The Royal Trek - 9 Days - 9 Days

The Royal Trek is one of the shortest that follow a shrub-like path along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley. Known as Royal trek as Prince Charles and his 90 person entourage had explored this route in the early 80s. This trek provides opportunities for an abundance of cultural experiences with a diverse mix of people and cultures that inhabited this region. The journey begins in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara and passes through beautiful Gurung hamlets. During the trek, you can enjoy stunning views of the eloquently built hillside rice terraces, the spectacular Annapurna range, Machapuchhre (fishtail), and Langtang Mountain views. The trip ends at the scenic Begnas Lake which is about 30km west of Pokhara city. This trek is recommended for beginners who are restricted by time to longer trek.


Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Alpine Club of Himalaya who will drop you off at our hotel. After check-in, take a rest or stroll around the streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by the Alpine Club of Himalaya where you can taste delicious authentic Nepalese cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(Included Meals: Welcome Dinner)

Day 2: Kathmandu for Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
After breakfast, 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 Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion to meet our trek leader and other team members. Alpine Club of Himalaya will brief you on the trek and do ask questions regarding your adventure. In the evening, you can shop for any gears for your trek that you in need of. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3: Drive Pokhara (823m/2,700ft) (6-7 hrs drive)
Early morning, will take a tourist bus to Pokhara. If you are lucky, can take pleasure in the amazing views of green mountains and villages. Upon reaching Pokhara, you can see magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Check-in to the hotel. Enchanting city Pokhara has numerous lakes, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali which offer fishing, boating, and swimming. In the evening, take a stroll around the lakeside and exploring it. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4: Pokhara to Kalikasthan (1,370m/4,496ft) (1 hrs drive, 4-5 hrs trek)
Today after breakfast, drive to Bijayapur Khola to begin our journey. The beginning will start to 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, take some rest then explore the surrounding areas. Spend overnight at a local guesthouse.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5: Kalikasthan to Syaklung (1730m/5675ft) (5-6 hrs)
After breakfast, start walking through the villages. Walk along the ridge of the mountain which offers good views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. Today, we can explore many local villages and rhododendron forests. Overnight at Syaklung in a local guesthouse.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6: Syaklung to Chisapani (1550m/5084ft) (5-6 hrs)
Walking through the Gurung village offers you the opportunity to observe the local lifestyle. Move ahead playing a game of hiding and seek with the rhododendron and Sal trees. Halfway through the walk, there is a 400-meter descent, then a 600-meter ascent to arrive at Chisapani. This is the best viewpoint to see the Himalayan Panorama. Get your eyes to see Dhaulagiri to the west of Annapurna. Overnight in guesthouse.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7: Chisapani to Pokhara
Today will walk halfway downhill to Rupatal and climb about 200-meter to arrive at Sundare Danda. Walk 15 minutes down to Begnas Tal and enjoy an hour of boating. Transfer to Pokhara, check-in at the hotel, and take a rest or you can walk around the lakeside. Overnight at hotel.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6-7 hrs drive)
Early morning, take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu. Watching scenic countryside along the journey makes the long bus journey interesting. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. The 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 9: Farewell
Your trip comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but exchanging contacts/emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Alpine Club of Himalaya will send you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. On your way home, you can plan for your next adventure in Nepal.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Cost Include

All airport/hotel transfers
3-star 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), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers = 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
Sleeping bag, Alpine Club of Himalaya duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, TIMS )
A comprehensive medical kit (carried by trek leader)
All government and local taxes

Cost Exclude

Lunch and dinner
Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate US$ cash and two passport photographs)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
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 US $150
Tips for guides and porters