Royal Trek

Overview

Captivating journey through Nepal’s Annapurna region

The Royal Trek, named after and crafted for Prince Charles, is a short but captivating journey through Nepal’s Annapurna region. This 3-day, 80-kilometer trek begins in Pokhara and concludes at scenic Begnas Lake. Ideal for those with limited time, it offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Annapurna I, Dhauligiri I, and Machhapuchhare. The trail winds through terraced rice fields, picturesque villages, and lush hills, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Nepal. Trekkers encounter local Hindu communities, providing cultural insights. Accessible year-round and suitable for various fitness levels, the Royal Trek delivers a condensed Himalayan experience.

Trip Overview

Region:

Annapurna region

Max. Altitude:

2550 m

Activity:

Short Trek

Group size:

2-8

Difficulty:

Moderate

Highlights

Panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhauligiri ranges
Diverse landscapes from rice terraces to forested hills
Accessible trek suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Encounter with Nepal’s rich wildlife, including Danfe (the national bird of Nepal) and Himalayan Thar

Itinerary

Tailored Itinerary for you

Day 1Trek from Pokhara to Kalikasthan

Typically, the walk starts with a drive from Pokhara to the trailhead, which is typically the town of Bijayapur or Hyangja. The first overnight stop on the Royal hike route is Kalikasthan, which you will hike to from there. Trekking may take four to six hours on this first day, covering a distance of about ten to twelve kilometers.

Day 2Kalikasthan to Syaklung

You will hike from Kalikasthan to Syaklung on the second day, passing through woods, terraced farms, and charming villages. The hike may take five to seven hours, covering a distance of roughly twelve to fifteen kilometers. The second overnight stop on the Royal Trek itinerary is Syaklung.

Day 3Trek from Chisapani to Begnas Lake and Drive Back to Pokhara

The last day will take you 4-6 hours (10-12 miles) as you descend through villages and farmlands from Chisapani to Begnas Lake. The trip ends with a drive return to Pokhara from Begnas Lake.

With several itineraries, the Royal Trek takes three to five days. During busy seasons, earlier planning is crucial. Hiring a local guide can enhance your trip by offering insights into the local way of life.

Day 1Trek from Pokhara to Kalikasthan

Day 2Kalikasthan to Syaklung

Day 3Trek from Chisapani to Begnas Lake and Drive Back to Pokhara

The last day will take you 4-6 hours (10-12 miles) as you descend through villages and farmlands from Chisapani to Begnas Lake. The trip ends with a drive return to Pokhara from Begnas Lake.

Essential Equipment’s

Clothing And Equipment

The clothing you bring will need to allow for both the warmth of the days and the chill of the nights. While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It’s always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you though as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help to keep you warm.

Boots

For a happy trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining – leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better the boots you need.

Kitbag (duffel bag)

For all the treks your gear that is carried by the porters or yaks is best packed in a strong kitbag. A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best. You can buy in Kathmandu, although they are not as tough as say the North Face Base Camp Duffel.

Sleeping bag

Down-filled bags are better, high altitude nights will be cool. Good down is fluffy, light and thick. A muff (an extra section around the neck) makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag. Sleeping bags are available for rent in Kathmandu. Alternatively add a fleece sleeping bag liner to add warmth to a 3-4 season bag.

Daypack

This should be comfortable and a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends.

Sleeping bag liner

Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home. Fleece ones are readily available in Kathmandu and cost around $15.

Socks

In the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks are best. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, four pairs. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical.

Shoes/sandals/flip-flops

A luxury for your feet at the end of the day. Sandals or running shoes. Flip-flops, available for cheap in Kathmandu, are a necessity for showers during the trek.

Fleece jacket/vest

Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Kathmandu you can get almost any sort of fleece you need.

Wind/rain jacket

Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Lighter jackets should be a second jacket, easy to throw in the daypack for warmer days.

Thermal shirts/underwear

Good thermals, both tops and bottoms, are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. Expedition-weight thermals are the most versatile and can be worn as your high altitude trekking top or under pants on extremely cold days. Zip-up tops are great for changeable weather.

Nightwear thermals

Silk-weight is lightest and warm, mid-weight is perfect. Great for warm nights in the sleeping bag!

Fleece/sweatpants

Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better (except for when the stoves in the teahouses really heat up!). Readily, available in Kathmandu.

Day-wear shirt

T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more versatile. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two or three so you can swap damp for dry

Trekking pants

You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-colored is best. You can survive with only one pair, although two is better.

Wind pants

If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have Gore-tex. Similar, non-waterproof is quite OK

Underwear

4 to 7 pairs or as required

Warm hat/balaclava

Nice for the evenings, hats essential for cold trekking days

Neck gaiter

For winter trekking they are really the best for staying warm!

Trekking poles

Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without.

Mittens/gloves

A good pair of wind-proof gloves is essential. Available in Kathmandu for cheap if you don’t have a pair.

Towel

Bring only a small towel while trekking.

Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen

The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow. Bring at least sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15, and better still SPF 30+.

Water bottle

Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European fuel bottles, are best. You need AT LEAST 2 water bottles, or at least 1 water bottle IN ADDITION to a Camelback or hydration system. Naglene’s are great, available in Kathmandu, real or fake.

Moisturizer

A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.

Sun hat

A baseball cap is ideal. Bring 5, if you like to change colors every day. A wide-brim sun hat is also good.

First aid kit

We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofin, decongestants, lozenges, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhoea and chests infections, Diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, antihistamine cream, rehydration, bandages and band-aids, tough blister tape (but not moleskin). We highly recommend the clients to bring if they have any personal medicines that needed.

Snacks and nutrition

You will feel best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food. However you will also want wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate, chocolate bars, dried fruit bars and dried fruit are readily available in Kathmandu, but Cliff bars, Power bars and the like are not usually available.

Money-pouch/belt/ inside pocket

Most people find wearing one while trekking is a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. The Kathmandu hotel has safety deposit boxes

Books

One or two with high swap ability. Kathmandu has some great second-hand book shops.

Gears Available in Kathmandu

It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu. You can get all the trekking gears, both Nepali made and original.

Other things to be included are

Calamine lotion to ease irritation from bites or stings, bandages and band aids for minor injuries, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, insect repellent, sun block lotion, chopsticks, water-purification tablets, throat lozenges (Strepsils), moleskin, Sulamyd 10% eye drops, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol, Antacid tablets).

Medical Kit

A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful while traveling. The following items are recommended:

Aspirin or Panadol – for pain or fever
Antihistamine – as a decongestant for colds, allergies and to help prevent motion sickness
Antibiotics – useful if traveling off beaten track but they must be prescribed
Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil – for stomach upsets
Rehydration mixture – for treatment of severe diarrhea
Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar ‘dry’ spray for cuts and grazes.