Traveling In Nepal With Kids: An Itinerary For 16 Days

Traveling to Nepal with children is both challenging and rewarding. Long distances can turn into long trips on old, rusty buses, and dressing your kids to keep them cool can be a struggle. However, the experiences of trekking through the Himalayas, enjoying the delicious momos, and building relationships with the locals make it an unforgettable family adventure. Here’s a complete 16-day itinerary for a family trip to Nepal, including everything from prices and times to activities and experiences. 

Days 1-3: Discover the charms of Kathmandu

Arrival and accommodation

Your Nepal adventure begins in Kathmandu, a city where ancient culture meets modern life. As soon as you leave the airport, you are immediately overwhelmed by the energy of the city. Go to Thamel, Kathmandu’s popular neighborhood. Here you will find Yambu Hotel, famed for its hospitality. The hotel’s restaurant may require layers during breakfast, but this is the taste of the locals. 

Explore Thamel

Spend your first day walking the narrow streets of Thamel. The streets are colorful, with prayer flags flown above and shops selling everything from travel gear to antiques. Let your children admire the beautiful mandala designs and the glittering bronze idols in the display windows. 

Cultural immersion

On the second day, head to Durbar Square, the historic heart of Kathmandu. Here you can see the progress of the restoration work after the 2015 earthquake. Use this as an opportunity to talk to your children about the protection of the Nepali people and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. 

After that, climb the steps to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. When you get up, watch out for the monkeys inside – they are very aggressive! At the top you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Encourage your children to interpret the prayers and explain the importance of this law in religion. 

Green Respite and Side Trip

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, spend some time at the Garden of Dreams. This neoclassical garden is the best place for your children to explore. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that is different from the street. If time permits, take a taxi to Bhaktapur, which is 8 km from Kathmandu. 

This well-preserved city offers a glimpse of Nepal’s rich architecture. Let your children imagine what life was like centuries ago as they explore the narrow streets and beautiful temples. You aren’t allowed to carry food. You can visit Kaiser Cafe on the premises and take pleasure in the delicious food and beverages. 

Day 4-5: Travel to Peaceful Pokhara

Your adventure continues with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. An 8-hour drive may seem daunting, but it’s a great opportunity for your family to experience the ever-changing landscape of Nepal. As you pass through the hills, view the towering mountains clinging to the slopes and the picturesque countryside surrounding the countryside. Regular breaks (every 1 hour) are enough to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and try the local cuisine. Encourage your children to explore and discuss the differences between rural and urban life in Nepal. 

Arriving in Pokhara

When you reach Pokhara, you will see a change in the layout. Nestled in the shadow of the Annapurna Mountains, this lakeside town offers a more peaceful atmosphere than Kathmandu. Check into Pokhara Mountain View Hotel, a comfortable hotel with family rooms. After arrival, take an evening stroll along Phewa Lake. Let your kids skip rocks over the water or admire the reflection of the mountains in the lake. 

Preparing for the trek

Spend a full day in Pokhara and prepare for the trip. Meet the guide and ranger – they will be your friends and support system for the next few days. Get your trekking permit (TIMS card and Annapurna permit) – Involve your children in the process and explain the importance of trekking and safety. 

Lakeside activities 

Take a short break and get ready for a boat trip to Phewa Lake. Visit the small island in the middle where Tal Barahi Temple is located. This is a great opportunity to introduce your children to the importance of water in Indian mythology and Nepalese culture. 

Days 6-10: Poon Hill Trek – a family adventure in the Himalayas 

Start the Journey

Poon Hill Trek is the crown jewel of your Nepal adventure. Encourage your children to watch for the change in weather. How is the weather different? What new plants can be found? Your suggestions can be valuable information for your kids to know about the local flora and fauna. 

The Tea House Experience

Every night you stay in a simple but comfortable home. These hotels offer unique views of mountain life. Engage your child in conversation with other travelers and the staff. Community dining areas are perfect for sharing stories and playing cards in the evening. 

Trekking with children

Your porter and guide are invaluable, especially if you are traveling with children. They can carry small ones in the law (basket) when the road is difficult. Use this as an opportunity to teach teamwork and the importance of community in Nepali culture.  The Poon Hill trek is short, and of a low altitude which kids find comfortable. It is appropriate for kids aged  4 or 5 till 10 or 12 at the least. Rather it is good for novice trekkers, and for those who enjoy trekking without much complications. 

Culture Encounter

As you pass through the village, take time to interact with the local children. Playing football or exchanging simple words in Nepali can be fun for your kids. These interactions often turn into memorable trips. 

The highlight of your trip is the morning hike to Mount Poon. Waking up at 4 am can be difficult, but the reward is worth it. As the first rays of the sun paint Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in shades of gold and red, you will share a magical family moment that will be remembered forever. When traveling, you can experience the formation of mountains, how water circulates when crossing rivers, or the adaptation of plants and animals to a certain height. These universal lessons will stay with your children longer than the ones that textbooks provide.

Day 10-11: Relax in luxury at Pavilions Himalayas

After an adventurous yet challenging trek, enjoy the luxury of Pavilions Himalayas in Pokhara. The spacious villas here are very different from the tiny house you just left. Let your children enjoy the comfort of luxury beds and the deep spa tub concept is perfect for relaxing muscles. 

The property’s beautiful garden is a great place for a family holiday. Your children can run freely, play, or just lie on the grass and watch the weather come in. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the hotel’s pet goats, which are popular among young guests! Weather permitting, take a dip in the swimming pool and relax after a few days of hiking. 

