Best Family Friendly Treks in Nepal

Outdoor adventures with your family and loved ones are always a memorable experience. Imagine trekking for multiple days along with your kids and family witnessing the Himalayas sharing joy and laughter, seems like a great experience right?

If you’re an adventure enthusiasts and a family person, and are currently looking to trek in Nepal with your childrens, then this article will help you find some of the best trekking destinations in the country that are adventurous as well as suitable for kids and your older ones. You may choose either of these destinations for your family holiday.

We have prepared a list of a few treks and no matter which trekking destination you choose, you and your family will definitely enjoy the journey to the fullest. Disappointment won’t stand a chance, as each trek offers you the real face of Nepal’s Himalayas, local ethnic groups and their beautiful culture, and other landscapes along the trail. That’s the guarantee to you.

Everyone wants to escape their hectic, busy schedule and spend quality time with their family. Nepal is an ideal destination to escape from your busy life and take your family on a tour or adventure.

To make you feel even more excited, I’ve included some popular treks in Nepal that are ideal for a family trip in the section below, along with details. Read them all patiently and do your research, so that you could make a wise choice, gift your family the real beauty of nature, and make some memories with them soon, because life is short, and while we have time, let’s make it even better.

What Are The Best Family Treks In Nepal?

Here are some top treks suitable for families and kids in Nepal. Read the details and choose wisely to make your family adventure memorable.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Location: Kaski
• Highest Elevation/Main Point: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,549.87 ft)
• Duration: Generally 4 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ethnic Group: Gurung
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Cards

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also called the ABC Trek, is situated in the Kaski District of Gandaki Province of Gandaki in the western development region. It falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area.

It is one of the short family treks in Nepal, which can be completed in four days, and also can be extended up to 7-8 days if you want to hike at a slower pace. During your trip, you’ll reach a height of 4,130 m (13,549.87 ft), which is the base camp of Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), the world’s 10th highest peak. From there, you will witness the amazing views of Annapurna I and other peaks in the Annapurna Range, such as:

• Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft)
• Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft)
• Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail, 6,993 m/22,943 ft)
• Hiuchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), etc.

It’s considered moderate in difficulty because the trail isn’t that hard to walk. The route goes up and down for half of the journey, and that might frustrate you a bit during your trip. But it is one of the easiest treks in Nepal.

The entire route is inhabited by the ethnic group, Gurung. During the adventure, you’ll be accompanied by the Modi River, and also witness the beautiful Modi Waterfall, where trekkers mostly stop for a while to have a photo session.

Mardi Himal Trek

• Location: Kaski
• Highest Elevation/Main Point: Mardi Base Camp (4,500 m/14,763.78 ft)
• Duration: Generally 4 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ethnic Group: Gurung
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Cards

Mardi Himal Trek is another easy to moderate trek, located in Kaski District. This family trek is similar to the popular  Annapurna Base Camp Trek, from the trail to the duration to the ethnic group.

You’ll find during this adventure:

• You’ll enjoy the blooming rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower) forest along the way.
• The trail you will find is foggy here.
• From the view/highest/main point, the Mardi Base Camp at 4,500 m (14,763.78 ft), you’ll capture the breathtaking view of Mardi Himal (Peak, 5,587 m/18,330 ft) and Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail, 6,993 m/22,943 ft).

If you want an isolated trek with your loved ones then this is the perfect alternative as the views are equally rewarding and trails are not covered with trekkers so that you can connect with your family and nature.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

• Location: Kaski
• Highest Elevation/Main Point: Poonhill (3,210 m/10,530 ft)
• Duration: Generally 2 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ethnic Group: Gurung
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Cards

It is the easiest and kids-friendly trek in Nepal, which you can complete within just three days. For this reason, it’s also considered the ideal trek for beginners.

We also highly recommend this trek to elderly people who want to enjoy the trek experience and Himalayan views.

Ghorepani is famous for the blooming rhododendron forest. From a far distance, you will be stunned by seeing the whole red village.

The main, highest, and viewpoint of the trek is Poon Hill, which stands at an elevation of 3,210 m (10,530 ft). It offers exceptional views of the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges.

Langtang Valley Trek

• Location: Rasuwa
• Highest Elevation/Main Point: Tserko Ri (5,033m/16,500 ft)
• Duration: Generally 8 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ethnic Group: Tamang and Tibetan Buddhist
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and Langtang National Park Entry Cards

The Langtang Valley trek is considered easy to moderately difficult, depending upon the itinerary. It’s one of the nearest treks from the capital city, Kathmandu (1,324 m/4,344 ft), which is located in the Rasuwa District of Bagmati Province in central Nepal.

This family-friendly trek falls under the boundaries of the protected area, the Langtang National Park.

