Nepal, a majestic Himalayan country, is a dream destination for families looking to connect with nature and experience the perfect blend of adventure and culture.
Whether you and your family love trekking through picturesque landscapes or discovering ancient traditions, Nepal has something to offer to people from all walks of life.
Why Nepal?
Nepal is a landlocked country mainly located in the Himalayas. Its fertile plains, subalpine forested hills, and Mount Everest, home of eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, make it a perfect destination for mountaineers, hikers, adventure enthusiasts, and even families.
Nepal has a lot to offer families looking for an affordable yet adventurous travel experience. From waterfalls, lakes, and rivers to hiking and exploring the wildlife, it’s an amazing place to spend vacation time with your family.
The rich cultural and religious heritage and warm hospitality of the locals will win you over instantly. There are also many farming communities where your kids can volunteer, making it a learning experience for them.
Things To Do With Family In Nepal
Planning a trip with kids can be a daunting task. It requires a lot of time and intense organizational skills to make the trip successful and memorable.
Nepal provides you with a wide array of choices and family activities to keep your family, young or old, entertained throughout the trip. Here is a guide to the top ten things you can do with your family in Nepal:
- Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is rich in history and cultural heritage. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, families can explore ancient temples that date back centuries past.
One such temple is the Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey temple), which is one of the holiest Buddhist and Hindu stupa in Nepal. Kids will enjoy watching numerous monkeys playing around, but exercise caution: these furry friends wander around corners to ambush your food.
Near the Bagmati River, another temple called Pashupatinath is also a World Heritage Site. It is dedicated to Pashupati, a form of Shiva, and is one of the holiest sites of pilgrimage for Hindus.
Like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath is a popular tourist destination in Nepal. Its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas not only in Nepal but in the world. It is rich in Tibetan culture and history.
Tip: Make history come alive for your children by hiring a guide. Don’t forget to stop at Thamel and do some light shopping for souvenirs.
- Trekking & Hiking Spots
Nepal is known for its hiking trails and trekking routes, which makes it a great destination for adventure lovers. Some family-friendly treks are also available, such as:
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is typically a 15-day expedition, but families have the option to choose from a short trek session.
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
One of the most popular options for families with older kids, offering moderate levels of difficulty and a stunning view without the high-altitude experience. Kids may find this trek fun as they navigate through forests and villages.
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
A 14-day trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is perfect for giving children a different perspective on life. The trek will take you to the snowy peaks of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993m) and Mt. Hiunchuli (6443m), among many others.
The trail goes through rhododendron forests, waterfalls, rivers, glaciers, and frozen trails, which will make your children’s imagination come alive.
As fun as trekking to high-altitudes can be, children below 10 years of age are advised not to be taken to the trek. These activities are suitable for families with older children.
- Explore The Wildlife
If you’re planning to have a wildlife adventure, take a tour around Chitwan National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can go on a safari ride and see exotic animals such as Bengal tigers, rhinoceros, and elephants.
Canoe rides on the Rapti river allows you to spot mugger crocodiles, a variety of bird species, and a number of floras and faunas along with sublime natural beauty that you and your family can enjoy.
Traveling with kids, be it young or old, is very challenging. Therefore, safari rides are by far the best option for families with children of all ages to enjoy, and can be done easily in a short period of time.
- Adventure Sports & Water Activities
Nepal is not only gifted with mountains and hills but also with some of the most amazing and fast rivers in the world. You can go canoe riding, whitewater rafting, paddle-boating, and camping by the riverside with your family and bond with each other.
Other activities include Paragliding in Pokhara. Pokhara is a city on Phewa Lake in Nepal, and offers adventure sports for older children. Paragliding allows you to soar over the city and witness the majestic view of the Annapurna mountain.
If you’re traveling with teenagers, you can let them try out bungee jumping and if that’s not thrilling enough for them, they can try the canyon swings where they’ll be whipped off their feets at 150km/hr through a 240 meter arch. Undoubtedly, your kids will remember Nepal to be the best family getaway for a very long time!
Besides the activities, you can spend some quality time with your family playing beach volleyball, camping games, and even make castles with the little ones.
- Helicopter Tour
Families with limited time and who are unable to take the 15-day trek to the mountains can opt for a helicopter tour in Nepal. It is the fastest method to see Nepal’s majestic Himalayan terrain and learn more about the mountainous areas in a single day.
With the breathtaking views of the high mountains, surrounding glaciers, and snowy peaks, you and your family will have a true sense of adventure on a helicopter ride.
- Sight-seeing In Nepal
Exquisite medieval palaces sit alongside Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas which is a sight to behold. You can also glimpse holy cows ambling along the streets and monkeys trying to grab your food.
You can explore other cities such as Pokhara, Patan, and Bhaktapur, which are popular for fine arts, historical architecture, pottery, and old palaces.
Thamel is a commercial neighborhood in Kathmandu that is bustling with tourists and is the city’s main nightlife zone.
From bars and shopping zones to eateries serving Nepalese and international cuisines, Thamel is a must-visit place in Nepal. Numerous colorful markets sell handcrafted jewelry, trekking gear, and lots of souvenirs to add to your bucket list collection.
Visit the museums where the children will benefit in learning more about history and culture. Don’t forget to visit Lumbini, a province in Nepal, where it is believed the Lord Buddha was born. It’s one of the holiest and sacred places and is also classified as a World Heritage Site.
- Cultural Dance and Cuisines
A fun way to bond with your family is by immersing yourselves in the local culture. Attend and participate in cultural dance performances featuring local music and traditions. It will be the perfect way to end the day.
You and your family can also participate in cooking classes, where the kids can learn to make a local, traditional dish such as momos (dumplings). You can also try other Nepalese basic dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), and spicy vegetables macerated in achar (vinegar).
However, in the tourist towns of Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can find Western dishes for the kids, such as pasta, burgers, and pizza, though it is highly recommended that they try the local dishes to add to their list of new experiences.
The Best Time To Visit Nepal With Family
If you’re planning a trip to Nepal with your kids, the perfect time to visit is in the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons.
With bright skies and comfortable temperatures, it is an ideal time to visit Nepal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. In the spring and fall seasons, you can also witness a bloom of flowers.
The summer (June-August) and winter (December to February) seasons are not feasible for a trip to Nepal.
During the summer, it is extremely hot and wet, and frequent rainfalls make it difficult to travel and engage in outdoor activities.
Whereas, in the winter, it is extremely cold and snowfall in the mountainous areas can cause numerous roadblocks.
Final Thoughts
Create cherished memories in Nepal’s diverse landscapes and rich culture that provides endless opportunities to bond with your family.
Whether hiking to the mountains, exploring museums, ancient temples, and old palaces, or spotting wildlife, this Himalayan gem provides unique and memorable experiences that caters to people of all ages. Plan a trip to Nepal for an adventure-filled holiday and you won’t be disappointed!