Introducing your kids to the Himalayas:
Himalayas doesn’t need a recommendation to visit. Many parents trekking with us also plan to bring their children in the mountains. Arguably Himalayas is the best place to instil love for the nature and environment in your kid. Even more, if you are in India.
Now what is right age for a kid to be a part of Himalayan hiking doesn’t have an obvious answer. It majorly depends on the ease and accessibility of the area along with your past experience on mountains.
Before recommending treks, let us consider the following facts.
Are treks safe for my child?
Both your past experiences on the mountain and trekking logistics are equally important that a trek is safe for your kid.
Despite how easy a trail is, there will be uncertainties. Weather can be suddenly adverse, even in the best time to visit. Your preparation and planning for the trek should be minute and detailed.
First and foremost, there shouldn’t be any known health issue both for you and your kid, especially related to altitude. A doctor or a hospital is far away and may take day(s) even with the highest effort on mountain and you wouldn’t take a risk. There will not be a network connectivity to sought any help.
Avoid harsh weather window, particularly cold conditions. For snow treks, choose late spring or early summer, instead of winter months. Don’t choose a trail which maybe strenuous for them.
Knowing the above facts it is ever more important to set up the right logistics for your trek. If you are planning independently, we assume that you are highly experienced hikers with fairly good understanding of logistics and camping. Otherwise, rely on a safe and reliable tour operator or company, albeit with some extra premium. Apart from usual details enquire about their quick response method and time, evacuation plans and other safety protocols. Also enquire about their prior experiences while dealing with kids on treks.
Quite frequently our support team inform that kids reach campsites earlier than their parents :-). After all, they are light wight and agile, enjoy their own course on mountains.
What if I am also going to a trek for the first time with my kid?
Well this is not ideal, but possible if carefully planned. You need to read about the mountain conditions and adversities may unfold therein. At the same time you should put extra attention to select the right clothing and personal gears for the mountains.
We highly recommend that your kid should be at least 10 years old, in such a condition. Also it will be nice to have prior sightseeing travel or tour experience(s), along with your kid.
Below treks are some fantastic and safe treks for kids. Most are ideal for the starters and few may be more suitable when you revisit the mountains. Time to time people have preferred both fixed group departures and a private trip with kids and family in these trails.
Barsey Sanctuary trek:
Duration: 4 days
Region: Sikkim
Where to reach: NJP/Bagdogra
Stay type: Homestay/Trekkers Hut/tent
Best time to visit with kids: Year around, apart from monsoon (June to September)
Tour highlights: Sikkimese village, lovely forest walk, birds, flowers, butterflies, fantastic view of Kanchenjunga and other snow clad peaks. gentle hike.
Dayara Bugyal Trek:
Duration: 5 days
Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Where to reach: Dehradun
Stay type: Camping style
Best time to visit with kids: April to June, September to November
Tour highlights: forest and sprawling alpine meadows, gradual inclination, camping inside forest cover, snow ranges and peaks of Gangotri region, Bhagirathi river valley.
Deoriatal Chopta trek:
Duration: 5 days
Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Where to reach: Dehradun
Stay type: Tent/Lodge/Dhaba
Best time to visit with kids: March to May, October
Trek highlights: short hike to Deoriatal with magnificent view of Chaukhamba and other mountains, Chopta is often regarded Switzerland of India, visiting Tunganath the highest Shiva temple and a bit strenuous climb to Chandrashila peak, although very rewarding for close views of snow clad mountains.
Sandakphu Trek:
Duration: 6 days
Region: Darjeeling/Nepal
Where to reach: NJP/Bagdogra
Stay type: Lodge/Homestay/Tea House
Best time to visit with kids: March to May, October and November
Tour highlights: Darjeeling and Nepalese Buddhist villages and staying in homestays, lovely forest of Rhododendron and Pines, birds and butterflies, fantastic view of Kanchenjunga and Sleeping Buddha. Descent is somewhat steep.
Brahmatal Trek:
Duration: 5 days
Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Where to reach: Kathgodam
Stay type: Camping trek
Best time to visit with kids: March to June, October to December. Avoid in January and February due to cold conditions.
Tour highlights: 2 alpine lakes – Bekhaltal and Brahmatal, walking on a stretch of alpine meadows, close view of high mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon, including Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, a summit which will add a bit of challenge.
Har Ki Dun trek:
Duration: 5 days
Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Where to reach: Dehradun
Stay type: Camping trek
Best time to visit with kids: March to June, October and November
Tour highlights: All time favourite trail for trekkers, interior villages of Garhwal, walking gently along the river, great views of Swargarohini mountain. Snow remains in the valley as late as May, green river valley in lower altitude, walking distance is long, though less steep.
Phoktey Dara trek:
Duration: 7 days
Region: Sikkim
Where to reach: NJP/Bagdogra
Stay type: Camping trek
Best time to visit with kids: March to May, October and November
Tour highlights: Most pristine trek of Sikkim, greenery throughout the year, serene campsites with incredible views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and other snow peaks, daily hiking is somewhat longer, suitable for 10+ years.
Kedarkantha trek:
Duration: 6 days
Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Where to reach: Dehradun
Stay type: Camping trek
Best time to visit with kids: April to June, September and October, Avoid during winters due to harsh and snow conditions.
Tour highlights: An alpine lake Juda Ka Talab, a summit with abundant panoramic views, charming campsites and forest walk, residual snow in April/May, some portion of climb is steep, suitable for 10+ years.
The above list of is not exhaustive and there are other possibilities as well. Also we can customise a trek, in case you are looking for a private trek with your family or friends. We will be happy to help in planning your next trip :-).
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