Trekking With Children in Nepal

For many, planning a weekend away with a young family is huge, let alone planning an overseas holiday trekking. It need not be this way and with some simple practical advice, a family with an open mind can enjoy a rich cultural experience with their children walking in the Himalayas. While planning such a trip, there seems to be many obstacles and difficulties to overcome, but if you prepare well, the experience of walking with your children in the Himalayas, a really rewarding and enlightening, not to mention an invaluable multicultural life lesson for your Young Ones.

The ideal age for children on the trek is, believe it or not, as babies who are still breastfeeding and can be easily implemented and at the age of six upwards. Although it may sound strange to a child overseas, breastfeeding is no fuss and hygienic way to feed a child. Infants are not so easy to take a deduction can not run away nor would they tolerate that for long time.

Babies can be carried out by a parent in a chair to match or strap, or alternately, it's easy enough for a female porter to accompany you on the tour. "Sherpani" or hill women in Nepal have a natural affinity with children and it will just be like a nanny along on your trip. Although it may be unlikely that a single woman will accompany you, so you can have two women, but they can also act as a porter for you. These women can have a child or luggage to 22kg. Hiring women as helpers is a great way to get closer to the rich culture of Nepal and also for your support for equality between the sexes. In Nepal, local women working in the tourism industry is unheard of 10 years ago, now you can find many women guides and porters, and not to forget kayaker and mountain guides.

A child should not be treated as a member of the trekking team, they should be like everyone else. Are they at the start of the day and talk to them about the trail ahead, let them know what is expected, how far is it when you eat, set it before them as an adventure and you will see that your child will enjoy the next day. Uphill section the most challenging. On these points, your children in games, eye spy, counting steps, sing songs, tell stories, they think and count the steps to the next village. Distractions such as these will make your child more physical during the climbs and you will be amazed at how the fly by climbing (for yourself and

Food Time is too hard for fussy eaters. It is a good idea for your child to local food before you leave home. In the case of Nepal that would rice, lentils, green vegetables and potatoes. Not a big fuss about the meals. Encourage your children to eat local food. Try and stay in tea houses with other children and your children to eat with them. In case you have a fussy child when it comes to food, be familiar enough food with you as it is very important that your child gets enough food while trekking. Take along items such as nuts, dried fruits and seeds, cereals and muesli bars that you can also use dessert as a reward for your child after trying local food, you can most of these things in Nepal supermarkets, together with chocolate or candy or that is required. However, in Nepal the local food is great and it is very worth trying, not to mention the cheapest option on most menus. In most Tea House you can also items such as bread, eggs, potatoes, chips, mashed potato, noodle soup and simple pizzas.

Along the route, get your children to interact with local children. Carry some simple toys like a skipping rope, marbles, books or pop. Try to avoid expensive and modern toy because it could disturb or affect the village of the children ask their parents for things that they simply can not afford. You'll quickly see how the language barrier does not really affect children when they are playing before you know that your children are happily playing and you have enough time to relax yourself. This interaction with the local population can be the highlight for you and your children. As much as possible, you and your family must interact with the local population. Plan shortly after the conclusion of the time in the villages to explore. Will the children help in the fields, collecting vegetables and preparing food. Nepalis are very family oriented and having children around is no problem for them, they enjoy having children from different cultures around.

Taking your children draw is a big decision, but as with all tours of the results of your holiday all comes down to your own vision and an open mind. Having done family treks before I can openly say that one of the most rewarding experience and see the children, and interaction with a culture entirely from their own is really a pleasure for all parties involved.

If you intend for your children, the best to book a tour by a reputable agent, ask them to tailor a shorter path trekking days, a couple of home stays and an extra porter to help you along the road. Some of the recommended low altitude treks suitable for families in Nepal are --

Ghorapani and Ghandruk

The Royal Trek

Helumbhu and the Tamang Heritage Trail

Ghalegaun village home stay tour.

Jenny Lama
D'Tours Original - Original People, Original Tours

For more information on hiking and trekking holiday with children, please visit our website.
http://www.dtoursoriginal.com