{"id":1676,"date":"2017-11-08T11:15:06","date_gmt":"2017-11-08T11:15:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/family-world-travel.com\/english\/?p=1676"},"modified":"2019-01-20T07:38:41","modified_gmt":"2019-01-20T07:38:41","slug":"nepal-with-kids-recommended-route-for-nature-loving-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/family-world-travel.com\/english\/nepal-with-kids-recommended-route-for-nature-loving-families\/","title":{"rendered":"Nepal With Kids: 30-Day Itinerary for Nature-Loving Families"},"content":{"rendered":"

Famous for its sky-skimming mountains and tough trekking, Nepal<\/a> isn\u2019t usually the first name that\u00a0comes to mind when it comes\u00a0to planning vacations with the kids; however, active families will find an awful lot to love about this this mystical country! Aside from some of the best hiking opportunities on the planet (with options for every level–nobody\u2019s suggesting that families in Nepal should be scaling Everest), visitors can visit National Parks where big cats prowl, see perfectly-preserved ancient kingdoms, marvel at magnificent temples, and camp out at hilltop lodges with views to thrill even the most cynical of older kids and teens.<\/p>\n

Our 30-day Nepal Itinerary takes in the best natural attractions and outdoor experiences that a family trip to Nepal<\/a> can offer, while also taking in the big cities and leaving time to enjoy the experience. Families coming to Nepal should be aware that the best-laid travel plans often go awry, so it pays to be flexible with timings in order to avoid soaring stress levels.<\/p>\n

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? Box out: Plan for Weather<\/strong><\/p>\n

The weather can have a big impact on your family trip to Nepal. The best trekking conditions are found from September-December and March-May: think clear skies, cool nights, and warm days. From December through February nights are cold, especially at altitude, and\u00a0summertime offers heavy rainfall and limited visibility. Strong sunscreen is a must at any time of year, especially for young children.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Days 1-7: Kathmandu and Surrounding Area<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Kids on a trip to Kathmandu tend to take great delight in the fact that cows have right of way here, and cattle stroll at a leisurely pace through this hot and hectic city. Take a day or so to recover from the flight and just adapt to the way of life here, riding rickshaws, goggling at the ornate temples and generally soaking up the fascinating street scene.<\/p>\n

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? Tip: It\u2019s not uncommon for tummy trouble<\/a> to impact on a family visit to Nepal. Use hand sanitizers, wipe little hands carefully, and use straws rather than drinking directly from cans. Street food can be a large part of the fun, but exercise caution and, if in doubt, seek recommendations from fellow travelers and\/or hotel or hostel staff about places (or foods) to avoid.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Nature-loving families in Kathmandu should be sure to visit Swayambhunath<\/strong> (better known as Monkey Temple<\/strong>), a magnificent temple sitting pretty on a hilltop where the fresh air is welcome contrast to the pollution of the city. The biggest attraction for kids are the\u00a0holy monkeys<\/strong>\u00a0that keep watch over the entrance, giving the\u00a0temple its nickname.\u00a0Next, visit\u00a0the Hindu temple Pashupatinath<\/strong>, with its robed, dreadlocked and painted saddhus<\/strong> (holy men) flanking temple courtyards. Families should also check out the ancient city of Bhaktapur<\/strong>, a 40-minute drive from the city center (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>).\u00a0Bhaktapur hosts its own\u00a0resident Kumari<\/strong>, a child who assumes the role of Living Goddess <\/strong>(there’s also a\u00a0Kumari in Durbar Square<\/a>\u00a0in Kathmandu). Rattling through the streets of Kathmandu on a rickshaw is a fun introduction to Nepal, and the surrounding Kathmandu Valley is strewn with temples and a good place for short treks (ranging from half a day to several days), and family accommodation in Kathmandu is both plentiful and affordable.<\/p>\n

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? Tip: It\u2019s perhaps the ultimate hack for families hiking in Nepal: “baby porters”\u00a0will carry young children and babies in wicker baskets, allowing parents to keep their hands free and stride on with confidence. Intrepid families can bed down in stone lodges, which are found along most established trekking routes. It makes sense to limit the duration of these treks to a day or so, though, as all but the most patient of small children will soon want to stretch their own legs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Day 8-14: Sagarmatha National Park\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s remote, but for the maximum bragging rights, your family trip to Nepal needs to include a stay at Sagarmatha National Park, home to the most famous mountain in the world: Mount\u00a0Everest<\/strong>. Officially the highest national park in the world, most of the terrain is more than 3,000 meters above sea level<\/strong>. At around 135 kilometers from Kathmandu, the best way for families to arrive is by organized excursion. Prices from around $50 USD<\/strong>\u00a0include transport only, and expect to pay more for accommodation, food and activities. Accommodations range from mountain lodges and rustic campsites to slightly more luxurious options, and there are even family-oriented treks up to the legendary Everest Base Camp<\/strong>. Of course, it\u2019s vital to research any trekking companies in advance, and make sure it\u2019s not too taxing a trek for your little ones. Visits here are ideally suited to families with some solid hiking experience, but just admiring the snowcapped peaks (along with Everest, many others rise more than 6,000 meters above sea level) and walking through the gorges and silver fir forests is an unforgettable experience. In the spring, the lower-lying areas of the park are a riot of color as rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom in abundance.<\/p>\n

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? Box out: Animal Inhabitants<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bring powerful binoculars. Eagle-eyed visitors to the park may spot resident animals such as the Himalayan tahr, serow, wolves, and even Himalayan black bears. Harder to spot are the rare snow leopard, red panda and crimson-horned pheasants.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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