Manaslu Trek With Kids & Family

Manaslu Trek for Families

Envision walking hand-in-hand with your children through remote Himalayan villages. Prayer flags flap in the breeze. Locals warmly greet you with big smiles. Imagine walking with your children over suspension bridges. Fast-flowing rivers rush below. You'll discover hidden waterfalls in the midst of green forests. And you stand together in the shadow of towering snow-capped mountain peaks. This is what the Manaslu trek with kids promises to deliver.

The Manaslu region is located in the north-central part of Nepal. It encircles the world's eighth-highest peak. Unlike the crowded treks to Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, the peaceful trek in the Manaslu region promises the true essence of Nepalese culture and nature. It's sans tourist frenzy. The experience of trekking with kids in the Manaslu region includes visiting the villages of the indigenous Gurung and Tibetan communities. They still live with the age-old traditions of their forefathers. You'll enjoy the beauty of nature that few tourists get to see. On the trail, you'll be glad you chose this quieter path.

The family-friendly Manaslu trek usually takes 12-14 days. This allows sufficient time for acclimatization and rest days. They keep kids comfortable and happy. There are short versions of the Manaslu trek that can be done if you have younger kids or if you have less time. Plus, longer versions offer extra flexibility.

Both Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days or 14 Days trek goes through river valleys and different landscapes. It gradually rises to the Larkya La pass at 5,160 meters. It then descends through different valleys. With good guides and planning, families can make lifelong memories together in the Himalayas. 

Is Manaslu Trek Safe for Kids?

Of course, safety issues always remain at the top of the list for parents when planning a kids' trekking adventure in Nepal. Well, the good news is: the Manaslu Trek can be perfectly safe for kids.

Recommended Age Range

The recommended age range for kids to attempt this trek is 6 years and above. However, it should be understood that the age of kids matters less compared to their maturity level and physical condition. Kids who love outdoor adventures and have enough physical endurance to walk for several hours a day, as well as those who can easily adapt to new situations, can successfully complete this trek. Younger kids (between 4 and 6 years) may be allowed to attempt a part of this trek, but only with a porter's support for a few hours.

Difficulty Level Comparison

As per Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty guide, it is moderate to difficult for adults, making it challenging for children. Compared with other family adventure treks in Nepal, the Manaslu trek is slightly more demanding than thePoon Hill or Ghorepani treks but less demanding than the Everest Base Camp trek. The daily trekking duration will be between 4 and 7 hours. However, the major challenge for trekkers will be the altitude, as it will rise above 5,000 meters.

Safety Essentials: Guides and Porters

The use of experienced guides and porters can greatly enhance the safety of trekking with children in the Manaslu region. Guides, being certified, have knowledge of the symptoms of altitude sickness and can navigate through the terrain to reach medical care, communicating with locals along the way. Guides can also modify the trekking schedule based on the family’s energy level and prevailing weather conditions. In addition, porters can carry heavy luggage, giving parents more attention to their children instead of worrying about the load.

Do's and Don'ts for Family Safety

Do:

• Begin with short practice hikes before the Manaslu family trek
• Trek at a slow pace that is comfortable for the children
• Monitor your children at all times for signs of altitude sickness
• Take more rest days if your children develop altitude sickness
• Ensure your children stay hydrated with water breaks
• Apply sunscreen regularly to your children at high altitudes
• Use safety harnesses on your children at all times

Don't:

• Don't rush your daily itinerary on the Manaslu family trek
• Don't ignore your children's complaints of headaches and fatigue
• Don't go on the Manaslu family trek without adequate insurance
• Don't let your children run ahead of you on the Manaslu family trek
• Don't skip acclimatization days on the Manaslu family trek
• Don't pressure your children to continue the Manaslu family trek if they're unwell.

Best Time to Trek Manaslu With Kids

The season you choose is a critical factor that can affect your Manaslu trek with kids. The season will determine the kind of experience your children will have.

Spring Season (March - May)

The spring season is an ideal choice for a Manaslu trek with kids. Although it is still cold in March, the temperatures will be perfect for kids in April and May. During this period, temperatures will range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. The days will be long, and this is a good choice since there will be enough daylight. Although there will be snow on the pass, the days will be long, making this a good choice. The views will also be clear, with minimal interference. During this season, moderate tourist traffic is expected, so there will be enough facilities.

Autumn Season (September - November)

This is the peak trekking season for families. The clear atmosphere after the monsoon season offers spectacular views of the mountains, sure to motivate both children and adults. While there may be occasional rain in September, October, and November, ensure clear, dry conditions for kids trekking in Nepal.

Temperate conditions are experienced during the day (12-18°C), but nights are quite cold and require good sleeping bags. Clear skies ensure spectacular views of the mountains, which are sure to motivate children through the more challenging parts of the trek. This season coincides with major Hindu festivals such as Dashain and Tihar.

