Several treks from Pokhara suit children and older walkers because they are short, stay below 3,000 m and have lodges in every village. Choose a route with gentle days and plan spare time.
Easy options
Short walks around Dhampus, Australian Camp and Landruk keep altitude low and give good views of the Annapurna range. They suit children who enjoy walking and older trekkers who prefer short days. See Australian Camp guides.
Step-up options
Ghorepani Poon Hill is a little harder, with long stone staircases and a pre-dawn climb for sunrise. Many families do it over four or five days. See Poon Hill guides.
Altitude
Altitude illness is possible at any age, but is rare below 3,000 m. Children cannot always describe their symptoms, so watch for unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting and headache. Descend if you are worried.
Pace and rest
Plan days of three to five hours with long breaks. Older walkers often prefer poles to protect knees on the stairs. Start early to avoid heat in the lower hills.
Food and comfort
Lodges serve familiar food such as noodles, rice, eggs and soup, so fussy eaters are usually fine. Bring snacks, warm layers, and a sleeping bag liner for comfort.
Health and insurance
Carry basic first aid, any regular medicines, and a policy that covers trekking and evacuation. Check with a doctor beforehand if you have heart, lung or blood pressure problems.
Choosing lodges
Pick villages with several lodges so that you can change if a room is noisy or cold. Lodges at Dhampus, Landruk and Ghandruk are used to families and offer simple rooms with views. Book ahead in peak months if you travel with children.
Keeping children interested
Short stages, snack stops, and games on the path help. Let children carry a small day pack with their own water. Villages offer natural stops to see goats, farms, terraces and temples.
When to turn back
Turn back or descend if anyone has a worsening headache, vomiting, unusual drowsiness or breathlessness at rest. For older trekkers, chest pain or irregular heartbeat needs urgent help. A short trek with an easy exit is better than a long one with none.
Plan it
Start with short treks from Pokhara and the best time of year.
