Royal trek

Royal trek

The Royal Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, situated in the Annapurna region, just north of Pokhara. It follows a scenic path along the foothills of the Annapurna range and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The trek is named "Royal" because Prince Charles of the United Kingdom and his entourage explored this route in the early 1980s, bringing attention to its beauty and charm.

The Royal Trek typically starts from Bijayapur and ends at Begnas Lake, encompassing picturesque landscapes and typical Nepalese villages along the way. The most popular itinerary for the Royal Trek is a 5-day journey, leaving from Kathmandu. However, it can also be done as a 4-day trek starting and ending in Pokhara, as mentioned earlier.

The trek takes you through lush green hills, charming villages, and beautiful landscapes. You will encounter rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and scenic rice fields during your journey. The Royal Trek offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) mountain ranges, as well as the Lamjung mountain.

One of the highlights of the Royal Trek is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. You will pass through mixed settlements of different ethnicities, languages, and cultures, giving you a glimpse into the diverse traditions and lifestyles of the Nepalese people. The trek provides a chance to interact with local communities and observe their traditional way of life.

The Royal Trek is considered an easy trek suitable for everyone, including beginners and those who prefer a less strenuous adventure. The maximum altitude reached during the trek is around 1730 meters, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. The trek can be completed in 4 to 5 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and pace.

The best time to undertake the Royal Trek is during the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. These months offer favourable weather conditions with clear skies, providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

Trip Facts

Trip Duration

4

Trip Grade

Easy

Group Size

Min 2 - Max 20

Max. Altitude

1730 m

Best Season

March/ Apr/ May/ June/July/August/ Sep/ Oct/ Nov/Dec

Start & Ending point

Pokhara - Pokhara

Itinerary

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Day 01 Pokhara to Kalikasthan (1370 m), Drive 5 hours

After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara, your adventure begins with a drive to Bijayapur Khola, which serves as the starting point of your trek to Kalikasthan. The driving duration from Pokhara to Kalikasthan is approximately 5 hours. As you embark on your journey, you will pass through the picturesque flat rice fields, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
After crossing the river, the trail gradually starts to ascend. You will continue your ascent to Chautara via Rakhigaon, passing through a village predominantly inhabited by Brahmins, one of the major castes in Nepal. Beyond Chautara, your uphill climb will persist, leading you to a village called Kalikasthan, situated at an altitude of 1370 meters. Once you arrive at Kalikasthan, take some time to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. You can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and perhaps explore the nearby regions. Kalikasthan is known for its scenic beauty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and landscapes.
Day 02 From Kalikasthan to Syaklung (1730 m) 5/6 hours

Continuing from Kalikasthan to Syaklung, the hike offers a fascinating exploration of the region's cultural and natural diversity. After enjoying breakfast, the trek proceeds through various villages, providing an opportunity to experience different cultures, customs, and languages along the way. You will pass through Thulokot and Mati Thana, where you'll find a few tea shops to refresh yourself.
From Mati Thana, the trail gradually ascends to Naudanda. As you continue along the ridge of the mountain, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges. The panoramic vistas add to the beauty of the trekking experience. Next, there is a short but steep climb through the forest, leading you to the Gurung village of Syaklung at an elevation of 1730 meters. This settlement is an excellent place to explore and interact with the local inhabitants, immersing yourself in their unique culture and way of life. Additionally, the rhododendron forests surrounding Syaklung offer a scenic and serene ambience to enjoy.
Day 03 Hike from Syaklung to Chisapani (1550 m)5/6 hours

After exploring the village and immersing yourself in the traditional lifestyle of rural Nepal, the hike continues from Syaklung to Chisapani. Departing from the Gurung village, you will venture through the enchanting forests of rhododendron and Sal trees. Along the way, you will be greeted with awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and Himalchuli.
As you progress, the trail descends to an altitude of 400 meters before ascending 600 meters to reach Chisapani. This journey through varying elevations adds an element of excitement and challenge to the hike. Upon reaching Chisapani, you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views. Towards the west, you can admire the grandeur of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Additionally, perched on a hill above the Chisapani village, you may notice a small temple, further adding to the cultural and spiritual essence of the surroundings.
Day 04 From Chisapani to Pokhara, 3/4 hours, Drive 30 minutes

On the final day of your hike from Chisapani to Pokhara, you will embark on a rewarding journey back to the city. The route initially descends for approximately an hour, taking you through the fields before leading to a stone-step path that leads to a small valley near Rupa Tal. As you continue, you will traverse through the picturesque rice fields for a short distance before ascending to a ridge that separates Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal. From this vantage point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Next, the trail descends from the ridge, eventually reaching Begnas Lake. Here, you can take in the tranquil beauty of the lake and its surroundings. From Begnas Lake, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Pokhara. The short drive allows you to relax and reflect on your hiking adventure as you return to the city.
The hiking duration from Chisapani to Pokhara is estimated to be around 3 to 4 hours. During this time, you will traverse diverse terrain, including fields, valleys, and ridges, offering captivating vistas along the way. Alternatively, there is an option to cover the distance by driving, which takes approximately 30 minutes. This provides a convenient and efficient means of transportation, allowing you to reach Pokhara quickly.

Trip Highlights

Scenic Beauty: The Royal Trek takes you through lush green hills, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) mountain ranges. You'll also have the opportunity to admire the majestic Lamjung mountain and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Annapurna Himalayan panorama, Mt Manaslu, and the Western Himalayan range's giant Dhaulagiri.
Cultural Immersion: One of the key highlights of the Royal Trek is the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. You'll pass through mixed settlements of different ethnicities, languages, and cultures, providing a unique glimpse into the diverse traditions and lifestyles of the Nepalese people. Interacting with the local communities and observing their traditional way of life adds depth to your trekking experience.
Authentic Villages: During the trek, you'll traverse charming Nepalese villages, including the Gurung settlement of Syaklung. These villages allow you to experience the rural lifestyle of Nepal firsthand. Exploring the settlements, meeting the inhabitants, and witnessing their daily activities can be fascinating cultural encounters.
Natural Landscapes: The Royal Trek takes you through a variety of natural landscapes, including rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and scenic rice fields. The trek offers a chance to appreciate the region's rich biodiversity, as you walk amidst beautiful flora and fauna. The forest of rhododendron and sal trees along the route adds to the enchanting natural scenery.
Moderate Difficulty: The Royal Trek is considered an easy trek suitable for all levels of trekkers, including beginners. With a maximum altitude of around 1730 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is minimal. The trek can be completed in 4 to 5 days, making it an accessible option for those with limited time or trekking experience.

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Cost Details

Included in the price Included in the package price.

Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Most ground transportation on a private vehicle as per the itinerary.
Professional English speaking, Eco Trained trekking guide his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation etc..
Porter service (4 trekkers: 1 porter).
Sleeping Bag and Trekking sticks (to be returned after trip completion).
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS).
All government and local taxes

Excluded in the price Not included in the package.

Nepalese visa fee.
Other any transportation except included in the included section.
Travel and rescue insurance.
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s).
Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment etc.
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in including section.

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