Nepal Family Tour

Best Time to Take This Tour

The Nepal Family Tour Package can be made available all the year round but it’s a different experience depending on the season. From September to November is generally a good time to visit Kathmandu and Pokhara during the autumn season, as it offers clear skies, pleasant weather and favorable conditions for sightseeing. The weather is also pleasant in Chitwan at this time.

Another period to consider is during springtime (March-May). The days are generally warm, though they may get quite hot in Chitwan. The mornings and evenings during the winter months are cooler, particularly in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but the daytime is mostly comfortable.

The months of October to March are ideal for a Nepal Family tour, especially for those who are interested in wildlife activities in Chitwan. October to March are considered to be the best months to visit Chitwan by the Nepal Tourism Board.

Weather and Climate

There are various climates in Nepal, such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. The climate of Kathmandu and Pokhara is comparatively mild and Chitwan is warmer due to its location in the southern plains. The monsoon is generally from June to September and accounts for most of the country’s annual rain.

The table below provides you with an approximate idea for planning your Nepal Family Tour Package. Actual conditions of temperature and rainfall may differ from one year to another.

The average summer and winter temperatures are around 28.1°C and 19.3°C maximum in Kathmandu, 29.7°C and 20.3°C in Pokhara and 33°C and 24.1°C in Chitwan.

Tour Difficulty and Walking Requirements

The Nepal Family tour is normally an easy journey and is not a high-altitude tour. No long trekking days, technical climb nor an overnight walks. The majority of activities are sightseeing, road trips, wildlife activities and leisure.

The visitation of the temples, heritage sites, viewpoints and waterfalls involves some walking. Some attractions will have uneven surfaces or steps, so comfortable shoes are helpful. When travelling with young children, families might require short breaks during sightseeing.

The pace will generally be comfortable with time for rest in between tasks. Adventure Walkway can also help you with the arrangements in your ‘package’.

Transportation and Road Conditions

A tour in Nepal is incomplete without transportation, as the tour route from Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan makes it an essential part of the tour. Private transport or a tourist vehicle may be used for all travel between these destinations, or domestic air transport if available.

One can travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by land or by air. You have the opportunity to see changing landscapes, hills, rivers and villages by road, but flying is a lot faster. Normally, the route between Pokhara and Chitwan is covered by road transport.

Travel time may be different due to traffic conditions, weather, construction and seasonal factors. In the monsoon season, the roads may be wet and make travel longer. With this in mind, you should plan to travel with some flexibility in mind, especially when connecting flights.

Accommodation During the Tour

The Nepal family holiday is typically accommodated in a comfortable hotel, resort or lodge, depending on the package type you choose. There are many hotels and properties in Kathmandu as well as Pokhara, with a wide variety of properties ranging from normal hotels to higher category.

Hotels, resorts and lodges in the major tourist centres around Chitwan are popular places for lodging. There are resorts, hotels and lodges in Chitwan to cater to guests to the national park.

Family sizes may determine the room setup and hotel availability. Groups travelling with kids should inform the front desk about their preferred room setup when booking. Adventure Walkway can help arrange for your accommodation as part of your package.

Food and Dining Options

From traditional Nepali cuisine to Indian, Chinese and international options in tourist hotspots, food is a delightful aspect of a Nepal Family Tour Package. There are very good restaurant options in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The basic food for the traditional Nepali people is dal bhat, which is a mixture of rice, dal, curry, pickles and vegetables. Another popular choice is momos, which are available in lots of restaurants. There are also restaurants in Chitwan that offer local and international cuisine for the visitors.

In tourist areas, children’s foods can be found in most families. Advise hotel and restaurant staff of any food allergy or dietary restriction of any group member in advance, if possible, to arrange for food to be provided accordingly.

Wildlife Safari in Chitwan

During a Nepal Family tour, the family can spend time in Chitwan National Park and gain knowledge about the natural environment and wildlife of Nepal. Activities include jeep safari, jungle walks, canoe rides, bird watcher’s tours and Tharu cultural tours.

Numerous species are found in Chitwan, such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, deer, monkeys, wild boar, crocodiles and many other species of birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but there are some tigers.

It is important for families to obey their guides on all wildlife activities. Children should keep to the side of accompanying adults and not make unnecessary noises around animals. Sun protection and adequate hydration are also important since the park is in a tropical climate.

Cultural Experiences and Local Communities

During the Nepal Family tour, you are introduced to various facets of Nepalese culture in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. There are opportunities to visit important Hindu and Buddhist sites in Kathmandu and Chitwan offers an opportunity to learn about local Tharu culture.

The main attractions of Chitwan are the Tharu villages and their cultural activities.

What to Wear and Pack

The best way to pack for a Nepal family holiday is to take into account different temperatures and activities. In winter, both Kathmandu and Pokhara can be cold and in the hot season these cities can be quite hot, while Chitwan can be even hotter in the summer.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are good for sightseeing. Opt for lightweight clothes for warmer days and a light jacket or warmer clothing for cooler mornings and evenings.

The essentials to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lighter and warmer clothing for the season & weather
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Light rain jacket or umbrella during the wet season
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal medicines
• A specially formulated insect repellent for Chitwan.
• Small day bag
• Camera/phone to take photos.

Read the forecast before travel to avoid under- or overdressing.

Visa and Entry Requirements

A tourist visa is required for most tourists to enter Nepal. Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport is issued to eligible nationals and likewise a tourist visa can be obtained from a diplomatic mission in Nepal before arrival.

