Family holidays in Nepal: the complete guide
Nepal is a wonderful country for children. Monkeys scamper around the temples, elephants and rhinos wander through the jungle, boats drift across mountain lakes and every village path seems to lead to a new adventure. Nepalis love children, and families are welcomed warmly wherever they go. With the right plan, a family holiday in Nepal can be safe, comfortable and unforgettable for all ages.
This guide covers the best places for families, short treks suitable for children, health and safety, and how to plan a family itinerary.
Is Nepal good for a family holiday?
Yes. Distances are short, there is a huge variety of things to do, and hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan are comfortable and family-friendly. The main things to plan carefully are road journeys, which can be long and winding, food hygiene, and altitude on treks. A private vehicle, a good guide and a flexible itinerary make all the difference.
Best places for families
Kathmandu Valley
Children love Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple", spinning prayer wheels at Boudhanath, watching potters at work in Bhaktapur, and the cable car up Chandragiri. The Garden of Dreams is a peaceful spot to rest.
Pokhara
Pokhara is relaxed and easy, with boating on Phewa Lake, caves, waterfalls, the International Mountain Museum, cycling and, for older children, paragliding. See our Pokhara city tour.
Chitwan National Park
A jungle safari in Chitwan is usually the highlight of a family trip: canoe trips past crocodiles, jeep safaris to look for rhinos and deer, and visits to Tharu villages. See our Chitwan jungle safari.
Nagarkot and Bandipur
For a night in the hills, Nagarkot offers sunrise over the Himalaya, and car-free Bandipur is safe and charming to explore.
Short treks for families
Many children enjoy trekking, especially with short days, a porter to carry the bags and plenty of breaks. Good family treks stay below about 3,000 m:
- Australian Camp and Dhampus: 2–3 days near Pokhara with big mountain views.
- Ghandruk: a Gurung village with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
- Chisapani to Nagarkot: easy walking near Kathmandu.
- Ghorepani Poon Hill: for older, active children; the climb to Ghorepani is steep in places.
See all our easy treks.
Altitude and children
Children can suffer from altitude sickness just like adults, but may not be able to describe their symptoms. For young children, we recommend staying below about 3,000 m and ascending gradually. Watch for unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, headaches, vomiting or irritability, and descend if symptoms persist. See our altitude sickness guide.
Health and food
- Drink only bottled, boiled or filtered water.
- Choose freshly cooked hot food, and peel fruit.
- Bring a family first-aid kit, oral rehydration salts and any regular medicines.
- Use sunscreen and hats: the sun is strong at altitude.
- Check vaccinations with your doctor before you travel.
Getting around
Road journeys can be long and winding, so we use private vehicles with experienced drivers and plan regular stops. Flying between Kathmandu and Pokhara or Bharatpur (for Chitwan) saves a long day on the road. Bring motion-sickness remedies for children who need them.
Sample family itineraries
8–9 days: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan
Two days in the Kathmandu Valley, three days in Pokhara with a short walk and boating, and two to three days in Chitwan. This is the basis of our Nepal family holiday.
12 days: add a short trek
Add a 3–4 day trek such as Ghandruk or Australian Camp from Pokhara.
Best time for a family holiday
October–November and February–April are the most comfortable months, with mild temperatures and clear views. School holidays at Christmas are also good, though nights are cold in the hills. The monsoon (June–August) brings heat, humidity and rain in the lowlands, and leeches on forest trails.
Book a family holiday with Himalayan Hiking
We plan family trips around your children's ages and interests, with private transport, family rooms and guides who are great with children. Read our Nepal family travel guide and contact us to start planning.