You can wrap up this journey within eight days. The highest point of the trek is Tserko Ri (5,033m/16,500 ft). From here, you’ll get to witness the stunning views of the peaks in the Langtang Mountain Range, such as:

• Langtang Lirung (the highest peak in the range, 7,234 m/23,734 ft)
• Langtang Ri (7,205 m/23,638 ft)
• Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/22,854 ft)
• Loenpo Gang (6,979 m/22,897 ft)
• Changbu (6,781 m/22,247 ft), etc.

The entire route is inhabited by the ethnic groups, the Tamang and Tibetan Buddhists. No doubt, you’ll also learn their culture and traditions if you’re also into religion besides adventure during the trek.

Tamang Heritage Trek

• Location: Rasuwa
• Highest Elevation/Main Point: Nagthali (3,165 m/10,383.86 ft)
• Duration: Generally 5 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ethnic Group: Tamang
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and Langtang National Park Entry Cards

The Tamanag Heritage trek is one of the best kids friendly treks in Nepal. It is ideal for experiencing and learning Buddhist culture and traditions, and the lifestyle of the local ethnic group (Tamang), along with adventure. During the trek, you can visit holy monasteries in the area, hot springs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Tamang people. Moreover, the trail is easy, making it among the best family treks in Nepal.

It’s located in the same district as the Langtang Valley Trek and also starts in the same place, Syabrubesi (1,550 m/5,086 ft). From there, you’ll take the opposite turn to reach the Tamang Villages.

After visiting several culturally rich villages, you’ll end up in Lama Hotel (2,380 m/7,808.399 ft), one of the points for an overnight stay in the Langtang Trek. So, if you want to do an extra adventure, you can continue another trek from there. However, if you aren’t interested, you can return to Syabrubesi from Lama Hotel.

Everest Base Camp Trek

• Location: Solukhumbu
• Highest Elevation: Kalapatthar (5,555 m/18225.07 ft)
• Main Point: Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft)
• Duration: Generally 14 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Ethnic Group: Sherpa
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS), Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Cards

Everest Base Camp Trek is also considered a family-friendly trek in Nepal and also popularly known as the EBC Trek in short. Although this trek is considered to be moderately challenging, if you modify the itinerary and add a few days extra, this could be a perfect way to have a sense of achievement.

You won’t have problems finding proper food and accommodation here, most of the teahouses here are well equipped and connectivity is also not an issue. If you want to minimize the difficulty level then you may also opt for the EBC trek with Heli return.

Located in the Solukhumbu District of Koshi Province in Eastern Nepal. The entire trail falls within the boundary of the protected area, Sagarmatha National Park, allowing you to encounter some wild species, such as the snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, etc.

The trek offers magnificent views of the peaks in the Mahalangur Mountain Range, especially Mount Everest, which sits at an altitude of 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft), and some other peaks, such as:

• Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft)
• Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft)
• Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft)
• Pumori (7,165 m/23,507 ft)
• Ama Dablam (6,170 m/20,243 ft), and others

Regarding the difficulty level, the EBC Trek is moderate to challenging. It is moderate because the trail isn’t that technical. There are not many steep sections. At the same time, it’s also challenging due to the elevation and duration, which generally takes 14 days to complete.

This trek is considered one of the best treks for families and kids because of its beautiful views, better food, accommodation, facilities, and easier trail. If you have kids and elderly people in your family, then you may add a few extra days to the itinerary and walk slowly.

Because of its name, you may think the highest and final point of the trek is the base camp of Everest at 5,364 m (17,598 ft). However, the highest point is Kalapatthar (5,555 m/18225.07 ft) from where you’ll experience the closest and clearest views of Mt. Everest and the other peaks mentioned above.

The entire trail is mainly occupied by Sherpa. Therefore, you’ll also be amazed by their warm welcome with a smile, because they’re very friendly.

Everest Panorama Trek

• Location: Solukhumbu
• Highest Elevation: Tengboche (3,870 m/12,697 ft)
• Duration: Generally 7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ethnic Group: Sherpa
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS), Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Cards

The Everest Panorama View Trek is another easy trek in Nepal for families, which is simply half the journey of the EBC Trek. During this trip, you will start your hike from Lukla (2,800 m/9,187 ft) once you land at the airport and pass through the beautiful places, such as:

• Phakding (2,610 m/8,562.992 ft), you’ll stroll around the beautiful Dudh Koshi River upon your arrival here.
• Namche Bazaar (3,438 m/11,280 ft), you’ll also spend an extra day here to acclimate your body, as it’s necessary to do so once you make it up to 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft).
• Khumjung Village (3,790 m/12,434.38 ft), you’ll visit Khunde Hospital and Khumjung Hillary School (both built by the late Sir Edmund Hillary) and Khumjung Monastery.
• Tengboche (3,870 m/12,697 ft), you’ll visit the famous Tengboche Monastery here.

