The Royal Trekking in Nepal is among the most luxurious treks in Nepal. They are one of Nepal’s shortest treks that follow the Annapurna region’s foothills. Compared to other treks in the Annapurna region, the Royal Trekking is relatively short and among the most leisurely treks. The Royal Trek gets its name because Prince Charles and his 90-person group explored this route in the early 1980s. This trek offers the chance to have meaningful cultural experiences with this region’s diverse mix of people and cultures.
The primary inhabitants of the Annapurna regions are Gurungs and Magars. Gurungs typically live high up on the hills, raising maize, millet, and rice. The locals use buffalo, the predominant form of cattle, for herding, grazing, dairy, and meat products. The height of pastures can reach 12,500 feet. Gurungs practice Buddhism. They are typically short and stocky, with mongoloid features. Gurungs speak their language, but the majority also speak Nepali. Many young individuals work in offices at lower altitudes.
Highlights
Explore the majestic Kathmandu city and visit the UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath.
Following in the footsteps of Prince Charles and Nepal’s royal families, Luxurious camping in the tranquil Annapurna region is a chance to learn about the daily lives of the locals, their culture, and their cuisine in their diets and value life in its purest form.
Breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the 7th-highest Dhaulagiri, the 55-kilometer-long Annapurna massif, Fishtail, Nilgiri, and Hiunchuli peaks.
The chance to see and find the rare Himalayan plants and animal species in their natural habitat in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Visit the majestic Begnas Lake and take plenty of photos that will last your lifetime.
Explore many temples, monasteries, Ghumbas, and meditation caves and learn about the culture and tradition being preserved for decades.
The Royal Trekking Trek Difficulty
The Royal trekking is one of the shortest and easiest treks in the Annapurna region. They are the perfect trek for beginners and those who don’t have any prior experience. The highest altitude you will be trekking in this trek is just over 1700m. Hence, the chance of Altitude sickness is almost impossible. The other factors of trek difficulty, like weather and climate, will not affect the trekkers, and if you choose the appropriate time for trekking, then a few more factors are neutralized.
However, one factor can make trekking difficult, especially for the less experienced and beginners. The Royal trekking takes about 4-5 days to complete, and the trek still takes place in rural, remote areas. Hence, the trekkers must be physically fit and have at least some endurance to complete the trek without difficulty. You will walk for 5-6 hours on paths that sometimes go up and down. The paths are not too hard, and you don’t need a lot of experience to enjoy this journey.
January
5°C to 15°C
February
6°C to 16°C
March
8°C to 17°C
April
10°C to 20°C
May
12°C to 22°C
June
15°C to 25°C
July
16°C to 26°C
August
16°C to 26°C
September
14°C to 24°C
October
12°C to 21°C
November
8°C to 17°C
December
6°C to 16°C
4 Days The Royal Trekking Day-to-day-Itinerary
Day 1
Drive to Bijayapur Khola from Pokhara - Trek to Kalikasthan
Day 1 Facts
Trekking Time Average
35km. drive to Bijayapur Khola - 12km. trek to Kalikastan ( Avg. 4 hrs walk)
Accommodation
Tea House in Kalikastan
Altitude
(1,370m/4,495ft)
Included meals
Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola, the starting point of the trek. The trail starts with a steep climb through terraced fields and villages, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range. After a few hours of trekking, reach Kalikasthan, a small town with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the night in a teahouse and enjoy a warm dinner.
Day 2
Trek to Syaklung
Day 2 Facts
Trekking Time Average
12km. uphill hike to Syaklung ( 05 hrs. )
Accommodation
Tea House in Syaklung
Altitude
(1,730m/5,676ft)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early and start trekking towards Syaklung, a small Gurung village located at an altitude of 1730m. The trail passes through dense forests and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. Reach Syaklung in the afternoon and explore the village. Spend the night in a teahouse and enjoy a traditional Gurung dinner.
Day 3
Trek to Chisapani
Day 3 Facts
Trekking Time Average
13km downhill hike to Chisapani ( Avg. 05 hrs.)
