Royal Trekking, Annapurna Royal Trek, Royal Treks in Nepal

Royal Trekking - 9 Days

Trip Overview

Royal Trekking

“Not just beautiful, though—the stars are like the trees in the forest, alive and breathing.”

The Royal Trek is the best trek for those who want to experience village life and striking mountain views in a relatively short period of time. The entire trek is rather easy with occasional up and downhill hikes along the ridges and valleys without having to worry about altitude and acclimatization as the maximum ascent on this trek is Syaglung at 1425 meter. Royal Trek overall covers very normal elevation about 1500m but offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of snow clad mountain peaks. This trek is recommended to those who seek real natural experience up close with the magnificent views of the Himalayas.

The Royal Trek is one of the famous and easiest treks in the Annapurna region. The trek has been named the Royal Trek as Britain’s Prince Charles Walked it in the 1980s. This short trek follows a shrub like path along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley. From there we start our trek with a bus ride to Bijaypur, this off the main trekking route of Annapurna region, conquering the height of 1,730m, finishes 5 kms away from Pokhara. This trek gives you an amazing experience throughout the whole route as it gives you an experience and learning must escape from poverty of the generation and keep them alive. The Annapurna Skyline Royal trekking route passes through forests, terraced farmlands, amazing turquoise lakes and the beautiful settlement of Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, and Magar community offering the experience of their mixed culture and lifestyle that has remained unchanged for years. Begnas Lake is the ending point of the royal hiking in the Annapurna region. The regions are so unspoiled as to have no tea houses, and we will need to camp. As you hike the terraced farmlands your eyes behold the magnificent Annapurna range, Machapuchhre [fishtail peak] and the Langtang Mountains that give you a view of nature’s beauty at its best. The trip ends with a 7 hour bus ride to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Royal Trek is basically recommended for beginners or those who have very limited time but yet looking for an opportunity to squeeze in an experience of a trekking holiday in the Himalaya.

This trek is especially suitable for the beginners and elderly people. However, there is also an option to extend a cultural tour of Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan by combining. Furthermore, we recommend April to mid June and September to November as the best time to go for this trek. The trek is fully customized so that you can get the panoramic view of the Annapurna range with Fishtail Mountain and Lamjung Himal range. Join Trekking Planner now to be part of this spectacular Royal Trek to get the thrills of Nepal’s diverse ecological beauty.

Detail Itinerary

“Ready-Made itinerary presented in website can be operated for individuals, couples and small groups on a private tailor-made basis, starting on a date of your choice. Itinerary is on the basis of tea-house trekking but it can be operated as Camp Trek. Please contact Trekking Planner to discuss about your tour plan.”

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandnu

As you arrive to Kathmandu and clear immigration and customs, you shall be welcomed by a Trekking Planner representative who shall transfer you to your respective hotel. After taking rest for your jetlagged body, explore the immediate surroundings in the vibrant Thamel which hosts diverse shops, hotels and is neighbor to some eminent historical buildings including the Narayanhiti Museum. Enjoy the authentic dinner in the evening and prepare for city tour tomorrow. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 02: Full day in Kathmandu

Today you shall enjoy a city tour in the medieval city of Kathmandu and explore the historical and ancient heritages of prominent value. In a guided tour that shall reflect the rich diversity of this nation, you shall pay visit to the Buddhist holy places of Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupas which are known for their religious importance, ancient monasteries and unique cultural ensembles within the premises. Next on the list is Hindu holy place of Pashupatinath Temple located at the bank of holy Bagmati River which is one of the most revered pilgrimages all over the world. We shall also explore the rich heritages of Patan Durbar Square, a complex with ancient royal palace, unique Krishna Temple, museum, resting places and intricate carvings on the stones and wooden structures in the premises. After this exploration, we shall have an interaction with the trekking guide and get ourselves clarified on the issues related to the trekking. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m) about 07 hrs drive

Today we shall leave the vibrant cultural hotspot of Nepal, the Kathmandu valley, and head for Pokhara, the Lake City of Nepal. We shall reach to this scenic city via land route (by Bus or Car) which takes around 6-7 hours or via a short and entertaining flight. The land route shall provide beautiful scenery constituting the rural landscape, winding road, company of Trishuli and other rivers, religious site of Manakamana Temple near Muglin among the other noticeable sites. Stay overnight at Pokhara.

Day 04: Drive to Bijayapur and Trek to Kalikasthan (1243m) about 5 hrs walk

Take breakfast before an early morning departure at 7am Drive to Bijayapur Khola to start the trek from there. We walk about an hour through the flat rice fields and across the river. If you are taking this trek in the summer the river may be hard to cross if it is flooded. After crossing the river the trail starts to ascend to Kalikasthan. Lunch will be served at the middle of the climb. After arriving at Kalikasthan, camp will be set up at the top of the grassy verge 4 hrs. Stay overnight at Kalikasthan.

