point, the journey can get extremely tiring and unpleasant.
4. Walking hours in a day
Make sure that the number of hours you spend walking in a day is not more than relatively 5 hours. If the walk is longer, you can hire a porter to carry your children. Children porter may be manual or horse, depending upon what the region has to offer.
Conclusion
The word “trekking” probably conjure up an idea like risk, danger, and other similar word all of which are unfit to describe a family vacation spot. If this is your approach to trekking, then you have got it all wrong.
Trekking is not only about walking up to great heights with oxygen cylinders and gears. In fact, trekking can be the most relaxing and pleasant way of spending your vacation with your family. It is all about what route you chose and how far you are ready to go.
- All Images are courtesy of Trek Route.
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I can certainly see the value of taking children on treks. It is a wonderful way to expose them to the joys of hiking and teach them to appreciate nature. Thanks especially for the advice on trekking essentials,for both youngsters and old folks. I had never considered some of your tips.
I am glad you found the information useful, I learnt a lot from Raushan’s tips as well.
Thanks for sharing this fabulous post about trekking in Nepal with children Sally. Raushan’s tips are very helpful to those planning such a trip 🙂
They are great tips Lyndall for not only travel with kids but also those who are not as adept at trekking as others.
I would very much like to trek in Nepal and it’s great to know it’s doable with kids. The “short” treks would be fine with me. it’s about what you see and do not and setting a pace where you can enjoy it. Thanks for this!
Setting a pace – that just encompasses travel with kids Eileen.
Oh, I want to do all of these! How beautiful and easy is my speed as well.
Mine too Corinne.
I was wondering whether this was going to be a tough trek, but it sounds very enjoyable. I think trekking is a lovely way to interact with other people in different environments.
Paula, there is just something about being out in the fresh air and walking (trekking) that encourages people to start chatting resulting in you interacting with all sorts of different people.
A Great Post!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience over the years.
The pictures! Nepal must truly be a beautiful country. The mountains especially look majestic. I am glad you had a great time there and hope I make it there one day.
Awesome Blog. Appreciate it for your great contribution to sharing trekking information. I have been to Ghandruk Circuit it’s an amazing trip. Also, your blog is very informative.
Appreciate it for your great work.
Family trek is probably the best way to spend quality time with your family. As said, walking is healthy, and I think rather spending lots of money on the fancy restaurants, family members should actually go explore places and experience new culture, and behaviors together which not only make your children learn together but also makes a strong bond between the family members. I really loved the article. Thanks to the author for sharing this beautiful content. I shall now get going to trek with my family c:
Great information regarding the family treks in Nepal. Thank you for sharing just an amazing blog along with the required information.