What is the minimum age for the Poon Hill trek portion?

We recommend a minimum age of 7–8 years for the full Poon Hill circuit (Days 4–6). Children aged 5–7 can comfortably join Days 1–3 and are welcome on the trek — porters can carry young children on piggyback for short sections if needed. The Poon Hill trail is stone-paved throughout with no scrambling. If unsure whether your child's age or fitness is suited, contact us before booking and we will advise honestly.

What do children typically enjoy most on this trip?

Three moments consistently top children's lists: (1) Swayambhunath Monkey Temple — the resident macaques steal everything and children find this endlessly entertaining; (2) The pre-dawn Poon Hill walk — walking uphill in the dark with torches, then watching the Himalayas turn orange; and (3) The Jhinu hot spring — soaking in a natural thermal pool beside a river after trekking. Secondary favourites include spinning prayer wheels at Boudhanath, crossing the first suspension bridge, and teahouse dal bhat meals.

Are your guides experienced with families and children?

Yes. All guides assigned to family departures are selected from our family-specialist roster — guides who have completed child first-aid training, led a minimum of 20 family groups, and speak conversational English suitable for children aged 5 and up. They explain culture through simple narratives, point out wildlife, teach Nepali greetings, and make the trek feel like an adventure rather than exercise.

How physically demanding is the trek for children?

The Poon Hill circuit is widely regarded as the most child-accessible multi-day trek in Nepal. Day 4 is a gentle 2.5-hour walk. Day 5 is the hardest: 5 hours with a sustained climb on stone-paved stairway — no scrambling. Day 6 involves an early wake-up and a 45-minute torchlit ascent followed by pleasant downhill. We recommend children can walk comfortably for 3 hours on hilly terrain. Porters carry all luggage over 5kg.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness on this route?

The risk is low. Poon Hill sits at 3,210m — below the threshold (typically 3,500m+) where altitude sickness becomes a serious concern. Ghorepani at 2,874m is the highest overnight point. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor all guests. The ascent profile is gradual. In the rare event of moderate symptoms, descent to Hile (1,430m) is 4 hours away on Day 6.

What happens if a child cannot continue the trek partway through?

This is planned for, not an emergency. On Day 5, if a child is too tired, the group can overnight at Banthanti (2,250m) and still complete the Poon Hill sunrise on a shorter summit day. If a child needs to descend entirely, the guide arranges a porter escort back to Nayapul for vehicle collection. We never pressure families to continue beyond their comfort level — your family's wellbeing takes priority over the schedule.

TourEasyTHN-FAMILY-8

Nepal Family Trek — 8 Days Kathmandu + Poon Hill

8 days days3,210 mFrom KathmanduBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr

Duration

8 days days

From

$950/person

Max Altitude

3,210 m

Difficulty

Easy

Starts

Kathmandu

Group Size

2–15 pax

Stay

Mid-range hotels (Kathmandu/Pokhara) + comfortable teahouses

Meals

All breakfasts + lunches + dinners on trek

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr

Trip Highlights

Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) — the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range turns gold before your family's eyes

Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Monkey Temple — kid-magnet ancient sites in Kathmandu

Stone-paved Ghorepani trail through blooming rhododendron forest — genuinely manageable for children aged 8+

World Peace Pagoda morning hike above Pokhara Lake — 90-minute round trip with panoramic views, suitable from age 5

Jhinu hot spring dip after the trek — the perfect family reward after Poon Hill

Phewa Lake boat ride at sunset — rowing the calm lake with Machapuchare reflected in the water

Child-safe teahouse accommodation with warm meals prepared fresh each evening

Experienced family-specialist bilingual guides who set a child-friendly pace throughout

Nepal's most beloved family adventure: two days of living-history Kathmandu and Pokhara culture, followed by a four-day Poon Hill circuit on stone-paved, child-safe trails with the full Annapurna panorama at sunrise. Designed for families with children aged 5 and up, with experienced bilingual guides, flexible pacing, and a hot-spring reward at the finish.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(8 days)

Your family is met at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Thamel. After settling in, your guide leads an evening orientation walk through the narrow Thamel lanes. The group gathers for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, the guide briefs families on the days ahead, and children receive their personalized trek cards.