Day 05: Trek to Shaklung (1730m) 5-6 hrs walk

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. After breakfast, we start walking through the villages of Thulokot to Mati Thana where you can enjoy a Tea- shop lunch. You would on the forested ridge of the mountain with good views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. After ascending to Lipini you will arrive at Shaklung where you will set up camp 4 hrs. Stay overnight at Shaklung.

Day 06: Trek to Chisopani (1260m) 4-5 hrs walks

Walk through Gurung Village with a small but lovely marketplace you will continue through rhododendron and Sal forests. Halfway through the walk there is a 400 meter descent and 600 meter ascent on an easy path before arriving at Chisopani this is the best point to see the Himalayan Panorama. You will see Dhaulagiri 8,167m to the west of Annapurna. You set up camp a short distance from this village, near a ridge-top temple 4 hours. Stay overnight at Chisopani.

Day 07: Trek to Begnas Bazar and drive 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. You walk half way downhill to Rupa Tal and climb about 200 meters before arriving at Sundare Danda and walk 15 minutes down to Begnas Tal for one hours boating to catch the transfer to Pokhara. Stay overnight at Pokhara.

Day 08: Fly back to Kathmandu

Early morning, we take a flight to get back to Kathmandu. Watching scenic countryside en route makes our flight exciting. 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. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 09: Final departure

This is the official end to this trekking adventure in the less explored and off-the-beaten trekking trail in the eastern Nepal. After packing your luggage for the onward destination, a Trekking Planner representative shall transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport at least 3 hours prior to the departure time of your flight. We hope that this trek in the relatively quaint trekking trail created a lot of lifetime memories. The trek is sure to leave impression that lasts for the lifetime in your memory. Adventure seeker like you are supposedly expected to be back for other treks and adventure activities. We look forward to welcome you again in this beautiful Himalayan nation.

“Trekking Planner will try to keep day-to-day schedule as per the detailed itinerary but there might be some flexibility due to other factors beyond our control. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, difficulty with transportation and politics can lead to enforced changes. So, it is not possible to guarantee as per the itinerary. In the case, trip leader will manage it to minimize your inconvenience.”

We wish you have a wonderful time with us!

Include Exclude

Trip Cost:

→US $699.00 per person

→Single Supplement US $130.00

Cost Includes:

All airport Pick up drop by private vehicle
Welcome dinner in Authentic Restaurant
03 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB at Three star hotel in Kathmandu
02 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Pokhara
Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and in Pokhara with all necessary entrance fee and privet vehicle.
Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by deluxe tourist bus (if you want both way flight or private vehicle also available on additional cost)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
One guide with the quality of English speaking, registered with license, insured, salary, accommodation and all meals paid. Porter on your request.
Accommodation in the simple tea houses during the trekking days
Three meals per a day i.e. breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Tea or coffee is included during the trekking days.
Safe drinking water and first add kid box
Pokhara to Starting point and ending point of trek to Pokhara by private vehicle

Cost Excludes:

Your Nepal Visa fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Meals during the traveling time
Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
In case of extra more night accommodation, lunch and dinner in city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of itinerary
Guest personal expenses in the Trekking like (laundry and baggage charge, phone calls, bar and beverage bill, battery recharge, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc)
The Tips to the trekking crews and drive
Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
Anything not included in service includes column

Equipment List

Equipments for Royal Trekking

Trekking Bag pack.
Trekking day bag.( Small handbag)
Trekking shoes.
Sports shoes or sandal.
Trekking stick.
Sun Hat, cap
Warm woolen cap.
Trekking jacket Gore tax/ flees jacket.
Pullover or warm sweeter.
Raincoat.
4/5 pairs of good qualities shock.
Hand gloves.
2/3 pairs of Trekking trousers
3/4 pairs of trekking shirts.
3/4 pairs of Underwear
Eye glass
Water bottle.
Sleeping bag.
Flash or Torch light.
Camera and batteries.
Sun cream.

FAQs

Can you provide me more information about the teahouses on Royal Trekking?
According to the location the tea houses vary on their quality and style on this Trek. Basically they have communal room downstairs with one or two bed bedroom above them. You have to use share toilet but nowadays in low levels attached toilet is found and some have hot shower facilities but some will have stand pipes. Tea houses use a type of burning stove in main communal area and other rooms are unheated. Tea houses do not have money exchange facilities. Trekking Planner recommend you to exchange cash in Kathmandu.

How many guides and porters will be there in our group on Royal Trek?

A group will have a group leader or a guide who will lead you on Royal trek. Porters will be there to carry your baggage packs and all the camping gear. One porter will carry two trekker’s baggage. A number of supporting staff will depend upon your group size.

