Trekking with kids

It's monsoon and as the unlock takes shape, there is a strong urge to head into the Sahyadri's for day treks. Few parents have asked me for kid friendly treks. I thought I would blog it here so that it can be useful for all those who want to take kids for treks.

I have been taking my elder daughter for treks since she was 4 years old. Recently, we introduced our younger daughter (who just turned 4) to a couple of treks. I have also seen some young kids in treks we have gone for. So I can speak with some experience here.

First and foremost, most kids above the age of 4 can trek. As long as the child is 

• reasonably disciplined and will follow instructions, 
• is not a complete home baby and does enjoy physical games and plays outside with his / her friends,
• is a bit flexible with food and will eat outside
• is comfortable with hygiene (will pee in washrooms outside or behind trees), 

the child will have fun on the trek with the parents. Only thing to avoid is a high endurance trek or a trek in intense heat. Monsoon and winters (December -Jan) are the best time. 

Secondly, children are inherently good at trekking. Their body weight distribution and lack of preconceived notions on what they cannot do, and our ability to pull them along, largely compensates for their lack of limb length and lower strength and a slightly lower attention to caution. Parents need to understand this point and not stress on their kids too much. Infact, 8-10 year olds will typically be much more agile on a trek than their parents, especially when going downhill.

Lastly, the only thing to be careful when trekking with kids is to plan better and be better prepared. Good grip footwear, backpack with small water bottle, good and adequate snacks and proper fitting raincoat are absolutely essential for a monsoon trek with kids along with dry clean clothes to change into after. For a winter trek, just remove the raincoat, everything else is constant. Moreover the schedule, when and where to eat breakfast, where to stop for bio break, when and how will lunch be managed becomes important. Travel times are best kept optimum when taking kids along as should things we carry up the mountain. Thus, treks with short drives and good food options at base and near the top become quite attractive.

That being spoken, let me list down a few options which are very amiable to take kids along.

1. Tikona - Located to the east of Pawna lake, this is a nice gentle trek which can be done by beginners and small children. The drive is a bit long from Mumbai (3 hours). But a location of choice for Puneri's.
2. Asherigadh - 100km north of Mumbai, located off the highway, this is a simple and wonderful trek. I have taken beginners and a small group of kids on this trek. There is a wonderful view of the Ahmedabad highway and some lovely ponds on top. Best done in monsoon.
3. Matheran via Dodhani - 50 kms from Mumbai and 10 kms from Panvel is a small village called Dodhani. From here, there is a lovely and simple trail up to sunset point at Matheran. The advantage of this trek is the simplicity, the route and the fact that you reach up in Matheran where all amenities are available.
4. Korigad - Schools take kids for picnic up this trek. It is the most simple trek (climbing stairs) and gives a lovely view of Aamby valley from above. Again, only constrain is longer travel time. Korigad, Tung and Tailbaila are all located near Aamby valley and take 2.5 to 3 hours to reach with the Lonavala traffic to navigate on way back. However, the upside is that there are decent resorts and food options nearby.
5. Tung - Took my kids up this one recently. While we stopped half way, it has a lovely view of the Pawna lake. Some tricky patches for smaller kids but quite easy for 7 year + group.  
6. Tailbaila - This beautiful mountain remains in my bucket list of treks to repeat. It is 2 pinnacles with wedge in between. The pinnacles require expertise and ropes and skill to climb. However, the wedge has a small windy temple which is a lovely place to take kids. 
7. Bhivgad - Most would not have heard of this one. But I took my 4 year old with my favourite trekking group V-Rangers. It is a nice trek and my daughter did it well. Go with someone who knows the route
8. Kothligad - A nice long walk up a twisty mountain trail to reach the base village. From there, it's a short, slightly tricky but completely safe climb. However, easy access to food and water at base and atop makes this one which can be done with kids. Only mountain top I have found (apart from Harishchandragad) where they sell packaged mineral water :(
9. Avachitgad - A bit long with a 3 hour drive on the Goa highway, this trek is simple and the view from top of the Konkan railway makes it quite worth it. Villagers at the base are happy to provide you home cooked meals and give you the complete village experience.
10. Nakhind: This is a small trail ahead of Badlapur about 2 hours from mumbai. It leads to a rock with a hole in the middle, a nice windy place. The trail beyond this may not be suitable for kids and beginners
11. Karnala: Easy to reach, very famous and crowded, this trek can be done by kids. However, it is a bit lengthy and the last patch will require some assistance which should be available in plenty on weekends.
12. 
    Harishchandragad - One of the most famous treks in the Sahyadri's, this mountain has it all atop including caves, temple, pond, food, tents, being the 5th highest point in Maharashtra and the wondrous site called Kokankada. There are many routes up and most require some expertise. However, the route up from Paachnai is very easy and kids can be taken this way. If you want your child to experience living in the elements, staying overnight in caves, putting up a campfire, rising up to see a sunrise, this is definitely the place to go. However, take some expert along. Cannot be planned for a single day trek given the travel time (5+ hours to Paachnai) and the amount of things to see atop.
13. Leaving the best for the last, actually missed these to gems earlier. Sondai and Irshalgad - Located a mouth watering 60 km from Mumbai and just off chowk (near Karjat), these 2 mountains offer a simple climb for the most part and a breathtaking view of the Morbe dam and its lake. I have taken my kids twice up Irshalgad in last 1 month and its been quite fun. Ofcourse, your priority has to be the journey and not the destination as its a bit long all the way up. 

There you go. 13 options with differing levels. There would be more, like Ahupe ghat but I haven't experienced those myself. Do tag other options in the comments for all to refer.

As I end this blog, I would like to reiterate that kids are very comfortable trekking and only need to follow rules and be comfortable with outdoors. More than the kids, it is the parents that need to prepare themselves for a trek. Plan the trek well, set ground rules before starting and do not stress much. Also remember that its the journey and not the destination that matters. So enjoy the trek without having to reach up.

Carry spare clothes (especially in rains), adequate food (carry fruits, chocolates, khakra and such carby stuff, avoid junk like chips), adequate water for the location and weather. Also take enough bags to carry wet and dirty clothes and all the garbage you generate back. Lastly, please remember, trekking in monsoons is messy. If you are not comfortable with your kids getting all mucky and drinking natural water from the cisterns and playing in streams, you may park your trekking plans for the winter.