Kimkim traveler Clare Immens likes to instill a sense of adventure in her three children—so taking her young daughter Elsie on a multi-day trek in Nepal was a no-brainer. From card games in tea houses to making friends with baby animals along the way, read on to learn about their experience hiking through the Annapurna foothills on the Ghandruk Trek.
## A Mother-Daughter Adventure: Trekking in Nepal with Clare and Elsie
Clare, a midwife and mother of three hailing from the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, possesses an adventurous spirit and a deep-seated love for travel. Having explored a significant portion of the globe, with a particular fondness for Asia, Clare’s travel style leans towards immersive experiences. She steers clear of rigid, structured group tours, instead preferring the freedom of wandering through bustling markets, deliberately losing herself in the labyrinthine backstreets of unfamiliar cities, and soaking in the sights, sounds, and linguistic tapestry of cultures vastly different from her own. About nine years ago, a fleeting visit to Kathmandu left an indelible mark on her soul, sparking a fervent desire to return and delve deeper into the heart of Nepal.
So, what prompted Clare to embark on a trekking adventure in Nepal with her ten-year-old daughter, Elsie? Clare explains that, among her three children, she harbors a desire to ignite a spark of humanitarianism or a passion for travel. She wants them to witness firsthand the “gritty and glorious beauty” of the world, in all its complexity and wonder. Elsie, having shown a keen interest in Clare’s previous travel tales, seemed like the perfect candidate for such an adventure. Knowing that they would be spending several weeks in Kathmandu, Clare wanted to ensure that they experienced the “real Nepal,” leading her to choose a trek organized through kimkim. This offered the opportunity to get off the beaten path and see the country’s natural beauty.
The question then became: why the Ghandruk Trek specifically? Clare readily admits that Elsie isn’t particularly fond of hiking. Their coastal lifestyle in New South Wales means that their highest “altitudes” are typically sand dunes! Therefore, the Ghandruk Trek seemed like the ideal choice. They didn’t have an abundance of time and wanted a trek that was manageable and not overly strenuous. This made it a perfect option for a mother-daughter adventure in the majestic landscapes of Nepal. The relatively moderate difficulty level of the Ghandruk Trek made it an ideal introduction to trekking for Elsie.
When asked about the most memorable parts of their trek, Clare’s enthusiasm is palpable. She recounts with fondness their experiences in the eco-village, the cozy and welcoming tea houses, and the simple joy of strolling through the charming villages they encountered along the way. However, the constant presence of the breathtaking mountains truly stood out. They were a majestic backdrop to their entire journey. And, of course, the animals! They saw incredible creatures along the way. Clare was impressed with the level of personalized attention they received. “The whole way we felt like celebrities being cared for!” she exclaims.
Delving deeper into the tea house experience, Clare describes them as “perfect.” They were comfortable, neat, and clean, providing a welcome respite from the elements and, importantly, eliminating the need for tent-based accommodation. What truly enhanced their experience was the camaraderie shared with other travelers each evening. Playing cards, swapping stories of their adventures, and exchanging perspectives on the magic of the mountains created lasting memories.
Without hesitation, Clare enthusiastically recommends the Ghandruk Trek to other travelers with children. She speaks highly of their guide, Niresh, and their porter, Pemba, praising their attentiveness and care along the trails. They ensured their safety, expertly navigating them past “cranky looking cows” and over “slippery rocks.” The entire trek was child-friendly, and Clare admits that her only regret is not having booked a longer trip. She says that everything was taken care of and they were able to focus on enjoying the beauty of Nepal.
And finally, the exciting news: Clare is already planning her next adventure with kimkim! She’s organizing a surprise trip for her mother next year and has specifically requested Niresh as their guide once again. This time, she’s hoping for a longer and even more immersive experience, further solidifying her love for Nepal and its stunning landscapes. She “can’t wait!” to share the wonder of this beautiful country with her mother. Clare’s future trip will be another opportunity to witness the majesty of the Himalayas and experience the unique culture of Nepal.
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