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Based on 12 years of experience traveling to Nepal with children I can say with confidence that it is challenging and difficult but in equal measures it’s rewarding and exciting! it’s not easy but it’s worth it. A holiday to Disneyland, a resort in Fiji or to the Gold Coast is much easier, there are planned activities for children and adults, you get to rest and the kids get to have fun. A trip to Nepal with children is not like this! If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday perhaps stick with the cruise ship or resort but if you want an experience that will bring your family closer together, one that will challenge your family and one that will change how your children see the world and their place in the world then Nepal is definitely the place to go!
If you haven’t traveled to a developing country with your children, they may experience culture shock. Arriving in Kathmandu is a sensory overload, but in an exciting way! Children are resilient and once they feel safe, excitement sets in and it all becomes an amazing adventure.
There’s no McDonald’s or Hungry Jacks in Nepal, this is because the cow is a sacred animal and is rarely eaten. However, there are many familiar foods available in the restaurants of Kathmandu. Pizza, chips, pasta and many other dishes are available but we highly recommend you encourage your children to eat like the locals, Dahl Baht is incredible as is the Tibetan Thukpa Stew. My children love MoMo’s, a traditional Nepalese dumpling. There are plenty of food options to choose from but make sure you ask about the spice level when ordering!
In Kathmandu bottled water must be used at all times, the water tap water is contaminated and will make you sick. When my children were very little I always found it a challenge to make sure they didn’t open their mouths when having a shower! Outside of Kathmandu it’s strongly recommended that you purchase water bottles or sterilise your water using aquatabs or a steripen.
Oh my goodness, the people of Nepal are so friendly and they LOVE children! Your children will be the recipients of genuine smiles and handshakes, if your children are very little they will be cuddled and given huge amounts of attention. The people are non judgemental, if your child is having a normal tantrum, it’s met with smiles and care. If you spend time in the villages of Nepal your children will have the opportunity to connect with other children, this is beautiful as your children will witness what life in like for children without toys and video games, they’ll realise that life is more about connection and community than materialistic pleasures. Connecting with the people of Nepal is the most wonderful part of Nepal.
As a family we love to hike, our children will initially complain but once they’re on the trails it’s all about stories and singing! I firmly believe our best conversations happen when we’re in nature, no distractions, just us and the mountains. A trekking holiday in Nepal will allow you to have precious time with your children, your children will open up and share so much with you. It’s truly magical to have this time together. As parents we understand that the time with have with young children is short, make the most of it and spend it in nature, connecting at a deep level. On a trek in Nepal the evenings are spent in teahouses where you can play card cards with your children. I know our porters and guides just love hanging out with kids too!
Experiencing Nepal gives children a different perspective on life and their place in the world. It helps them to see the bigger picture and understand just how privileged our lives are in the Western World. To experience another culture rich in tradition and spirituality alters children’s understanding of the world. It has a profound and lasting impact. Nepal is a developing country but the poverty does not equal sadness, in fact it’s the opposite, you will see kind, happy and loving people. Smiles are abound and generosity is ingrained in the culture. Your children will witness the reality of poverty but also recognise that material wealth is not as important as friendship and family.
This is the most popular family activity. For families with children between the ages of 8-15 we highly recommend treks such as the Langtang Valley Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Both of these treks are less than 10 days and with preparation and training, most families can successfully complete these treks. For families with kids aged 12-18 we suggest the above 2 treks but also the Everest Base Camp Trek. A family trek to Everest Base Camp is an adventure that will be spoken about for decades and will bring lifelong memories. Taking your children on a multi day trek is an adventure that will take everyone out of their comfort zone, but we know that’s where growth happens, right?
Our children and family, and other families have spent a lot of time at our founder, Som Tamang’s home village of Batase. This beautiful traditional Buddhist village is a 2 day walk from Kathmandu or a 5 hour 4WD journey from Kathmandu. Families have enjoyed being immersed in village life, spending time at the village school and at the hostel which is home to many young children who could not live at their own homes. A couple of days or weeks if you have time will have a lifelong impact on your family.
We love taking our children to Pokhara, it’s a stunning lakeside town in the shadow of the massive Annapurna Mountain Range. It’s a place to relax and enjoy the sights. It’s also the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the shorter Poon Hill trek.
A trip to Chitwan is a must do if you have time. Your family will never forget seeing animals such as rhinoceros, leopards and elephants in the wild. If you’re lucky you might even spot a tiger. Chitwan is a great place to enjoy a jungle safari in the lowlands of Nepal.
Put Nepal on your list of places to take your children, it won’t be an easy holiday but it will be one that will allow you to connect deeply and make memories that will last a lifetime. You will open up a stunning part of the world for your children and the connections they make will last. Nepal is a must do experience for families.
