Nepal, a culture-rich country in the southern part of Asia, is ceaselessly bouncing back from the devastating 2015 earthquake. It is one of the interesting places to visit with family as the country has a variety of historical and religious sites as well as breathtaking nature and exotic wildlife. You can take your family to one of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Keep in mind Nepal is a place for families who are willing to give up their creature comforts to experience something new.
Your 2020 travel plans may be shot, but there is still something to gain if you start planning for your trip to Nepal for next year. Whether you want to take your family on one of the best Nepal tours in 2021 with a group or would rather you and your family explore the Asian country all on your own, here is a guide to planning a trip to Nepal with kids.
Find Out The Best Time To Go
You know all about peak seasons if you and your family are frequent travelers. It is important to know when is the best time of year to visit Nepal. It will not be a pleasant experience for anyone if you are there during the cold months when the monsoon rains never let up. If you are looking for pleasant weather, radiant skies and temperatures between 41 degrees and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the best place for you and your family to go are anytime between October and November. Another great time to go is anytime between February and April. These dates are right before the hot month of May. The weather during those months is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 41 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also almost no rain. If possible, you should avoid booking your flight to Nepal for any of the dates between June and September due to the intense rain and below-freezing temperatures.
Base Your Trip In Kathmandu
What is meant by that is Kathmandu is the best place to start and end your journey as you travel through Nepal. It is the capital of the country and it is the largest city, housing over a million residents. Located in the valley of Kathmandu near the Bishnumati river, Kathmandu is the city you will likely fly into. It is highly recommended that you and your family make sure to spend at least a couple of days out of your trip exploring this city as it houses many temples and historical cities.
Places To Visit
After your couple of days in Kathmandu, there are a few places you should consider visiting. You can visit Thamel, Nepal’s touristic neighborhood ideal for shopping, or you can head to Durbar Square to see the temples. Some of their temples have feral monkeys and though they are cute, they are known to bite visitors. Some temples are only open to fellow Hindus because they are considered some of the most sacred sites.
Another place to visit is the Dreams of Gardens. This landscape is the perfect place to enjoy a walk with your family. The scenery is beautifully decorated with trees, flowers, intricate walkways and a pond in the center.
You and your family could also explore historical sites Patan and Bhaktapur even though those areas are still recovering from the earthquake. These two cities have cobblestone streets and copious numbers of holy sanctuaries. Another must-see historical site is Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Boudhanath has roughly 30 monasteries as it is a religious center of Tibetans who were exiled in Nepal. Meanwhile, Pashupatinath is revered as Nepal’s most important Hindu temple.
If you are looking for a chance to experience the beauty of nature in Nepal there are a few places that can guarantee you views you would only see on the internet. You can trek several routes on the foothills of the Himalayas like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Upper Mustang trek and the Langtang Trek. The Everest Base Camp Trek is considered one of the tough treks. Conversely, hiking in the valley of Langtang you will find over 100 lakes and summits that give the prettiest landscapes.
Nature does not stop there. You can explore Nepal’s national parks like the Koshi Tappu natural reserve as well as the Bardia and Chitwan national parks. If your family is against hiking up hills, Koshi Tappu natural reserve is for you. If you are looking for a safari adventure with tigers and elephants, the best option is the Baria and Chitwan national parks.
Of course, you must keep in mind all the foods you and your family should try. A must-try food is a momo which is small meat of veggie pastries typically sold in street stalls or restaurants. These dumpling-like foods are a source of national pride and there are a variety of ways you can enjoy them. Some are filled with apple and cinnamon and can be eaten as a midday snack or dessert. Another must-try local food is rotis, which is a soft bread made in craft ovens. You should also try barbecued meats and meat stews, dishes with curry, veggies and lots of soup.
Things Your Family Should Know
Now that you know the best times to visit Nepal and what to visit, there are a few things you and your family should be prepared for. One is that renting a car to use in Nepal is not recommended because the roads can be steep and winding. The best way to get around is by taxi, private transfers, domestic flights or a combination of all those options.
It is also very important that you consult your doctor about the recommended vaccines before you go. You should also be educated on precautions you can take to avoid you or your family from getting sick from Nepal’s food and water. Make sure you have travel insurance because you never know what will happen.