Accommodation
Teahouse in Chisapani
Altitude
(1,550m/5,086ft)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, start trekking towards Chisapani, a beautiful village at an altitude of 1550m. The trail passes through forests and small towns and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Reach Chisapani in the afternoon and explore the city. Spend the night in a teahouse and enjoy a warm dinner.
Day 4
Trek to Begnaslake - Drive to Pokhara
Day 4 Facts
Trekking Time Average
8km. hike to Beganas Lake - Drive to Pokhara
Altitude
(850m./2805ft.)
Included meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up early and start trekking towards Pokhara, which is the endpoint of the trek. The trail passes through beautiful forests and small villages and offers stunning views of the Annapurna range. Reach Pokhara in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city and relaxing. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and team.
Included
Tribhuan International Airport ( Airport – Hotel – Airport ) Transfer in kathmandu.
All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ) during the trekking.
Lodge accommodation ( twin share basis) Â during the trekking.
One experienced, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, specialized in Ghorepani trekking route and government authorized trekking guide and required porters (one porter for two persons).
Guide and porters food, accommodation, salary, insurance and transportation .
Overland transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary.
ACAP( Annapurna conservation area project) and necessary permits .
A trekking map, Duffle bags, company t-shirt, first aid medical and trekking completion certificate etc.
Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation.
Government tax and service charge.
Public Liability Insurance.
Not included
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara .
Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone bill etc.
Personal Travel insurance.
Tips for guide and porters.( Highly suggested ).
Join our group departures
Available dates.
Our scheduled group tours offer fixed departure dates, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to join our small group trips.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
Trekkers in any region in Nepal require permits to trek. Similarly, for royal trekking, the trekkers need one permit, which makes them eligible for trekking. Since The Royal Trekking is located in the Annapurna region, trekkers must issue the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit or ACAP.
You can issue the ACAP either at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the tourist center in Pokhara. The cost of the ACAP for anyone visiting the region is around $25 or NRS 3,000.
Lifestyle of local people in The Royal Trekking
The people in this area have a unique way of life that has stayed the same for thousands of years. The Royal Trek is a less crowded trek that lets you get close to nature and the local culture. The paths and bridges are well-maintained, and it’s essential to bring warm clothing because the weather can change suddenly.
In addition to the cultural tour & attractions, and scenic mountain views previously mentioned, there are also possibilities of encountering incredible flora and fauna. For instance, in areas characterized by upper sub-alpine steppe, it is possible to observe uncommon animals like snow leopards and blue sheep. In certain areas, there are protected birds like the multi-colored impeyan, kokla, and blood pheasant. The Annapurna National Park also protects different species of insects, butterflies, and over 100 types of orchids. Furthermore, for the rhododendron lovers, it is the place for the largest rhododendron forest.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is Royal Trekking?
Royal Trekking is a short and easy trekking route that takes you through some of the most beautiful and peaceful landscapes of Pokhara, Nepal. It is called the Royal Trek because Prince Charles of the United Kingdom once trekked this route in the 1980s.
How long is the Royal Trek?
The total distance you will cover in the Royal trek route is about 20-25 km and is among the shortest trek in the Annapurna region. The agency has curated a four- to five-day trekking package for this trek.
What is the difficulty level of the Royal Trek?
The Royal Trek is an easy trek that can be done by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The trek involves a few steep ascents and descents, but the trail is well-maintained and not very challenging.
When is the best time to do the Royal Trek?
The best time to do the Royal Trek is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is clear and dry, and Annapurna and Lamjung Valley views are spectacular.
What is the altitude of the Royal Trek?
The highest point of the Royal Trek is 1,730 meters, which is relatively low compared to other trekking routes in Nepal. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to trek without the risk of altitude sickness.
What kind of accommodation is available during the Royal Trek?
During the Royal Trek, you will stay in tea houses or lodges, which offer basic but comfortable accommodation. You can expect a private room with a bed and a shared bathroom.
What kind of food is available during the Royal Trek?
You can expect to find a variety of local and international dishes during the Royal Trek. The most common meals are dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), momos (dumplings), noodles, and fried rice.
Do I need a guide for the Royal Trek?
While it is possible to do the Royal Trek without a guide, we highly recommend hiring one. A guide will ensure your safety and provide valuable information about the local culture and traditions.
