The Royal Trek takes its name from Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, who walked this exact route with a 90-person entourage in 1981, shortly before his marriage to Princess Diana. The trail held particular significance for him because it passes through villages connected to Gurkha soldiers who had served in the British Army. Over 8 days, it remains one of the easiest and most rewarding short treks in the Annapurna region, following a gentle, shrub-lined path through the foothills north of Pokhara.
The journey begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur, then climbs gradually through terraced rice fields and traditional Gurung villages to Kalikasthan, where the first campsite offers a sweeping view over the entire Pokhara Valley and its chain of lakes, with Annapurna and Lamjung Himal rising beyond. The trail continues through Syaklung and Chisapani, both traditional Gurung settlements with consistently good mountain views, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the wider Annapurna range, before descending to the shores of Begnas Lake, Nepal's third-largest lake, roughly 30km west of Pokhara.
Because the route never climbs above about 1,730m, there is no risk of altitude sickness, making this an ideal choice for first-time trekkers, families with children, and senior travellers who want genuine cultural immersion and consistent mountain views without the physical demands of a high-altitude trek. For a similarly easy alternative with mountain sunrise views, see our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, or browse our full range of Annapurna treks.
Duration: 8 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 1,730m (Kalikasthan/Syaklung) | Trek Grade: Easy | Starts/Ends: Pokhara | Best Season: March-May, September-December | Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu/Pokhara, teahouses/homestays on trek | Permits Required: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
Meet our representative at the airport who will transfer you to the Hotel. Hotel checking-in and go for sightseeing tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast drive for Pokhara, takes about 6 hours by road. The beautiful scenery will make our drive interesting. Arrive in Pokhara, hotel check-in and then you will be free for your own activities. Evening, you will be taken for an hour boating trip on the Nepal’s Largest Fewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.
A road trail starting in rice fields near the army camp. Then ascends through Rakhigaun to Chautaara, a resting place under a large papal tree. The trail climbs gently along a ridge top through Brahman and Chhetri villages towards Kalikastan at 1370m. Depending on the time that you start walking, you can camp either before or after Kalikastan. Both campsites are on ridge tops with good mountain views, including of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna.
The trail follows along the forested ridge top through Thulokot to Mathi Thana, where there are a few teashops. There is a short climb, then the trek reaches Naudanda. Continue along the ridge to a school at Lipini village, then make a steep but short climb through forests to the Gurung village of Ahaklung at 1730m.
The Himalayan skyline continues to change as the route comes abreast of Annapurna ll, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Himalchuli. FromShaklung, the trail drops steeply down the south side of the hill to a large tree, a chautaara, several teashops and a police check-post. This is a trail junction, trails lead west to Begnes Tal and east to the Marsyangdi Khola. The Royal trek rout climbs towards Chisopani, winding around the back of the hill to the village short distance above Chisopani is a high knoll where there is a small temple. This is Chisopani Danda (danda means ridge top) and there is a camp here with splendid mountain views.
From Chisopani Danda, descend along the ridge for an hour or so, then descend steeply on the stone steps, into a small valley and a stream that feeds Rupa Tal. Continue for a short distance through the rice fields, then make a final ascent to the ridge that separates Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal. On a wide path that you will share with many local people. From the ridge, descend into the Pokhara valley, joining the road at the crowded, dirty and noisy Begnas Bazaar. Take a taxi or a bus for the 12km, 30 minute drive back to Pokhara.
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu takes about 5 hours of drive. Arrive Kathmandu, transfer you to the hotel and after that you will be free for your own activities. Overnight in Kathmandu.
In the morning, you will be free. Afternoon we will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for the departure flight to home.
All of our holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like when in the year you will be travelling (High season, Low season), how far in advance you book, the number of people travelling in your group, the level of accommodation you choose etc. Please click on the next tab (INQUIRY/ BOOKING) and send us your inquiry. We will reply you with cost and other necessary details within 24 hours.
Why is it called the Royal Trek?
The Royal Trek gets its name from Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, who walked this route with a 90-person entourage in 1981, shortly before his marriage to Princess Diana. The route passed through villages connected to Gurkha soldiers who had served in the British Army.
How difficult is the Royal Trek?
This is one of the easiest treks in the Annapurna region, reaching a maximum altitude of only around 1,730m. It is well suited to beginners, families with children, and senior travellers, with no risk of altitude sickness.
How long is the Royal Trek?
This trek typically takes 8 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, including 4 days of actual trekking between Pokhara and Begnas Lake. Shorter 4 to 5 day versions are available starting and ending directly in Pokhara.
Is the Royal Trek suitable for children and seniors?
Yes. The low altitude, gentle terrain, and homestay-style accommodation make this one of the most accessible treks in Nepal for families and older travellers.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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