Royal Trek

Trip Duration 3
Max Altitude 1730M
Group Size 2 to 20
Best Time for Visit March to May, Sep to February

Trip Overview

The Royal Trek

Duration 2 nights / 3 days

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was the first to chart this trek route in 1980 and so it is called the Royal Trek. The trek area lies to the east of Pokhara and it offers good trekking particularly during the winter months from November until early March. Although, a short trek, it is not necessarily a very easy one and people do need to be reasonably fit. It is best as a three or four days trek and does not extend well beyond that. However with the construction of the Road till Thulokot, the first days walk is mainly on a dirt track.

Features:

1.The Annapurna Range of mountains such as the Fishtail, Annapurna I, II, III, IV and 16 other mountains.

2.Lakes: Begnas, Phewa, Rupa.

3.The town of Pokhara, tiny hamlets on the hills and the flatlands of the valleys.

In summary, the Royal Trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a peaceful trekking experience. The relatively short duration, captivating scenery, and authentic cultural interactions make it an attractive choice for anyone seeking a rewarding trekking adventure in the heart of the Annapurna region of Nepal.

 Trip Highlight

  • Scenic views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges.
  • Cultural immersion in Gurung and Magar villages.
  • Trekking through lush forests and terraced farmland.
  • Serene surroundings of Pokhara, the lakeside city.
  • Prince Charles’ historical connection to the route.
  • Easy trek suitable for beginners and families.
  • Panoramic vistas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.
  • Traditional Nepali hospitality along the way.
  • Exploration of diverse flora and fauna.
  • Photographic opportunities of rural Nepal.
  • Rupa Lake and its tranquil ambiance.
  • Relaxation in comfortable lodges along the route.
  • Cultural exchange with local communities.
  • Spectacular sunrise and sunset views.
  • Memorable farewell dinner celebration in Pokhara.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at the Pokhara airport met by the Sherpa guide and escorted to the trek starting point at Vijaypur Khola, which is approximately 20 minutes drive, and start a 3-days Royal Trek.

During the first day, which is a pleasant uphill start, we pass through colorful Chettri and Brahmin Villages. After approximately 2 hours trek, we shall stop for a hearty lunch at a scenic spot, where we shall rest for about one hour. The mountain views from Thulokot stretches from Dhaulagiri in the west to Manaslu Range in the east.

Overnight.

This morning, we shall wake up to view a magnificent and breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast, we shall start out with a pleasant morning walk by following the ridgeline eastwards as we pass through colorful villages, terraced rice fields and farming countryside. The trail is both uphill and downhill and after approximately 3 hours of trekking, we shall stop at a scenic wayside ridge for an appetizing lunch.

We shall continue downhill for a while after passing through a small village, there is a rather surprising climb uphill which eventually leads us through the backyards of a small Gurung village to a scenic hilltop campsite at Shyaglung (6200 ft.). The view from our campsite at Shyaglung is just enchanting, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the visually impressive effects of the sunlight against the Majestic Annapurna Range, leaves you deeply astounded with its grandeur.

After a refreshing wash-up, our Sherpas will prepare and serve yet another hot and savory dinner around the campfire. Overnight at camp.

The total duration of trekking on Day 2 will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning we shall wake up to view one of the most magnificent sunrise, on this trekking course, while we have our morning tea or coffee and after breakfast, we shall start our third day of trekking.

Descend through the Gurung village before a knee wobbling descent leads us through the forests to the valley floor. Crossing streams that feeds the Lake Rupa at the southern end of the valley, the route cuts through paddy fields and then climbs onto the ridge that separates the Lake Rupa and Lake Begnas.

Stop for the last trek lunch at a scenic spot from where one can view the Begnas Lake in the foreground and Mount Macchapucchare in the background. The path widens as we pass through a busy village market area to the road-head settlement at Begnas, where we end our trek and bid farewell to our Sherpa team. The waiting vehicle will pick us up for the 40 minutes drive back to Pokhara

The total duration of trekking on Day 3 will be approximately 4 hours.

Departures & Availability

The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Check Available Dates
Start Date Price Availability

All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Price include

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Lodging in teahouses, guesthouses, or lodges along the trekking route.
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Meals typically include traditional Nepali and international dishes.
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back (by tourist bus or private vehicle).
  • Transfer from Pokhara to the trek starting point and back.
  • Licensed trekking guide fluent in English or other languages.
  • Seasonal Fruits Everyday after dinner
  • Farewell Dinner at Home or any other Restaurant
  • The guide provides information about the route, culture, and safety.
  • Porter service to carry trekking gear and personal belongings (usually one porter for every two trekkers).
  • Porters carry a maximum weight allowance per trekker.
  • Accommodation and meals for the guide and porter(s) during the trek.

Price Excludes

  • Flights to and from Nepal are not included in the trek package.
  • Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included.
  • Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation is not included but highly recommended.
  • Expenses for additional meals, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
  • Expenses for optional activities such as sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Personal trekking gear such as trekking boots, clothing, sleeping bags, and trekking poles.
  • Rental or purchase of trekking gear if needed.
  • Tips for the trekking staff (guide, porter) are not included but appreciated.
  • Additional services not specified in the itinerary, such as hot showers, charging electronic devices, or Wi-Fi access in teahouses (if available).
  • Costs associated with emergency rescue or evacuation in case of altitude sickness or other emergencies are not included.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara before or after the trek is not included but can be arranged upon request.

Gears And Equipment

Trip Information

The Royal Trek is a scenic trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, renowned for its stunning mountain views, cultural experiences, and historical significance. Here’s some essential information about the Royal Trek:

Location:

The Royal Trek is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, near the city of Pokhara.

Duration:

The trek typically lasts for 4 to 5 days, depending on the pace and itinerary chosen.

Difficulty:

The Royal Trek is considered an easy trek, suitable for beginners and families. It involves moderate walking on well-defined trails with gradual ascents and descents.

Highlights:

  • Spectacular views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges.
  • Cultural immersion in Gurung and Magar villages, experiencing local traditions and lifestyle.
  • Scenic landscapes featuring lush forests, terraced farmland, and serene lakes.
  • Historical significance, as Prince Charles of the United Kingdom trekked this route in the early 1980s.
  • Opportunities for photography, capturing the beauty of rural Nepal and its people.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to embark on the Royal Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their finest.

Permits:

Trekkers need to obtain the necessary permits for trekking in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.

Accommodation:

Accommodation options along the Royal Trek route include teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses offering basic facilities. Camping is also possible for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Guided vs. Independent Trekking:

Trekkers can choose to undertake the Royal Trek with the assistance of a licensed guide and porter or opt for independent trekking. Hiring a guide provides insights into the local culture, ensures safety, and supports the local economy.

Preparation:

Prior physical fitness and basic trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing layers, a backpack, water bottles, and sunscreen, are essential for the Royal Trek.

Safety:

While the Royal Trek is relatively easy, trekkers should be mindful of altitude sickness, stay hydrated, and acclimatize properly. It’s advisable to trek with a reliable trekking agency or guide for safety and assistance.

Environmental Considerations:

Trekkers are encouraged to practice responsible tourism by minimizing waste, respecting local customs, and preserving the natural environment.

Conclusion:

The Royal Trek offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical significance, making it an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a memorable adventure in the heart of the Annapurna region.

 

The Royal Trek Route Map

royal-trekking-4-days

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

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