The Royal Trek is one of the shortest treks that follow a shrub like path along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley. The Royal Trek is so-named because Prince Charles and his 90 person entourage had explored this route in the early eighties. This trek provides the opportunities for meaningful cultural experiences with the diverse mix of people and cultures that inhabit this region.The journey of Royal trek begins in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara and passes through beautiful Gurung hamlets. During the trek, we are able to enjoy stunning views of the eloquently built hillside rice terraces, the magnificent Annapurna range, Machapuchhre [fishtail] and the Langtang Mountain views. The trip finally ends at the scenic Begnas Lake which is about 30 km west of Pokhara City.The Royal trekking trip is basically recommended for beginners who are restricted by time to trek longer. This Royal trek presents a true picture of uniqueness and allowing us the chance to capture traditional lifestyles of the tribes whose ancient religious practices and traditions have remained unchanged for thousands of years. Compared to other trekking areas in Annapurna region, Royal trekking route is less crowded, so you can get more close to nature, culture and lifestyle.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6-7 hrs drive
Day 04: Pokhara to Kalikasthan [1,370m/4,496ft]: 1 hr drive, 4-5 hrs trek
Day 05: Kalikasthan to Syaklung [1,730m/5,675ft]:5-6 hrs
Day 06: Syaklung to Chisapani [1550m/5,084ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 07: Chisapani to Pokhara
Day 08: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6-7 hrs drive
Day 09: Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]
Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Traverse who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest. We may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Traverse where you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country's food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast, we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Traverse briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. You might shop around the city if you need any gears for the trek during the evening time. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 03: Drive Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6-7 hrs drive
Early morning, we take a tourist bus to Pokhara. If you are lucky and get the right side of the bus, you can take pleasure in amazing views of green mountains and villages. Upon reaching the enchanting city of Pokhara which offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others, we check in to the hotel. Pokhara has numerous lakes, known as 'Tal' in Nepali which offer fishing, boating and swimming. Strolling around the Lakeside city and exploring it in the evening is enjoyable. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 04: Pokhara to Kalikasthan [1,370m/4,496ft]: 1 hr drive, 4-5 hrs trek
Today, after breakfast we drive to Bijayapur Khola to begin our trek. Initially we start our walk for about an hour through flat paddy fields and cross the river. After crossing the river the trail starts to ascend to Kalikasthan. Lunch will be served midway through the climb. After arriving at Kalikasthan, we rest for some time then explore the surrounding areas. We spend overnight at a local guesthouse.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 05: Kalikasthan to Syaklung [1,730m/5,675ft]:5-6 hrs
After breakfast, we start walking through the villages. We walk along the ridge of the mountain which offers good views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. Today, we can explore many villages, its locals and the rhododendron forests. Overnight at Syaklung in local guesthouse.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 06: Syaklung to Chisapani [1550m/5,084ft]: 5-6 hrs
Walking through the Gurung village gives an opportunity to observe the local lifestyle. We move ahead playing a game of hide and seek with the rhododendron and Sal trees. Half way through the walk there is a 400m descent, then a 600m ascent for us to arrive at Chisapani. This is the best view point to see the Himalayan Panorama. You will see Dhaulagiri to the west of Annapurna. Overnight in guesthouse.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 07: Chisapani to Pokhara
Today we walk half way down the hill to Rupatal and climb about 200 meters to arrive at Sundare Danda. Walk 15 minutes down to Begnas Tal and enjoy an hour of boating. Transfer to Pokhara, check in at a hotel and take rest or explore the Lake side. Overnight at hotel.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 08: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6-7 hrs drive
Early morning, we take a tourist bus to get back to Kathmandu. Watching scenic countryside en route makes our long bus journey interesting. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day can be spent at leisure or perhaps catching up with some last minute shopping or exploring any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 09: Departure
There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Himalayan Traverse will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.
Included meals:Breakfast
(Note: Booking must be confirmed 6 months before in advance)
You must bring the important documents mentioned below in your trip.
We first met Dorjee Sherpa in 2012 and did a trek with him to Langtang before it was devastated in the earthquake. We quickly fell in love with the himalayas, the Nepalese people, their culture, and Dorjee shepa. The Langtang trek was a beautiful trek and a great introductory to the…
December 30, 2024
Matt massey, United StatesJust got home from our second trek in the Himalayas with Dorjee sherpa. We treked to tengboche for the mani rimdu festival. The festival was incredible and the mountains are magnificent. Dorjee is a great guide and we really enjoyed staying at his Buddha lodge and meeting his wonderful family.
December 30, 2024
Matt massey, United StatesMy family and friends from Maui completed a 10 day trek through Sagarmatha National Park to Tengboche to view the Mani Rimdu Festival in November . Our Guide Dorjee Sherpa and his associates arranged a fantastic trip for us. We stayed at his Buddha Lodge in Phakding and were treated very…
December 30, 2024
Kevin Horan, NepalI spent very memorable days in the Everest region in Nepal. I used to dream to see this highest peak of the world and now I arrested it in my camera. My guide arranged everything and helped me a lot. He did not let me feel tired and boring.
December 30, 2024
Austin, Netherlands Antilles