How old should the children be?
We built the tour for children from about six. Younger children can come, but the two five-to-six-hour drives and some early mornings are harder. Tell us each child's age and we adjust the days.
What will the children do in Chitwan?
A jeep safari in the national park, a guided walk at the forest edge, a dugout canoe ride on the Rapti river and a Tharu stick dance in the evening. Sightings are never guaranteed, and tigers are rarely seen. Your naturalist guide decides what suits the youngest in the group.
How long are the drives?
Kathmandu to Chitwan and Chitwan to Pokhara are each about five to six hours by road, with stops when you want them. We fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu on day 9, which saves a third long drive.
Are the entrance fees included?
Yes, for the sites listed in the includes, the national park fee and the Pokhara sights on day 8. The official entrance fees for foreign visitors are set by the Nepal Tourism Board and are paid for you.
Where do we sleep?
In hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and in a jungle lodge at Chitwan. Rooms are twin or double. For a family of three or four we book two rooms, or a family room where the hotel has one. Tell us how you want to share.
Can we change the days?
Yes. If the children are tired, we swap a visit for a rest. If you want an extra night at Chitwan or Pokhara, ask us and we quote it.
Is this private?
Yes. Your guide is for your party only, so the sightseeing itself is private, and we never merge separate private bookings. Transport follows your tier: a local shared vehicle on Budget, a shared tourist vehicle on Standard and a private luxury vehicle on Luxury.
What is the difference between Budget, Standard and Luxury?
The programme is the same on all three. Budget gives you simple twin-share hotels and a simple jungle lodge, breakfast, the activities and a local shared vehicle. Standard gives you private rooms in 3-star hotels, all meals, a shared tourist vehicle and a guide in your language where we have one. Luxury gives you ensuite rooms in deluxe hotels and a deluxe jungle lodge, all meals with non-alcoholic drinks, a senior guide and a private luxury vehicle.
Do children pay less?
No. A child pays the same as an adult, because permits, hotels, a seat in the vehicle and taxes cost us the same for a child. Tell us the age of each child when you book so we can plan the days around them.
Who will be my guide?
A licensed guide leads every day. We tell you your guide's name once your booking is confirmed.
What happens if I need to cancel, or you cannot run the trip?
If we cannot run your trip, we refund what you have paid, less taxes, bank or card charges and any money already spent on your behalf, or move you to another date. You can reschedule free to any date within one year with at least 72 hours' notice. The deposit itself is not refunded if you cancel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Buy travel insurance at home, before you travel, and check that it covers medical care, domestic flights and the dates of your trip. We do not recommend insurance bought in Nepal.
How do I pay?
You pay a 10% deposit to book and the balance before the trip. We take US dollars or euros, in cash or by card. We cover the card fee on the deposit. Paying the balance by card carries a 3.5% bank charge, and cash in Kathmandu has no fee.
How much does a family holiday in Nepal cost?
The Family Nepal Tour is from USD 1,615 per person for 2 to 4 people on Budget, USD 2,150 on Standard and USD 3,445 on Luxury. The price covers nine hotel nights, the jeep safari and canoe ride at Chitwan, entrance fees, the Pokhara flight for you and your guide, and a vehicle by tier. International flights, your visa, travel insurance, tips and Kathmandu nights outside the programme are not included.
When is the best time to take children to Nepal?
October to March is best for Chitwan, and September to November and February to May suit Kathmandu and Pokhara. Summer is hot and wet. If your school holidays force a different month, tell us and we will plan around it.
Is a jungle safari with young children safe, and will they see tigers?
Your children go in a jeep with a naturalist and walk with your guide, and the canoe ride on the Rapti river is a quiet one. Sightings are never guaranteed, and tigers are rarely seen. We offer no animal rides of any kind.
What should we pack for a family trip to Nepal with kids?
For Chitwan, bring neutral coloured clothes, insect repellent and a hat. At temples, shoes come off at some entrances, shoulders and knees should be covered, and leather items are not allowed in a few Hindu temples. Bring your passports and a copy of each child's passport.
What meals are included on the family tour?
On Standard, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10. Luxury adds all non alcoholic drinks. On Budget, breakfast is included and you pay for lunch and dinner.
Secure payment by Himalayan Bank.