The fees for the current tourist Visa on Arrival provided by the Department of Immigration are US$30, US$50 and US$125, respectively, for 15-, 30- and 90-day visas. There are different arrangements or restrictions for some nationalities; travelers are recommended to check the latest official requirements before traveling.

All people traveling internationally must have a valid passport. It is also important for families to have copies of important travel documents and ensure children have the correct documents required for entry.

Money, ATMs and Payment Methods

Nepal official currency is the Nepalese Rupee. Cash is still good for small purchases, local shops, snacks, tips and services not in the main tour businesses.

ATM’s are readily accessible in Kathmandu and Pokhara and may be less available in smaller areas. Not all businesses will accept international cards, but larger enterprises such as hotels or restaurants in tourist hot spots may.

Some local currency should be taken while traveling around the roads and while in Chitwan. In major tourist areas and cities, there are foreign currency exchange services. Always carry a few smaller bills as some small businesses may not have change for larger bills, or else they only have a few of these.

Mobile Network and Internet

For mobile coverage in Kathmandu and Pokhara, it is generally good, whereas hotels, restaurants and cafés are likely to be equipped with Wi Fi. Mobile and internet service is also available in the main tourism areas of Chitwan; it is not always as reliable as needed from property to property and location to location.

Those who require internet access on a regular basis can opt for a local SIM service or an international roaming plan for a Nepal family holiday. Useful for calling drivers, guides, hotels or family members when travelling.

Internet speed may vary from one place to another and is subject to congestion, weather and the specific hotel itself. Preloading maps, booking data and travel documents in areas where connectivity is good is helpful.

Electricity and Charging Facilities

All the main tourist attractions in Nepal are equipped with electricity. Nepal’s electricity system is 230 volts, 50 Hz. The types of sockets can vary, including round two-pin and three-pin; travelers who have different plugs should bring the appropriate universal adaptor.

Most hotels will offer charging in guest rooms, though not all and usually the number and location of charging sockets in guest rooms is not clearly specified. A power bank can come in handy when you are on the road for hours or participating in outdoor activities.

A small multi-port charger may also be useful for families who need to have multiple phones, cameras, tablets, or other devices. Before inserting the devices into a socket, make sure that they are compatible with Nepal’s voltage.

Health and Travel Safety

The Family tour in Nepal is not a high-altitude trek, but normal travel precautions should be taken. Road travel, hot weather, food and water, insects and overall sightseeing safety are the most common practical issues.

These are the things to bear in mind:

• Use treated, filtered or bottled water.
• Wash your hands frequently, particularly before eating.
• Apply and reapply sun protection during hot weather and drink plenty of water.
• Bring any personal medications and health supplies
• Apply an insect repellent during your trip to Chitwan
• When wildlife activities are conducted, follow your guide’s instructions
• Supervise children when crossing streets and during sightseeing
• Always wear seat belts in car seats

Travel insurance is also recommended as it could help to protect against the expense of unforeseen medical treatment, interruption of travel, or any other covered travel issues.

Photography and Cultural Etiquette

In a Nepal Family Tour Package, there are various places where photography is permitted, but some religious areas have restrictions on taking photos. Before photographing in a temple or around religious ceremonies, visit to know if it is allowed.

It is courteous to ask permission before taking pictures of local people, particularly children. Do not disturb religious activities just to take photos. Avoid climbing on a monument or touching protected objects at heritage sites.

In the Chitwan wildlife activities, be quiet and follow the instructions of the guide. If using flash photography, try to avoid disturbing animals. Keeping the local culture in mind will help your family feel more at ease and will help the local communities feel at ease as well.

Free Time and Optional Activities

The Nepal family holiday consists of one day in Pokhara, which is a day for your family to relax after sightseeing and enjoy the city at a leisurely pace. One can spend time at Phewa Lake, explore the Lakeside area, or simply relax at one’s hotel.

Visitors can also enjoy boating, birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, visiting museums and other activities in Pokhara.

Carefully choose optional activities based on your family’s interests, age group, time available and comfort level. When requested and available, Adventure Walkway can make arrangements for suitable additional activities.

Tipping and Local Customs

The amount of tipping is also dependent on the quality and type of service provided and is common in Nepal’s tourism field. While traveling in Nepal, visitors can tip the drivers, guides, hotel staff, or other service providers who help them during the tour.

There are no set fees that all travelers will be charged. A small tip can be given if you are pleased with the service and a bigger tip can be given for a longer or more elaborate service.

There are also a few simple cultural practices that can be followed in Nepal. When visiting religious sites, wear appropriate clothing, remove shoes when indicated and do not touch religious objects without permission. A friendly greeting and respectful behavior are appreciated in local communities.

Responsible and Sustainable Tourism

Responsible travel makes your Nepal Family Tour Package better for tourists and local people. Making small decisions on the way can mitigate waste and safeguard cultural and natural heritage.

Families can travel responsibly by:

• Using a reusable water bottle, if possible.
• Refraining from unnecessary single-use plastic.
• Placing waste in waste bins.
• Respect of temple, monuments and religious practices.
• Getting local people’s permission before taking their pictures.
• Observing the rules for wildlife safety in Chitwan.
• Keeping noise to a minimum near animals.
• Eating at local businesses, such as restaurants and shops.
• Abandoning natural areas in their state.
• Educating children to value indigenous people, culture and wildlife.

As Chitwan is a crucial wildlife zone for its rich mammal, reptile and bird population, it is particularly important to act responsibly during safaris.