The Royal Trek - 9 Days

  • Trip Code HTA-79
  • Duration: 9 Days
  • Trip Grade Easy
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Trip Highlights

  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Trek from Pokhara to Kalikasthan
  • Good views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal
  • Best View of Himalayan Panorama

 

About Trip:

The Royal Trek is one of the shortest trekking routes in the Annapurna region, following a scenic path through the foothills north of Pokhara Valley. Its name comes from the fact that Prince Charles and his entourage of 90 people explored this trail in the early 1980s.

Starting from the picturesque lakeside city of Pokhara, the trek passes through charming Gurung villages. Along the way, trekkers can admire well-crafted hillside rice terraces, enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, including Machapuchhre (Fishtail), and even catch glimpses of the Langtang mountains. The trek concludes at Begnas Lake, located about 30 km west of Pokhara.

This trek is ideal for beginners or those with limited time, offering a genuine glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of local communities. The Royal Trek allows travelers to witness ancient religious practices and cultural traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Compared to other trekking routes in the Annapurna region, the Royal Trek is less crowded, providing a closer connection to nature, culture, and local life.

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Outline Itinerary

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

Cost Includes:

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • Star level hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with B&B  on twin sharing basis
  • Welcome dinner with cultural program
  • All accommodation and breakfast during the trek on twin sharing basis
  • A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • Himalayan Traverse Trekking duffel bag and T-shirt
  • All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, TIMS )
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu tourist coach
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes:

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs )
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara(and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Single supplement fee USD 150
  • Tips for guides and porters

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]

When we arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Traverse will meet us and escort us to our hotel. After checking in, we can rest and freshen up. Later, we may explore the lively streets of Thamel, a popular area for tourists, and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, Himalayan Traverse will host a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepalese dishes, giving us a first taste of the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.Included meals:Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s most historic and spiritual sites. The itinerary includes World Heritage Sites such as the iconic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the renowned Swayambhunath or 'Monkey Temple,' and the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world. In the afternoon, we have a pre-trek briefing where we meet our trek leader and fellow team members. Himalayan Traverse will provide detailed information about the trek and answer any questions about the upcoming adventure. In the evening, there may be an opportunity to shop in the city for any trekking gear you might need. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Drive Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6-7 hrs drive

Early in the morning, we board a tourist bus to Pokhara. If you’re seated on the right side of the bus, you’ll be treated to stunning views of lush mountains and scenic villages along the way. Upon arrival in the beautiful city of Pokhara, which boasts spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, and the five peaks of Annapurna, we check into our hotel. Pokhara is famous for its many lakes, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali, where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. In the evening, a leisurely walk around the Lakeside area allows you to explore the city’s charm. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.Included meals:Breakfast

Day 04: Pokhara to Kalikasthan [1,370m/4,496ft]: 1 hr drive, 4-5 hrs trek

After breakfast today, we drive to Bijayapur Khola to begin our trek. The journey starts with about an hour of walking across flat paddy fields before crossing a river. Once across, the trail begins to climb toward Kalikasthan, with a lunch break provided midway through the ascent. Upon reaching Kalikasthan, we take some time to rest and then explore the nearby surroundings. Overnight stay will be 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 descend halfway down the hill toward Rupatal, then climb approximately 200 meters to reach Sundare Danda. From there, a short 15-minute walk takes us to Begnas Tal, where we enjoy an hour of peaceful boating on the lake. Afterward, we drive back to Pokhara, check into our hotel, and relax or spend the evening exploring the Lakeside area. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

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 are no planned activities for today except exchanging contact information with your travel companions and organizing your photos. If time permits, you may also enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Later, a representative from Himalayan Traverse will transfer you to the airport around three hours before your 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.

  • Valid Passport with 2 pp sized photos
  • Proof of insurance and visa form
  • International air tickets
  • Enough cash which can be exchanged once you reach Kathmandu
  • Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.

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