At one time how many liter of water I have to carry in Royal Trekking?
Mostly 3-4 liters is sufficient. You will be able to refill bottles at lunch time. When you are in high altitude you have to drink more water to get rid of altitude diseases.

Is it necessary to carry Trekking poles?
Yes, Trekking Poles make you easy to walk in the rough ways. Trekking poles makes your body and leg to move more safely. So, we suggest you to use it.

Is bottled water available everywhere in Royal Trek?
Mainly tea houses on the way have stores which sell bottled water and other supplies that may be needed for you on the trek. There are no any plastic recyclable facilities in Nepal, we encourage you to bring chlorine tablets and use filter water in the teahouses.

Should I have to bring iodine tablets for purifying the water?
You have to bring iodine tablet with you. Chlorine tablets are widely available. The most effective and commonly used version of chlorine is chlorine dioxide, which is tasteless and odorless. Tablets can be bought cheaply and usually 1 tablet is sufficient to purify 1 liter of water. Neutralizing tablets can also be bought to get rid of the smell and taste of chlorine or iodine. This will need to be done for water obtained using hand pumps or streams in the trek.

What are the effects of going so high?
Altitude produces physical changes in the body. Higher you go, more pronounced those changes. If after gaining a lot of elevation in a hurry, you experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, and dehydration, you are probably suffering from altitude sickness. In rare cases this may worsen, so a close watch is kept on all trekkers by the Group Leader who is trained to recognize Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If trekkers show any signs of AMS they will be evacuated to a lower, safe altitude immediately. To minimize effects of altitude you ascend slowly which allows safe acclimatization.

What if I get ill while on Royal Trek?
It depends on the nature of your illness. If you suddenly feel dizzy or weak, you have to sit or lie down. If you still feel sick, keep a warm and quiet until you can get medical help. You will carry down if no progress we advise travelers to take a personal kit too.
In serious cases, you need helicopter rescue. Our guide will suggest you to use it if it’s very serious. So, helicopter rescue insurance is necessary for every trekker before you come to trek in this trek.

Would you recommend taking a Down Jacket?
The weather is changeable in the Himalaya so you can expect to experience four seasons in one day. Make sure you have plenty of warm layers which you can shed or add as required. While even in winter it can be as warm as 19C during the day, the higher the altitude, the colder the temperature and when high up the temperature drops significantly at night to around -10C in October/November, and to around -20C from December to February.

Is alcohol permitted on Royal Trekking?

Alcohol is consumed in Nepal. You can buy it in tea houses in the trek. Local alcohol is also available. However we suggest you not to drink alcohol at high altitude.

Before You Go

Safe drinking water on Royal Trekking

Basically, we can get mineral water bottles in lower places but as we go higher cannot find it. In that case we suggest you to drink boiled water which may charge small fee, found in tea houses and better to bring chlorine tablets to purify water. Due to no provision of plastic bottles better to use boiled rather than mineral water, helpful for protection of environment.

Recharging Batteries of Electronic Items on Royal Trekking

Hydro electricity or solar power sources are used to charge your electrical items like camera, batteries, iPod, phone etc. Tea houses or lodges may charge small fee per hours for charging facilities. Better to buy adaptors before the trip since plugs are limited. In Nepal 220-240 volt power is used and sockets fit round and flat plugs.

Garbage Disposal

Use dustbins and do not throw anything into the fire. Carry garbage’s in the way where dustbin facilities are not available and conserve the environment.

Spending Money per Day

It mainly depends upon spending habits; normally you should allocate US$ 9-12 per meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On trekking, US$ 10-14 a day is good enough to buy drinks and chocolates.

Travel Insurance for Royal Trekking

You should be sufficiently protected and need to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, lost items, liabilities, injuries and medical treatment. Ensure the insurance covers all the activities in the Himalayas. Trekking Planner can offer the appropriate medical response based on your policy and insurance.

Washing and Toilet facilities for Royal Trekking

All the guest houses offer hot showers, which can be in bathroom or can be a bucket of hot water. Limit the use of hot water unless the water is solar heated or firewood for the ecological reason.

Toilets are mainly Asian squat style. Basically toilets are outside your room and vary in how clean they are. You should not through toilet paper in the toilet hole rather you should use rubbish bin that is kept inside the toilet.

Tea Houses

On this trekking route local people have built tea houses lodge with food and beverage facilities. A simple room usually has two narrow beds. While staying in the tea houses you will see the charming local people with their good hospitality services.

How Can I Plan and Confirm My Trip?

Trekking Planner is a government licensed trekking company in Nepal. You can see photos of legal documents in about us section. We accept your booking under following terms and conditions:

Bookings must be done 48 hrs. in advance
Free Cancellation
No Down payment
No Deposit
Accept Cash Payment, Bank Transfer, Western Union, Money Gram, or a Credit Card.

For more information see our Terms and Conditions page.