Family trek in Nepal Jomsom area

Take a hike in child-friendly Nepal
From nappy-bound blob to trekking the Atlas Mountains in barely five years; it constantly amazes me how rapidly kids develop, and how receptive they are to the challenges hurled at them by their travel-fanatic parents.

When we took our four-year-old twins hiking in Nepal Jomsom they just got on with it. The success of the trip was due largely to its thorough planning by Walks Worldwide, whose family holidays are renowned for getting children on the trails. Modest distances and flexibility are paramount when it comes to family trekking.

We settled into a gentle daily routine, supported by our guide, Krishna, and his friendly team. Not only did the mules carry our luggage and food, but they also served as welcome transport whenever the children tired of walking. Elaborate picnics of fresh salad, tinned fish, bread were spread on rush mats in the shade of Rhododendron flower tree, while each evening at teahouse raids we feasted on mounds of Dal-bhat and simmering vegetable taglines washed down by sweet mint tea – and hot chocolate for the kids.

Travelling in a small group with other families provided an added incentive to our own children. They elevated older kids to hero status and were happy to scurry along beside them for much of the time. I doubt whether my wife and I would have been as successful in cajoling them to walk for several hours each day.

As a group the children also invented games and other ways of entertaining themselves along the way – from playing I-spy and fossil hunting to carving walking sticks and watching dung beetles trundle perfect ‘poo-balls’ across the path.

Ask our twins what they remember most – they will list the names of the mules

Remember: no matter how moved you are by all those dramatic mountains, most youngsters are not that bothered about scenery. If you ask our twins what they remember most about the trek they will begin by telling you the names of the other children, followed by the names of the mules. They will then recount when 10-year-old Sam showed them how to climb their first tree.

There is no doubt that family hikes, particularly in place such as Nepal, provide a wonderful opportunity for engaging with local people. But be prepared for the stark, sometimes uncomfortable, contrasts between the lives of local children and those of your own. It’s only when you actually see your kids alongside others of a similar age who are cutting firewood or herding goats barefoot that you realise just how much you take for granted – and how trivial most of your parental concerns really are.

Thank you Nepal Vision for everything and helping us to encounter Nepal and all of its beauty.

Ugarte