Bucket-List Trip: Hiking in Nepal with Teens

Nepal. The name alone conjures up images of mythic gods reigning over the highest mountains of the world.

Sitting on the spine of the world and sandwiched between China and India, Nepal is one of the most incredible and fascinating places to visit on earth. It is home to majestic Mt. Everest, the birthplace of Buddha and is one of few countries in the world never to have been colonized.

Whether you are a thrill-seeking adventure lover or a peace seeker searching for serenity, Nepal has the power to unveil feelings that will remain with you long after your visit. And from the colorful and intricate Hindu religion to the austerity of the Buddhist monasteries, from the hectic yet friendly city of Kathmandu to the peace and solitude found in the remote areas, Nepal has something for everyone.

Why Go to Nepal?

Nepal is a mecca for trekkers and hikers, with the world’s 12 highest peaks and an unparalleled combination of natural beauty at your fingertips.

This breathtaking country offers a uniquely diverse landscape with the Himalayan Mountains and hills in the north and flat expansive plains to the south. From deep gorges to towering mountains, vibrant culture and charismatic people, Nepal is a great travel destination for adventurers as young as age 4, but it’s best for teenage children.

The Best Way to See Nepal

If you’re looking for a family adventure that immerses you in nature, beauty and culture — and you’re willing to rough it a bit — consider trekking in Nepal.

A trek in Nepal is like a “Lord of the Rings” adventure that takes you through lush forests, terraced fields and traditional villages nestled above plunging valleys.

Where to Stay

One of the best parts of a trek in Nepal is staying overnight in a comfortable teahouse. There, you can experience the warmth and hospitality of friendly Nepali hosts and meet trekkers from around the world.

The best way to view a Himalayan sunrise is from a teahouse. There’s nothing like seeing the golden light of dawn catching the tops of Nepal’s towering Himalayas, lighting the forbidding, yet starkly beautiful peaks.

What a Day on a Trek Looks Like

A trek day starts around 6 or 7 a.m. with a cup of tea or coffee. After packing your duffel and day pack, a hearty breakfast is served. The day’s trek usually starts at 8 to 8.30 a.m. Porters carry all luggage and equipment. All you need to carry in your day pack are a water bottle, rain/wind jacket, camera and other small items you may need on the trail. All trekkers walk at their own pace, accompanied by a trek guide. With larger groups, there is a lead and a sweep sherpa providing support throughout the journey.

A morning walk to a lunch spot takes about 2 to 3 hours. Around midday, the group usually stops on the way for a simple hot lunch. After hiking for another two hours, the afternoon campsite is usually reached by about 3 or 4 p.m.

In the late afternoon and evening, you can relax, wash, read or take a walk nearby. The evening meal is served between 6 and 7 p.m. in the dining room or in the dining tent, if you’re on a camping trek.

After dinner, the guide will brief trekkers on the next day’s hike. Each day is planned so that trekkers have time to see, photograph and explore the countryside. Anyone who is healthy, fit, enjoys the outdoors and hiking will qualify to participate in a trek in Nepal.

Why Use a Tour Company 

Trekking can be done alone, but as you will be trekking in a high-altitude remote wilderness area, it is a good idea to travel with a tour company. Travelling with a group is safer, it allows you to enjoy your trek that much more and you can get assistance when needed. Here are some of other advantages of using a tour company:

1. All the details are taken care of.

Planning a big trip can be stressful, especially when you’re traveling to a place where you don’t speak the language. But with a tour director by your side, all your transfers and excursions are thought out and planned ahead of time. Your tour director can also help alleviate any issues that pop up as a result of traveling, which means your only responsibility is to sit back and enjoy your trip.

2. You’ll make friends.

Traveling in a group means you are sharing the experience with others who have a similar mindset, creating great conversations and bonding experiences.

3. You’ll get to see things you might not see on your own.

There’s no better way to gain exclusive access to Nepal’s sites than by being on a group tour. And with a tour director handling the logistics of your itinerary, you’ll be sure to see the major sites (plus one-of-a-kind hidden gems) while getting historical context as you go.

4. You can have as much free time as you want.

Want to have your entire trip planned — or none of it? Going with a group allows you to participate in scheduled excursions at your leisure, while still giving free time to explore with your family. It means you can spend as much (or as little) time with the other group members as you choose, without needing to skip anything on your must-see list.

5. Each person brings a different perspective.

One of the best parts of being on tour is learning from other travelers. Since everyone brings different backgrounds to the table, each person can offer a unique perspective to what you’re seeing and experiencing.

6. You’ll return home with a whole new group of friends.

There’s something about the aspect of travel that creates an immediate bond, especially when you’re traveling together as a group. After sharing a wealth of memories and moments, you’ll return home with a new network of friends from all over the world. It’s a great way to keep in touch with those you connected with (or even travel again with them).

How to Get There

There are many ways to get to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Jet Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air India, China Southern, Malindo Air, Druck Air Bhutan and Nepal Airlines fly to Kathmandu.

If the weather’s good when you’re flying to Nepal, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayas.

For more on travel to Nepal, visit Trekking Team Group.