How old do the children need to be?
We built it for children from about 8 who can walk four to five hours a day. A fit ten-year-old can do better than her parents, and a twelve-year-old who has never walked far can struggle on day one, so fitness matters more than the birthday. We do not take children under 3 on any trek. For ages 5 to 7 we suggest a day hike instead.
How hard is it for children?
Day 1 climbs the stone steps to Ulleri, day 2 climbs to Ghorepani, day 3 starts with the sunrise climb and then walks on, and day 4 is a descent. The walking is 3 to 4 hours on days 1 and 2, about 5 to 6 hours on day 3 and about 4 hours on day 4, at an adult's pace. Most of the trail is stone steps. We set the pace by the youngest walker, and we stop about every hour.
Is the altitude safe for children?
The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 m, reached for the sunrise only. You sleep at 1,960 m, 2,860 m and 2,630 m. Your guide checks everyone's oxygen level twice a day from Ghorepani. If a reading is low or a child shows signs of altitude sickness, we do not go higher, and if the signs get worse we go down. The guide's word on going up or down is final.
Can the children skip the sunrise climb?
Yes. The 45-minute climb is optional. Tell your guide the evening before and we plan the morning around the children.
What if a child is too tired to walk?
We slow down, rest and decide with you. Your guide has turn-around and shorter-day options for each day, and a vehicle can meet you in Ghandruk. Nobody is pushed to finish a day.
What do the children eat?
Lodge food is simple: dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, pancakes, porridge and hot chocolate. Most children adapt quickly, and your guide knows which lodges do chips and good pancakes. Meals are included on Standard and Luxury. On Budget you pay for meals at the lodges.
Who carries the bags?
On Standard there is one porter for every two trekkers, and on Luxury every trekker has a dedicated porter. On Budget there are no porters, so the adults carry the family's bags. A child's own pack should be very light, 3 to 4 kg at most.
How is this different from your four-day Poon Hill trek?
The route, lodges and permits are the same. What changes is how the days are run: the pace is set by the youngest walker, we stop about every hour, we check oxygen levels twice a day from Ghorepani, your guide brings games and colouring supplies, and we talk through each day with you first. Day 3 is still five to six hours for adults, so tell us if that is too much for your children.
When is the best time to go?
Late March to mid April is warmer and the rhododendrons are in flower. October and November have the clearest skies but are the busiest months. We do not suggest June to September: the trail is slippery and leeches are common.
Is this private?
Yes. Your guide, and your porters on Standard and Luxury, are for your party only. We never merge separate private bookings.
What is the difference between Budget, Standard and Luxury?
The route is the same on all three. Budget gives you a guide, simple lodges with shared rooms, the permits and a local shared vehicle, with no porter and no meals. Standard adds one porter for every two trekkers, a private room where the lodge has one, all meals and a shared tourist vehicle. Luxury gives each trekker a dedicated porter, the best available lodge room, all meals, fruit and nuts, unlimited soft drinks 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. Plans change? 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 children, trekking to 3,500 m, helicopter evacuation 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.
Secure payment by Himalayan Bank.