You want to explore the Khumbu Region with your senior adults and kids, but don’t want to face the issue of altitude, the Everest Panorama Trek is the best choice for you. Just by walking half the trail to Everest Base Camp, you will enjoy the views of stunning peaks in the Mahalangur Range and experience the lifestyle of the Sherpa along the way.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Location: Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang
• Highest Elevation/Main Point: Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769.03 ft)
• Duration: Generally 10 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Ethnic Group: Gurung and Manange with Tibetan Influence
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Cards

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderate to challenging, and covers three districts: Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang. On the trail, there’s road access that covers half of the journey. Thus, some trekkers go directly to Chame in Manang and start their trek the following morning.

They do so to save their time and complete the trek in fewer days, and because of this, it’s ranked among the top family treks in Nepal. Nevertheless, most trekkers begin their adventure in Jagat, Lamjung, or even below.

It’s always wise to ascend gradually, and we also suggest that you start your trek in Lamjung. It usually takes 10 days to conclude the trek if it starts in Jagat, Lamjung.

The entire trail lies within the boundary of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, you could also encounter wild animals, such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, grey langur, etc.

The trail is occupied by Gurung in the lower section, and Manange with Tibetan influence in the upper section. During the trek, you’ll enjoy the views of the peaks in the Annapurna Range, such as:

• Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545.28 ft)
• Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft)
• Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft)
• Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft)
• Pisang Peak (6,091 m/19,984 ft), etc.

Apart from the mountains, you’ll also enjoy the Octopus and Chyamche Waterfalls in Lamjung, green and blue lakes in Manang, and the Marsyangdi River that flows from Manang to Lamjung. You’ll also visit Nepal’s largest apple farm in Bhrathang, Manang, during the trek.

After crossing all these stunning beauties of nature, you will finally reach the world’s highest trekking pass, Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769.03 ft). You’re journey ends in Pokhara via Muktinath, Mustang.

Upper Mustang Trek

• Location: Mustang
• Highest Elevation/Main Point: Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,600 ft)
• Duration: Generally 11 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Ethnic Group: Thakali, Gurung, and Tibetan Buddhist
• Permit: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the religious and cultural treks in Nepal, which is why the entire area is categorised as a restricted area by Nepal’s government. To enter this area, you are required to obtain a special permit, which we discuss in the section below.

For this trek, you must have at least two people in your group and must go through the local tour operator. It’s located in the Mustang District of Gandaki Province in the Western Development Region.

It’s also moderate in difficulty level. You can conclude this trip in 11 days. However, the duration also varies depending on your pace.

During the trek, you’ll visit the Lo Manthang, the forbidden kingdom, which is located at 3,840 m (12,600 ft). It wasn’t even allowed to enter for foreign tourists until around 1992. You’ll get to experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture here.

Note: The durations of these best family treks in Nepal don’t include the travel days from Kathmandu to the starting point and back.

What Is The Accommodation Like On These Family-Friendly Treks In Nepal?

All these family treks that we discussed above are popular in Nepal. During either of these treks, you don’t need to worry about finding proper accommodation for your family.

There are plenty of hotels and tea houses available along the route. Most of these hotels are equipped with basic amenities, such as electricity, hot showers, internet, and western cuisine.

You can expect small clean rooms with beds on double sharing basis, if you are in a family and prefer to stay in one single room then you may also find bigger rooms large enough to accommodate 4-5 people. 

These rooms keep you safe and warm and good enough to provide a good rest after a full day of trek.

Best Time For Trekking In Nepal with Family and Kids

Usually, two seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are considered the best time to go for Nepal trekking. Especially when you are with your kids and family, you want the weather to be most favourable, so make sure you are trekking within these months or make proper consultation with the local trekking agencies in Nepal.

I’d like to break down the reason behind considering these seasons the best time for trekking below:

Spring

• The weather is pleasant and stable.
• Flowers bloom.
• A clear atmosphere and views.
• Long hours of daylight.
• Fewer slippery paths.
• Local festivals, such as Holi (festival of colours), Nepali New Year, and Buddha Purnima (birthday of Lord Buddha) that add a celebratory feeling.

Autumn

• The air is fresh, the skies are blue, and the mountain views are spectacular.
• The weather is pleasant and dry.
• Trails won't have washouts and are safe and stable.
• You will experience Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, and walk through scenic villages with open peaks.

Monsoon (June to August) and Winter (December to February) are considered the off-season for trekking in Nepal. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t trek with your family during these seasons. Surely, you can, but the weather challenges may increase the difficulty level of the trek.

Below are the reasons behind not considering these two seasons for trekking

Monsoon

• Slippery routes. (risky for children and elderly people)
• The danger of facing natural disasters, such as landslides and floods, (in the lower section of the trek).
• Snowfall occurs in the upper section, decreasing the temperature.
• Less chance of enjoying the views of Nepal’s Himalayas due to clouds.
• Leech and other insect bites are certain in the lower section.
• Most hotels along the route on the mentioned treks remain closed during this season.

Winter

• Freezing temperatures in the upper section of the trek, where –10 °C is common at night.
• Hotels mostly stay closed in this season as well as it’s really tough to sustain in such cold environments.
• People typically drink less water in winter, and this increases the potential of altitude sickness.