World Tour
Traveling to the Himalayas with kids? Here are our top suggestions
Author: Satish Khanduri
Traveling to the Himalayas with kids can be a rewarding adventure, but it requires careful planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Himalayan journey with children:
1. Plan the Trip Thoughtfully
- Choose a Family-Friendly Destination: Opt for destinations with family-friendly amenities and activities. Consider places with easier access, shorter treks, and comfortable accommodations, definitely not in remote areas.
- Avoid Extreme Altitudes: High-altitude areas can be challenging for children. Stick to lower altitudes or gradually acclimate to higher elevations with frequent treks.
2. Prepare for Altitude and Health
- Acclimatize Gradually: If traveling to higher altitudes, plan for gradual ascent to help your kids adjust to the altitude. Allow for rest days and watch for signs of altitude sickness. its a must to follow because acclimatisation if ignored can result in fatal incidents.
- Pack a Health Kit: Bring a well-stocked first-aid kit with medications suitable for your children, including those for altitude sickness, upset stomach, and basic injuries or if any treatment that they are on.
3. Keep Kids Comfortable
- Dress in Layers: The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, so dressing your children in layers to easily adjust to changing temperatures and weather conditions is recommended. It’s easy to take off those layers as children are active & feel the body temperature change frequently.
- Ensure Proper Footwear: Comfortable and sturdy shoes are essential for walking and trekking. Make sure they are well-fitted as per their foot health.
4. Engage and Entertain
- Plan Fun Activities: Include activities that will keep kids engaged, such as nature walks, birding, rock & rope activities or some water time for them to enjoy a plethora of options. Look for opportunities to learn about local wildlife and culture in an engaging way, like in a historical walk or jungle safari.
- Bring Entertainment: Use tablets while travelling instead of books, as it reduces the load on your bags & also allows more battery life. Carry a pack of UNO or a catch ball/ frisbee perhaps to keep kids entertained during long haults.
5. Prioritize Safety
- Keep a Close Watch: The Himalayas have rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. Always supervise your children closely, especially near steep areas or while on treks. Have guides take over their security instead of barging in between, its best for them to be in the safe hands of the experts.
- Emergency Contacts: Ensure you have local emergency contact information beforehand and know the location of the nearest medical facilities.
6. Hydration and Nutrition
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure your children drink plenty of water, especially at higher altitudes, to prevent dehydration. Carry a water purification bottle, which can purify water on the go or even one with markers for drinking up a certain litre of water per day.
- Pack Snacks: Bring healthy, non-perishable snacks for kids, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars, which will keep them going irrespective of the locally available food. Nutrition is the key in the Himalayas & not the variety on the meal platter. Calculate the nutrition requirement depending on the trek/trip you have chosen.
7. Encourage Rest and Relaxation
- Schedule Rest Days: Incorporate downtime into your itinerary to allow everyone, especially kids, to rest and adapt. Avoid over-scheduling activities when travelling with kids. Put yourself in their shoes while in the planning phase.
- Create a Routine: Try to maintain familiar routines, such as regular meal times and bedtime, to provide a sense of familiarity with the routine. They will find it easy to adapt in the mountains once accustomed to a certain pattern beforehand.
8. Educate and Prepare
- Talk About the Trip: Prepare your kids for the adventure by talking about the trip, the places you’ll visit, and the activities you’ll do. Encourage their participation by showing them a glimpse of the experience on the internet. This helps set expectations and builds excitement in return.
- Teach Basic Safety: Explain basic safety rules, such as staying on marked trails, not wandering off, and following instructions from guides or adults only. This will make them learn that nature is also an outdoor school for them.
