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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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
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I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
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2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
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once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
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let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.