A Kathmandu resident helps families decide whether to “do” Nepal in winter, spring, summer or fall by exploring adventure options like trekking, river rafting, elephant safaris, and plain old sightseeing.
I’m sure most of you associate, as did before my first visit, the Himalayas’ Mt. Everest with Nepal. But did you know Nepal offers great white water rafting, jungles, tigers, rhinos and elephant polo? Nepal is one of the best destinations for families. There is so much to do and see and much of it can be quite affordable, but you’ll have to make choices about which activities or regions you prefer before deciding what time of year to go.
Due to periodic Travel Warnings issued by the U.S. Dept of State about the current security environment in Nepal and urging that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel, FTF has chosen not to update this famiy travel story. For more inforamtion, visit the Department of State online.
In this deeply religious country, citizens practice a Hinduism full of Tibetan Buddhist strains. There are temples and prayer shrines everywhere: en route, in the villages, and even in some guest houses. If you time your visit for one of the many festivals that occur throughout the year, you might be lucky enough to see the kind of joyous and colorful celebrating that the Nepalese excel at.
Trekking
Over a typical summer vacation, hiking at altitude or “trekking” is the only adventure option, due to the seasonal monsoon. Up on the Jomsom trail leading to Annapurna (the world’s 5th tallest mountain at 26,500 feet), the weather is mild and lovely and, since it’s off season, the trail is not crowded. You’ll follow the Kali Gandaki River gorge between the soaring peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulgiri, a hike well-suited to families. The route is dotted with small villages and guest houses, and no technical climbing skills are required. Indeed, this trail is so popular with American trekkers that it has been nicknamed “the apple pie trail.”
In general, well-maintained trails are a continual up and downhill challenge throughout the trekker’s day. The scenery is, of course, always spectacular, and you will pass herds of goats and, if high enough, yak (they only live at altitudes above 10,000 feet). Some treks go through Tibetan refugee areas, others through Newari or Sherpa villages. In all cases, the people are sweet and friendly, and will be delighted to talk to you and show you around their village.
Since tourism is Nepal’s top income earner, several international and local outfitters now organize different levels of treks to all major areas. On some circuits, you can organize your own trek; maps are easy to follow, and you can usually find a few freelance guides (Sherpas) to walk with you and carry large backpacks, so you only lug essentials and a camera. Experienced family hikers should carefully judge kids’ stamina before planning a trek. Though hikers over 8 years old well do very well on the Jomsom trail, you might consider hiring a Sherpa to carry small children who tire easily.
White Water Rafting
Summer, however fine for trekking, is not the time of year for white water rafting, since the rains make the rivers too full. Rafting season is from late September to early December (brr!), and from March until May. The waters are low (which makes them safer for children) in March and April, as well as in October and November, although by mid-November it’s probably getting a little too cold. Rafting trips range from the fairly luxurious to the more participatory trips, where you help with the rafting, setting up camp, cooking, etc. There are short, under one week trips available, as well as much longer ones.
Safaris and Elephant Polo
Nepal also has several national parks and preserves. Royal Chitwan National Park, in southern Nepal’s Terai, bordering India, is probably the most famous. It hosts the world famous Tiger Tops Resort and the annual World Elephant Polo Tournament (held every December), with over 20 teams participating from around the world. Aside from the tournament, the park offers daily elephant safaris, where the entire family can ride on one to see (if you’re lucky) rhinos, Bengal tigers, and Gharial crocodiles. Many of the lodges close during monsoon, so the best time to go is October through February.
Exploring the Kathmandu Valley
Before you go off on your exciting adventure, don’t forget to allow some time in Kathmandhu and the surrounding area. Kathmandhu is a bustling, somewhat polluted capital city, full of temples, shops, and wonderful restaurants. The first of several must-see sites is the famous “monkey” temple, Swaymbhunath, situated on a hill to the west. The painted eye of Buddha on the top of the stupa (round Buddhist shrine) is one of the most recognizable images of Asia. All ages will enjoy the wild monkeys who run around the temple complex, sliding down banisters, stealing sunglasses, and providing endless amusement for tourists on the long climb to the top. Early morning is the best time to go, as that is when most Nepalese traditionally make their devotional prayers, a fascinating sight.
The huge Pashupatinath temple is a vast, sprawling complex and burial site. If you explain Nepali religious ceremonies to kids beforehand they’ll understand the cremations and the many holy men, or sadhus, who meditate on the grounds. This is the most important Hindu temple in the country; near the entrance is a riotous display of vendors selling colorful incense powder, flowers for prayer offerings, jewelry and woodcuts, butter lamps and bells. Again, plan your visit early in the morning (or at dusk) when the Nepalese go to pray. A short walk away is the Bodnath, or the Great Stupa, the largest in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world. Probably one of the most dramatic times to see Bodnath is at the Tibetan New Year in February, when the entire structure is ringed with lights, and the streets are full of Tibetan and Nepali pilgrims.