1,400m mN/ADinner includedMid-range hotel, Thamel, Kathmandu

The Nepal Family Package is designed around what actually works for families with children: the combination of manageable activity, outstanding wildlife, and genuine cultural immersion that keeps everyone engaged for 8 days. Kathmandu delivers the UNESCO heritage sites and the Swayambhunath monkey temple that children unfailingly love. Pokhara adds the Phewa Lake boat, paragliding spectating from Sarangkot, and mountain views. Chitwan delivers the dawn safari — spotting one-horned rhinos and the possibility of tiger — that most families cite as the trip highlight.

Private vehicle and guide throughout means no fixed group schedules and the ability to adjust pace to the family's energy. Suggested minimum age: 6 years. For families with children 10+, the optional rafting half-day on the Trishuli River between Kathmandu and Chitwan can be added.

Best seasons: October–November and February–April. Private transport throughout. Chitwan wildlife: Best January–March.

What's Included

Included

7 nights accommodation — mid-range hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, comfortable teahouses on trek
All breakfasts throughout; all lunches and dinners on trekking days (Days 4–6)
Licensed, bilingual, family-experienced guide for all 8 days
1 porter per 2 guests (trek days) — children's bags carried by porter
All trekking permits: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) + TIMS card
Kathmandu–Pokhara flight or tourist bus (one way, Day 2)
All surface transfers: airport pickups and drop-offs, Pokhara–Nayapul drive, Ghorepani–Pokhara drive
Jhinu Danda hot spring entry fee
Swayambhunath and Boudhanath monument entry fees
World Peace Pagoda guided hike (Pokhara)
Phewa Lake boating session (Pokhara, Day 7)
Welcome dinner (Day 1, Thamel)
First-aid kit and pulse oximeter on trek

Not Included

International flights to/from Kathmandu
Nepal tourist visa fee (approx. $30–$50 on arrival)
Travel and medical insurance (required)
Pokhara to Kathmandu return — flight optional add-on approx. $100; tourist bus approx. $10 (not included in base price)
Personal shopping and souvenirs
Tips for guide and porter (customary — approx. $8–10/day guide, $5–6/day porter)
Optional activities: tandem paragliding in Pokhara, Begnas Lake kayaking, mountain bike rentals
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Expenses caused by delays due to weather or personal illness

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Best for families. Comfortable temperatures, clear mountain views from Sarangkot and Nagarkot, excellent Chitwan wildlife sightings as animals come to water sources.

Low: 8°C High: 25°C None at tour elevations

Spring (Feb–May)

Warm and pleasant. Rhododendrons blooming in Pokhara hills, good wildlife at Chitwan. February has excellent Chitwan visibility before the tall grass grows.

Low: 10°C High: 28°C None

Winter (Dec–Jan)

Cool and very clear skies. Outstanding Himalayan views from Sarangkot and Nagarkot. Chitwan is excellent in January (dry, animals concentrate near rivers). Bring warm layers for evenings.

Low: 5°C High: 20°C None at tour elevations

Monsoon (Jun–Sep)

Hot and humid. Rain affects Chitwan safari quality. Mountain views often cloud-covered. Not recommended for families.

Low: 20°C High: 35°C None

Permits Required

Chitwan National Park Entry Permit

USD 35 per person

Included in the package. Covers all safari activities within the park boundary.

No trekking permits required

N/A

This is a sightseeing and wildlife tour, not a trekking package. No TIMS or conservation area permits needed.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes (trainers are fine)

Light layers for evenings

Sun hat

Light waterproof jacket (for Pokhara and Chitwan)

Swimwear for resort pool

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Frequently Asked Questions

$950

/ person

all-inclusive · permits included

Groups save up to 28% — from $680/person for 7–15 pax+ pax

Price calculator

Guests

$950 × 2 people· 2–3 pax pax rate$1,900

All-inclusive · permits included

Price by Group Size

per person · all-inclusive

Book via WhatsApp Chat About Your Trek (Free)

Travel Insurance Recommended

World Nomads covers altitude sickness, evacuation & trip cancellation.

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Duration8 days days

DifficultyEasy

Max Altitude3,210 m

StartsKathmandu

EndsPokhara or Kathmandu

Group Size2–15 pax

AccommodationMid-range hotels (Kathmandu/Pokhara) + comfortable teahouses

Best SeasonOct–Nov, Mar–Apr

Your Guide

NMA-Licensed Senior Guide

Travel Himalaya Nepal · Est. 1998

15+ yrs experienceEnglish speakingFirst Aid certifiedZero fatalities

All guides are NMA-certified with 10–20 years in the Himalayas. You'll be briefed personally before departure.

Meet all our guides

NMA Certified Agency

Licensed by Nepal Mountaineering Association · Est. 1998

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