Considered as an easy short trek from Pokhara, Royal Trek is suitable for all people regardless of fitness level and age groups. It was named Royal Trek after Prince Charles and his 90 person associates explored this route in the early eighties.
Lying in an Annapurna region, the trekking trail passes via rhododendron forests, river valleys, magnificent topographies, diverse landscapes, and the beautiful Himalayan vistas. Passing through the different quaint villages trekkers get immense opportunities for meaningful cultural experiences of the different ethnic communities. Interacting with the folks, you will explore traditional practices, customs, and the way of living of the people around.
An easy trek around Pokhara valley need not any technical skills where excursionists are eligible to enjoy stunning views of the expressively built hillside rice fields, the magnificent Annapurna range, Mt. Fishtail, and the Langtang Mountain views and forests of magnolia, cherries, and rhododendron.
As the journey commences and finishes in the lower elevated lands, you need not worry about altitude sickness at all.
The appetizing journey begins starts after the sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage shrines of Kathmandu valley. A scenic drive via Prithivi highway takes you to the heavenly site of Pokhara. After a short drive from Pokhara the next day, trekkers reach the beginning point of the trek- Bijayapur and start their journey towards Kalikastan.
Continuing the walk passing the terraced farmlands, meadows, uphill, and downhill, they conclude the journey at the dazzling Begnas Lake. Along with the scenic views of the panoramic mountains, trekkers are warmly welcomed by the deep rhododendron and other numerous flora and fauna. Nature and cultures are vividly explored throughout this short trek.
Day | Highlight | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation | Kathmandu |
Day 3 | Drive to Pokhara | Pokhara |
Day 4 | Drive to Bijayapur and trek to Kalikasthan | |
Day 5 | Trek Kalikasthan to Syaklung | Syaklung |
Day 6 | Trek Syaklung to Chisapani | Chisapani |
Day 7 | Trek Chisapani to Pokhara | Pokhara |
Day 8 | Drive Back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 9 | Farewell |
As we land at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, one of the representatives from Holy Mountain Treks will greet us offering colorful garlands. After a short briefing, he/she will shift us to our hotel using a private vehicle.
Rest of the time, we can stroll there around exploring Nepalese lifestyles.
After breakfast, we head to the guided sightseeing tour of most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu that are enlisted in World Heritage Sites. Centuries of antique art, architectures of Durbar square, the religious significance of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments, and cultural values of different shrines can be explored within a day.
Exploring those sites, we back to our hotel in the late afternoon. After some refreshments, we will visit the office of Holy Mountain Treks. They will a pre-discussion about our upcoming journey. According to the suggestion of our trekking guide and company members, we can buy some trekking gears needed for the adventure ahead
Early in the morning, we head towards Pokhara. The total distance between Kathmandu to Pokhara is 200km and it approximately takes 6 hours to reach there. The journey passes via Prithivi highway passing green hills, diverse terraced fields, magnificent views of snow-capped peaks, and lustrous woodlands.
Upon arrival at the heavenly sites of Pokhara, we will be welcomed by the magnificent views of the mountain ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains. Shifting the hotel, we can spend the rest of the time own way either strolling around the lakeside or resting in the hotel and preparing for the trek.
Our journey begins driving towards Bijayapur Khola-beginning point of our journey. Our actual trek starts from this point. Passing some terraced lands, paddy fields, and some ethnic settlements; we reach the river and cross it. Subsequently, the journey ascends towards Kalikastan.
The trail offers picturesque views of the surroundings. In the middle of ascending, we get lunch and get plenty of chances to interact with hospitable locals
The trek resumes after the first meal at our lodge. Walking through the ridges, passing diverse landscapes, mountain vistas, we get the picturesque views of the giant Annapurnas and Lamjung Mountain.
Lustrous rhododendron and cherries blooms can be observed if we trek in the spring months. Different ethnic settlements with unique people and their distinct lifestyles can be explored today. Reaching Syaklung, we check-in one of the local lodges and stay overnight there.
Our 6th day in Nepal commences with the first sip of tea in our teahouse at Syaklung. After a while, we get breakfast before starting the journey. The excursion continues through the Gurung village observing the local people, their way of living, and the activities they perform.
Descending around 400m we ascend about 600m reaching Chisapani. This is the best vantage point to glimpse panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The last day of our entire trek is ahead. Descending halfway down, we reach Rupa Tal (Rupa lake) and spend some minutes to explore around. Walking 200m upwards, we arrive at Sundar Danda. The picturesque views of the valley, woodlands, and entire sceneries are breathtaking.
Descending 20 minutes, we reach Begnas Tal( one of the 7 lakes around Pokhara). We catch a boat and enjoy kayaking it for an hour. We then will be shifted to the hotel and stay overnight there.
We drive back to Kathmandu using the private car. In course, we can see the Trishuli river valley, deep gorges made by the Seti River, and some diverse ethnic settlements.
Spending 6-7 hours on the way, we land in Kathmandu and shift to the hotel. Extra time can be used to buy some handicrafts, souvenirs for our beloved ones. In the evening, we will gather in one of the cultural restaurants for the farewell dinner organized by Holy Mountain Treks.
One of the representatives from our agent company will shift us to Kathmandu airport 3 hours before our scheduled flight for our final departure.