What should I pack for the Royal Trek?
You should pack warm clothes, comfortable trekking shoes, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, a first aid kit, and sunscreen. Bringing a camera to capture the stunning views is also a good idea.
How much does the Royal Trek cost?
The cost of the Royal Trek varies depending on the number of days and the type of services you opt for. On average, the trek price is around $500-$700 per person, including accommodation, meals, and guide fees.
Will I lose weight during the Royal trekking in Nepal?
Yes, you can lose quick weight even before starting your royal trekking by indulging yourself in cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, exercising, cycling, and hiking in the steep ascents. Since Royal trekking is a quick four to five-day trek, you might lose a few pounds.
How many days does it take to complete the Royal trekking in Nepal?
The Royal Trekking itinerary in Nepal ranges from 4 to 9 days. Remember that the trekking agency has a pre-curated itinerary where you can add or remove the side trekking or activities to increase or decrease the trek duration.
How long does it take to reach Syaklung from Kalikasthan?
On this royal trek in Nepal, you will reach Syaklung on the second day. After the end of the first day, you will begin your trek from Kalikasthan to Syaklung. It takes about 5-6 hours to cover the distance from the two places as they are 187.4 km apart.
Do you need Travel Insurance for the Royal trekking?
Travel insurance is an essential document that protects you from emergency medical bills. Although travel insurance is not mandatory, nor is The Royal Trekking, a very high altitude extreme adventure, it is still wise to issue insurance that will cover you for medical expenses and helicopter rescue if needed.
What is the altitude of Chisapani?
The altitude of Chisapani is 1550m which you will reach in the third day of your itinerary package. You will reach Chisapani from Syaklung in which you will have to decrease some altitude.
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
My friend and I were lucky to find Tej online before visiting Nepal. We knew we wanted to do a trek, but we weren’t sure exactly which trek. Tej sent us a bunch of itineraries for different treks and we chose the Manaslu circuit. When we arrived our guide, Kumar, was waiting for us at the airport and Tej was able to get us all our permits for the trek done in less than 2 hours which was great. The manaslu trek was absolutely amazing! We were super happy with our whole trip and we were lucky to be able to make the pass even though we saw dozens of other people who had to turn back because of the weather. We are already looking forward to going back next year at the same time to trek Everest and we will definitely use Tej again!
“Nepal Alternative Trek addressed my needs according to my schedule and agenda. I stayed most of the time at his home-stay, shuttling between home and the places that I wanted to visit. Tej, the boss behind Nepal Alternative Trek, helped to make my stay in Kathmandu comfortable and productive. He walked me to the monasteries that I wanted to visit and even picked me up when I needed a ride back home.
The home-stay is hosted by his wife and I got to experience living with a Nepalese family, sharing their food, space and laughter.
For the home-stay:
1) Meals available upon request
2) Family get together and chats
3) Regular change of bed-sheets and towels
4) Free WIFI
5) Near Swayambhu and Thamel
6) Safe environment
7) Mountainous forest behind home
8) Walking distance to beautiful monasteries
9) Away from hustle and bustle of towns yet easy to get to town
Goal was achieved 4130 meter and 0 degree celsius, Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was 6 months of preparation. It was challenging target for us. We had dense forest, mountain, and completely wilderness above the treeline, it was windy and terrain . There is a huge support team. Without them it would not be possible. We can do it , we just have to give time and practice. Mr. Gurung Ji, you with your entire 7 of team were wonderful. They were always ready to help us.
Thanks Mr. Gurung ji for all the support, and guidance that made the trip successful. While all of us focused on Mountain, big thing but there were so many beautiful things along the way, stream, flowers, flora, so many birds I took pictures. So, in summary, phenomenal, success and our confidence there. We know, we can do more and higher in next what bigger thing.