Reflection Time

Take a luxury break to reflect on your journey. Have family discussions about highlights, problems, and lessons learned. Maybe encourage your child to draw or write stories about their adventures. It’s a great time to save and cherish the memories you’ve made together.

Enjoy the Fine Cuisine

This is the perfect opportunity to introduce your child to some of the more traditional Nepalese dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Comparing this food to the simple food of the mountain can lead to a good discussion about food, agriculture, and business. 

Spa and wellness

Parents can request a spa treatment while their children are playing. Many resorts offer Ayurvedic treatments that can help relieve muscle aches after a long walk. This can also be an opportunity to introduce children to the concept of holistic health, which is important to South Asian culture.

You can feel relaxed, and begin to mentally prepare for the next stop on your journey which is a wildlife adventure to Chitwan. Discuss with your family what animals they would like to see and what they have learned so far about Nepal’s different systems.

Days 12-14: Wild Wonders of Chitwan National Park

Another place worth visiting is Chitwan National Park, a perfect transition to the beautiful mountains. Pokhara to Chitwan trek is another opportunity to appreciate Nepal’s varied landscapes. Use this time to discuss with your children how the environment changes when you descend from the mountains to the Terai (lowlands). 

The Sapana Cottage Experience

Upon arrival, visit Sapana Lodge, your home base to explore Chitwan. This family resort offers generous spaces and playgrounds, giving children plenty of space to play and relax. Take some time to immerse yourself in this new environment. 

One of the highlights of Sapana Lodge is watching the elephants bathe at the end of the day. Use this as an opportunity to discuss wildlife conservation and the complex relationship between humans and animals in Chitwan and elsewhere. Encourage your children to observe the elephants’ behavior and compare it with what they have learned from elephants before. 

Jeep Safari

A jeep ride in Chitwan will be a fulfilling experience indeed. Look out for wildlife as you pass through meadows and forests. The thrill of seeing a rhinoceros or a crocodile is unmatched. Encourage your children to keep a wildlife list or draw pictures of the animals they see. The program combines hands-on courses in environment and nature conservation with engaging research. 

Guided Nature walks

If possible, take a walk in nature. This is done gradually and allows for an intimate experience in the forest. Your guide can point out animal sightings, explain the uses of various plants, and help you spot critters that might get lost in your Jeep. This is a great opportunity to learn about the environment and different types of life. 

Also, many restaurants in Chitwan offer cultural performances with traditional Tharu music. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to a different side of Nepalese culture. Encourage them to look at the costumes, music, and dance and compare them to other cultural experiences on the trip.

Days 15-16: Final tour of Kathmandu

As your trip to Nepal comes to a close, you will return to Kathmandu for exploration and reflection. A return bus trip allows you to discuss how your views of Nepal have changed during your trip. 

Take some time to explore the city of Bhaktapur. Let your kids enjoy the heavy wood carvings, tall temples, and pot theaters. Ask them to imagine what life was like when these old buildings were new. This tour provides the right book for your cultural experience in Nepal. 

Pashupatinath Temple

A visit to this Hindu shrine will give you an insight into the spiritual life of Nepal. Celebrate from a respectful distance and encourage your children to question what they see. 

Buy Souvenir

Let each member of the family choose a souvenir from Thamel. Whether it’s a song plate, a thangka painting, or a simple prayer flag, these things will be a reminder of your wonderful trip. After that, on your last evening, enjoy Nepalese food. As you savor the dal bhat for the last time, encourage each family member to share their favorite memories from the trip. This is a great opportunity to reflect on and reinforce the experiences you shared. the last mirror 

As you prepare to leave Nepal, take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned – about the environment, the culture, and yourself. Discuss how you can apply some of the things you learned to your everyday life at home. This assessment will help support the educational and growth situation for families in Nepal.

Estimated Total Cost

• Kathmandu (Days 1-3, 15-16): 4000-5000 NPR  per night (35-43 USD), meals 500-1000 NPR  per person (4-80 USD), taxi 500-800 NPR (4 -7 USD)

• Pokhara (4-5 days): 4000-5000 NPR (35-45 USD) per night, food per person 500-1000 NPR (4-80 USD), permit per person 2000 NPR ( 17 USD), boat rental 500 NPR  ($40) 

• Poon Hill Trek (6-10 days): 2000-3000 Nepalese rupees (17-25 USD) per day for guide, 1500-2000 Nepalese rupees (13-17 USD) per day for porter, 500-1000 Nepalese per night rupiah for tea house (64-80 USD), meal costs NPR 300-500 per person (20-40 USD) 

• Himalayan Pavilions (Days 10-11): NPR 20,000 (170 USD) per night, meals NPR 1,500-2,000 (13-17 USD) per person 

• Chitwan (12-14 days): 5000-6000 NPR  per night (43-51 USD), meals 600-800 NPR  per person (5-7 USD), tour 15000 NPR (128 USD) 

• Transportation (car): 700 NPR ( USD) per person, one-way

Conclusion

Ultimately, your family trip to Nepal will be filled with adventures, cultural immersions, and notable moments. Every day brings new discoveries, from strolling the busy streets of Kathmandu to relaxing by the lake in Pokhara to trekking through the majestic Himalayas. You interact with locals, sample a variety of Nepali cuisine, and explore ancient temples and beautiful places. Nepal’s beautiful landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich culture are sure to leave an unforgettable impression on your family. Each experience will deepen your appreciation for this fascinating country, making your trip an unforgettable discovery of Nepal’s enduring beauty.

Frequently Asked Question – Traveling In Nepal With Kids