Daylight Hours Matter

Longer days mean less stress. And your family won’t have to get an early start to make it to a destination by the time darkness falls. Children don’t feel hurried and you won’t have to walk in the dark. During the spring, there are up to 13 hours of daylight. Autumn offers approximately 11 to 12 hours. Both seasons allow enough time to take a break, stop for photos and plenty of easy walking.

Learn more in Manaslu Trek Seasons & Weather.

Trek Preparation for Families

Preparation is the difference between a battle and a party.

Physical Fitness

You don’t necessarily need to be an athlete, but the better shape you’re in, the easier and more fun your training and racing will be. Begin family walks at least two months before the trek. Start with 30 minutes and work your way to two hours. Practice walking with hills or stairs. This is good training for leg muscles for when you’re riding up a hill. So get the training pavlov experience going in a fun way it is essential to visit new parks or trails near where you live.

Simple Training Ideas

• Weekend hikes with loaded backpacks
• Trips to the playground, in which children climb and jump
• Swimming sessions for overall fitness
• Bike rides as a family
• Yoga or stretching together

Essential Gear for Kids

Children require the right equipment just like adults.

• Footwear: Hiking boots help to avoid blisters and protect your ankles. Throw ’em on and break them in before the hike. Have an additional pair of comfortable footwear for teahouse evenings.

Clothing Layers:

• Base layer (thermal underwear)
• Middle layer (fleece or warm sweat)
• Outer layer (waterproof jacket)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat for daytime

Personal Items:

• A small backpack they can carry
• Water bottle they can open themselves
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Favorite snacks from home
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Personal first aid supplies

Check our Trekking Gear Guide.

Accommodation Planning

Families are welcomed in the teahouses along the Manaslu route. Most come with a private room fitted with two or three beds. The rooms are basic, but clean and heated. Blankets are provided, but bring your own sleeping bag to add warmth. Night temperatures significantly fall, especially in higher elevations.

Booking in Advance

On busy season, teahouses can fill up quickly. Your guide will generally reserve rooms in advance. This way, you ensure that your family receives appropriate housing and not simply whatever’s left over. Several teahouses have family rooms that can accommodate four people. Ask your guide to bring along these if they can.

Safety Tips and Health Precautions

Health and safety issues demand constant attention in the mountains. The good news is that most of these issues can be avoided with proper planning.

Altitude Sickness Prevention

 The amount of oxygen available decreases as one climbs higher in the mountains. The human body takes time to adjust to low oxygen levels, especially in young kids. Hike slowly and include scheduled rest days in your schedule. The schedule includes acclimatization points where one rests for a longer period at the same altitude.

Look out for signs of altitude sickness in your kids. A headache, nausea, extreme tiredness, and dizziness mean there is a problem. Stop climbing if your kids show such signs. Rest at the current height or descend if necessary. Most kids get better with proper rest.

First Aid and Medications: A first aid kit should be packed with the following:

• Pain relievers for children
• Band-aids for blisters and small cuts
• Antiseptic cream
• Altitude sickness medication (prescribed)
• Stomach medicine for upset tummies
• Cold and fever medicine
• Personal prescription medicine
• Rehydration salts

Your guide also carries a first aid kit. In larger villages, health posts with basic medical facilities can also be found. This can be done for severe cases, but this is very rarely necessary.

See our High-Altitude Health Tips.

Food and Water

Bottled Water is safe for consumption, as are water purification tablets. One should not use tap water and stream water. Most teahouses have boiled water for their customers, which is safe to drink, saving trekkers from purchasing regular bottles of water. Food that is hot and properly cooked should be preferentially selected because it is safer than cold food.

Eat raw fruits with skin that can be peeled off, like bananas and oranges. Raw salads should be avoided.

Energy and Snacks

When the babies walk, they use a lot of energy. Bring a sufficient amount of snacks they like, including chocolate bars, nuts, fruit (fresh or dried), crackers and energy bars. Biscuits and candies are also available in shops along the way.

Guide and Porter Support

Guides are friendly and helpful guide also help to do other things. They advise us on slowing down, where to take breaks, and what to do in an emergency. Guides are proficient in English and other languages.

The porters carry your main luggage, leaving your family free to walk comfortably. They go at a quicker pace than you and often reach the next stop before you get there. Your luggage is waiting in rooms when you arrive. It is a small expense but greatly enhances your experience.

Emergency Contacts

It is a good idea to save your guide's phone number. Cell phone reception is available in most areas, but some viewpoints may not have any reception. Your trekking company will provide you with emergency contact numbers. It is a good idea to purchase travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage.

Fun Activities and Cultural Experiences for Kids

The trek also offers other adventures besides walking.