8 days non trek city tour and 21days trek to EBC and chola pass
We love nepal and made 3 time visit to this beutiful country and rich culture. This time last year we came with 6 pax and visited Kathmandu , Pohkara and chitwan with a stay of 2 night in each place. We flew to Pohkara and got the van to chitwan and flew to Kathmandu. Tej arranged all transports overland and flights for us. We did not asked for a local guide but it was all smooth and no problem. We are happy with the service provided by Tej and he made all efforts to make us happy. His company performed professional with the very reasonable pricing. We encountered some small problem with the van transporting us back from nagarkot to kathmandu airport. This van was quite small and it came to pick up quite late that we almost missed the flight to pohkara. We told Tej about this and he must take care of this outsourced van company. Anyway the van in pohkara and to chitwan was excellent , big and comfy. So he has corrected the mistake.
Part 2 was our trek to EBC and chola pass for 21 nights. Tej arranged for flight and guide plus porter. For this trekking it was only me and my wife travelling together. We are about 50 years and used the service of 2 porters cause we bought a lot of dry food plus chocolate. We are difficult persons in terms of foreign food. Our guide Ammer and 2 porters are fabulous. They took care of us very well like we are part of their family.
Overall we strongly recommend this company. They are good and not high expensive tag. We will use their service again in June to trek in Langtang. Rocky
We had a fantastic experience on the Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Alternative Treks. Tej, the manager, was helpful, professional and efficient in dealing with our requirements and amendments, the arrangements worked smoothly and the information provided to us was excellent. Our guide Kul was brilliant. He was friendly, knowledgable and experienced and took changes in our itinerary in his stride. Our trekking experience was much better with his help in everything from planning the stages of the route to organising our food and accommodation. Just one warning: he is an ace card player and will probably beat you hands down!
A wonderful & interesting trek overall. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances ( heavy snow fall & Lie ping with a bad cold) we were unable to cross the Ganja la pass. However, our guide Simbir offered us as alternative trek which took us on a difference journey of Nepal. We had the opportunity to visit & stay in many local villages and meet Tamang, Gurung people experience, their lifestyle and culture. We visited our guide’s home town of Chalishgaun and timed it right to join in with Diwali celebrations!
Attempting Everest base camp trekking for me & my group was taking it to the next level. Before this, our limits were Kedarnath, MadMaheshwar & Tunganath with max distances of 18-19 kms spread over 2-3 days. Moreover, these tracks are such that people doesn’t necessarily have to trek. They have the option of ponies. EBC involves a lot for people like us (acclimatization to altitude, strength etc.), but above all, you need someone to provide logistical support, moral support that it can be done. This is where Nepal Alternative Treks does a great job. They organized it very well, guides and porters provided were very reliable and cost is reasonable when you compare to others. They can customize your travel plan according to your need.
A few weeks ago we went on a trip to Nepal, accompanied by a couple of friends who were on their second trip with Nepal Alternative Trek. Our first goal was to trek to the village of Chalish in Ruby Valley. We decided to go with the services of Nepal Alternative Trek to take us up there. We went there partly by jeep, partly walking through the cultivated terraces, meeting the inhabitants of the different communities who worked there.
I must say that the service that Tej offered us was perfect on all lines. First of all, before our departure, months before, Tej always answered our many questions (luggage, temperature, route to be revised, etc.) Always within 24 hours, he answered with a lot of patience.
All the equipment we thought we would need was available at his office.
Our guide Ammar led us to destination with confidence and professionalism. He knew all the trails, and especially all the shortcuts to avoid us having to go up or down too much along our road. He has managed all the difficulties we have encountered: due to personal reasons, we had to change and our itinerary, and our calendar, and he made everything possible. The whole team adapted to our changes. Our guide contacted Tej who orchestrated the changes without us even having to deal with anything.
The porters were attentive and were always in front of our needs.
Our journey continued towards Bandipur with the driver who made us know the various interesting points, from sunrise to sunset, making detours to take us to the most famous places. Then a 2 days stay in Chitwan, and return to Kathmandu again where the driver carried us without calculating from one place to another – God knows that traffic in Kathmandu, Bakhtapur and Patan can be complicated.
Thanks to Tej, and the whole Nepal Alternative Trek team. We will remember forever that amazing experience.
Many thanks to Tej – well organized, Dhan + hal worked Hard, we could not have done it without there Help, they were always there when needed, worked extra to help us when we were sick. Always kind and cheerful
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