Bhaktapur and Patan are two beautifully preserved towns of ancient Nepal, both within a half-hour drive of Kathmandhu. Patan is really a suburb, so if you don’t mind the traffic and pollution, even small children can easily bicycle there. Patan’s central Durbar Square is the most concentrated temple area in the valley. The village is also well known as a crafts center, with small workrooms where you can watch carpet weaving, woodworking, metalwork, and the carving of wooden toys, and find the best shopping values. Shop owners are delighted to show you their factories. These tours make shopping much more interesting for kids, and you’ll all better appreciate the wood and metalwork adorning temples and the old buildings around town. Bhaktapur was once the capital of the Kathmandhu Valley (from the 14th-16th centuries) and it has been lovingly restored. It also has a Durbar Square, a breathtaking site full of large, ancient carved wooden structures surrounded by peddlers and vendors who add life and color to the scene. Another area that’s fun for kids is called Potter’s Square, where potters squat under verandas and sheds, spinning and throwing clay, their wares drying in the sun.
I’ve just scratched the surface of what to see and do in Nepal, but I hope you get the sense that it’s a place where the whole family can have a wonderful time, and leave feeling you want to come back for more — always the sign of a great holiday!
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we really appreciate your comments and have just updated this story in response. Thanks for keeping us up to date! – editors
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I ALSO THINK CROSSING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IS FUN, BUT ALSO LOST ON TODDLERS, SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO IT, SKIP THAT ATTRACTION OR MAYBE JUST WALK OUT A LITTLE WAYS.
THE EXPLORATORIUM SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR A COLD, FOGGY OR RAINY DAY – IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR LITTLE ONES TO RUN AROUND AND PUSH, PULL AND POKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.
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Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the lush jungle greenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling waters of one of the world’s largest bays, The Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta has earned an international reputation as one of the best Gay tourist cities in the world.
Being a port city and a destination for many cruise lines including RSVP and Atlantis, Puerto Vallarta is tolerant and abundant with all things gay.
The center of the activity is the charming section of old town known as The Zona Romantica. Here you will find cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and lovely white washed buildings rich with Spanish architecture. Many gay owned and gay friendly businesses including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries for every pallet and taste, fill the narrow streets of this splendid fishing village.
Coming Events
There are no scheduled events.
Most tourists spend their day on the gay beach. With its white sand and raging surf Playa Los Muertos is the place to be and be seen. Find a deck chair, sit back and relax and let the friendly servers indulge you with great cocktails and yummy food while you unwind and watch whales and dolphins frolic in the blue ocean waters. If beaching is not for you, Puerto Vallarta offers many gay tours to fill your days. Bay cruises, horseback riding through the jungle, bike rides along the Rio Cuale and canopy tours are just a few of the many activities available.
Late afternoon the roof top bars of the gay hotels offer entertainment and a place to enjoy and view spectacular sunsets. These lively spots are crowded with beautiful men and women drinking, laughing and sharing their stories. After the sun sinks into the ocean, it’s time for dinner. From internationally recognized 5 star restaurants to small local eateries Puerto Vallarta is a foody’s delight. At last count, Puerto Vallarta boosted over 1100 restaurants of every description. Haute cuisine to meatloaf, the list of places to dine is extensive and wonderful.
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It’s good to be gay and it’s great to travel to such a gay friendly resort town. Puerto Vallarta beckons and embraces its gay tourists and it will be a spot you will return to often.
Agree that the skiing is absolutely terrific – the tram to the top of the mountain makes this resort absolutely awesome top to bottom. But I think there is one level of skier/rider who would have trouble – the advanced beginner or beginning intermediate. There isn't as much terrain to select for this group. But it's a resort that you definitely have to experience at least once – and you might get hooked and never want to go anywhere else!
It's important to start 'em young! Of all the family vacations you can pick that can last through the decades, skiing is the very best. When the kids are little you get a break because they're having fun in ski school. When they're older and more accomplished you can ski together. When they're teens and are whizzing past you, you can still ride up the chairlift with them and have them to yourself in the condo. Then when they're in college, you get to spend quality time with them on the slopes and in the condo because you're buying your lift ticket. It's a family vacation that can continue on as a tradition until you're too old to strap on a pair of skis…
i think many accidents occur when new teen or young men (and sometimes women) who are not very experienced are out with their much-more experienced pals. They get talked into trying a part of the mountain that is too much for them and then they try to keep up. They get themselves into trouble that way and often are injured.
If you are looking into hostels and you are a family, call the hostel to get a sense of the character of the place. We went to a hostel once with our elementary age kids(not in a ski area) and it was filled with young 20 somethings and teens having lots of fun – smoking pot in the parking lot, partying, etc. Even though some hostels have family rooms, if the place is full of kids it can be uncomfortable. Some hostels do have older visitors and more families, so it pays to ask.
Don't forget to plan some time to see some of the other attractions in Monterey, like the aquarium, which has an amazing sea horse exhibition coming up and take a drive to Point Lobos to hike around and Big Sur to see some of California's most spectacular coastline. Have lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur.
Great advice and some fun ideas for new places to try. thanks for sharing your family secrets!
All of Wyoming is a great destination with kids, but my family especially loved this place because it is really a unique bit of the Old West. Definitely worth a detour!
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Just wanted to add that we're on Central Daylight Time and now open at 9:30 am (Holiday World) and 10:30 am (Splashin' Safari). In 2009, we're introducing the World's Tallest Water Ride, Pilgrims Plunge, plus the new (free) HoliWatch program which will help separated family members find each other during their visit.