Village Exploration

Each village on the trail is different. Children enjoy exploring the small streets of the village, watching people work, and seeing animals such as yaks and goats. Some villages have prayer wheels that can be turned as children make their wishes. Local children may also greet them along the way. No language problems occur when kids begin to play together.

Natural Wonders

• Rivers and Waterfalls: Along the trail, the Budhi Gandaki River runs through deep gorges. Waterfalls cascade down the sides of the mountains, creating beautiful rainbows. Children enjoy skipping rocks on the water as a rest stop.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for Himalayan thar, monkeys, and many species of colorful birds. A simple guidebook of wildlife can be brought along and used as a teaching tool. This turns out to be an educational adventure as well.
• Mountain Views: Viewing Manaslu (8,163 meters) from close by is a wonder that both kids and parents can enjoy. This mountain towers above the other peaks and can be seen from higher camps. Viewing it from a distance at sunrise is magical.

Cultural Learning

The area is steeped in Buddhist culture. Prayer flags can be seen along the way, carrying blessings on the wind. Monasteries are open to visitors and even allow curious kids to chat.

Children can learn to speak a few words in Nepali:

• "Namaste" (hello)
• "Dhanyabad" (thank you)
• "Mitho chha" (delicious)
• "Ramro chha" (it's good)

There may even be festivals taking place along the way during your trek. Kids can be entertained by music, dancing and colorful costumes.

Photography Projects

Older children may have a camera or phone to snap some pictures from time to time. They can document the trip from their point of view. A photo scavenger hunt is a fun way to keep kids engaged on walking days.

Challenge kids to find:

• Five different colored prayer flags
• A suspension bridge
• A yak or dzopkyo
• Mountains reflected in water
• Children playing

Suggested Itinerary for Families

Planning your days carefully helps families succeed on this trek. Here's a detailed 14-day itinerary that includes proper rest time for children.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Your family lands in the capital of Nepal. Relax and discover the lively streets of Thamel. Children might like to go to Swayambhunath Temple. They can feed the cheeky monkeys there.

Day 2: Drive to Soti Khola

Drive to Soti Khola. It's the first day of driving through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to reach the start of your trek. It's a seven-hour drive to Soti Khola. You'll arrive late afternoon.

Days 3-7: Trekking Through Villages

Trek along the beautiful Budhi Gandaki River with adrenaline rushing. You'll cross suspension bridges. Descend through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung and a few other villages. Your daily walk will be approximately 5-6 hours with stops. Give the children a turn at leading. They can lead the group.

Day 8: Rest Day in Samagaon

In Samagaon, your body finally gets a chance to adjust. This day is very important to allow the bodies to get accustomed to the altitude. Visit the ancient monastery or walk to Birendra Lake. Monitor the children for headaches or tiredness.

Day 9: Trek to Samdo

A short day of 3-4 hours near the Tibetan border. Children can enjoy seeing yak herds grazing nearby. This brief day is good training for things to come.

Day 10: Trek to Dharamsala

Continue trekking upward to a simple yet cozy tea house. Get there early so the kids get a good night's sleep. This evening, get all preparations made for an early start in the morning.

Day 11: Larkya La and Bhimtang

Wake up early, 3-4AM for the most important day of your trip. Trek 4-5 hours to 5,160 meters. Kids enjoy walking in the light of their headlamps. Descend 3-4 hours to Bhimtang. And celebrate your success together! You'll be glad you prepared them mentally for this challenge.

Days 12-13: Descending through Forests

Rapidly descend through beautiful rhododendron forests. Breathing is easier here. Arrive at Dharapani. And then drive to Besisahar.

Day 14: Return to Kathmandu

Return to the capital city or choose to stay on the beautiful lake shores of Pokhara. Your family has successfully completed a wonderful adventure in the Himalayas!

How to Make This Itinerary Work for Your Family

Every family is different. Some kids walk quicker than their parents anticipate. And some families need more rest days. Be flexible!

Changes if Your Children Are Younger

Consider having an extra rest day at Namrung on Days 6-7 of the itinerary. Also, consider splitting the day from Dharamsala to Bhimtang. Plus, consider hiring an extra porter who can help carry a tired child if necessary.

Changes if Your Children Are Older and Fitter

It can be slow going at times. You can keep them occupied reading books or playing games. Let them help with navigation using maps. Also, let them have a photography assignment. Remember, the goal is to complete the trek together. It's not necessarily to rush through it. If you're looking for a quicker option, check out our 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package or our 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package.

Conclusion

When planned effectively, the Manaslu trekking experience is a great adventure for families in the Himalayas. The best time for a safe trek is in spring and fall. Proper planning with experienced guides guarantees a safe adventure. Not only will your children gain confidence, but they will also learn about different cultures while making memories that they will treasure for a lifetime. Let us help you make your family’s Manaslu adventure a reality! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy a magical experience with your family.