1 daysEasy4,130 mAnnapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$900
TrekModerate
Royal Trek — 4 Days
4 days1,730 mFrom PokharaBest: Oct–May
Photo by Sabina Bajracharya on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
01 / 08
Duration
4 days
From
$620/person
Max Altitude
1,730 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts
Pokhara
Group Size
2–10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–May
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Easy, low-altitude trek ideal for beginners, families and short-on-time travellers
Follow the 1981 trail of Britain's Prince Charles — the original Royal Trek
Panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal
Authentic Gurung villages and terraced farmland away from the crowds
Maximum altitude of only ~1,730 m — no risk of altitude sickness
Finish at tranquil Begnas Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal
Just a short drive from Pokhara — no internal flights needed
Simple teahouse and homestay nights with local Gurung families
An easy, low-altitude 4-day cultural trek through Gurung villages in the Annapurna foothills east of Pokhara, ending at serene Begnas Lake.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(4 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 1,730 m · Day 2A short morning drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Bijayapur, then an easy uphill walk through terraced farmland and scattered villages to Kalikasthan. The ridge offers your first sweeping views of Annapurna and the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre as the day clears. Overnight in a simple teahouse or village homestay.
1,370 m4–5 hrs6 km trekLunch & DinnerTeahouse / Homestay
The Royal Trek is one of Nepal's most relaxed and rewarding short walks — a gentle four-day ramble through the terraced Gurung villages of the Annapurna foothills, just east of Pokhara. It earned its name in 1981 when Britain's Prince Charles trekked this very trail with a small entourage, and it has remained a favourite for travellers who want authentic Himalayan culture and views without the long days and high passes of the classic routes.
With a maximum altitude of only around 1,730 metres at Syaklung, there is no risk of altitude sickness, making this an ideal choice for beginners, families with children, older travellers, and anyone short on time. You walk through rhododendron and pine forest, past rice and millet terraces, and into hillside villages where daily life carries on much as it has for generations — all framed by superb panoramas of Annapurna, the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal.
A gentle introduction to the Himalaya
Days are short and unhurried, typically four to six hours of easy walking on well-graded village trails. Nights are spent in simple teahouses and homestays where you share meals with local Gurung families. The trek finishes on the tranquil shore of Begnas Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal, where you can swim, boat, or simply rest before the short drive back to Pokhara.
Why trek the Royal Trail
Because it sits in the Annapurna foothills, the route passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, so an ACAP permit and TIMS card are required — both are arranged for you. This is a quieter alternative to the busy Ghorepani and Annapurna Base Camp trails: you are far more likely to share the path with grazing buffalo and schoolchildren than with other trekkers.
What's Included
Included
- Government-registered English-speaking trekking guide
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
- Private transport Pokhara–trailhead and Begnas Lake–Pokhara
- All teahouse and homestay accommodation on trek
- Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner on trek)
- First-aid kit and trip arrangements
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Pokhara
- Travel insurance
- Porter service (available on request)
- Tips for guide and porter
- Beverages, drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under What's Included
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside trekking town. Most international flights land in Kathmandu, about 200 km away (25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus), so you can either make your own way to Pokhara or let us collect you in Kathmandu.
Pickup in Pokhara
Trip starts hereAlready in Pokhara? We collect you from your hotel at no charge.
- Pokhara hotel pickupFrom any hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside included.Free
- Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Kathmandu
Landing in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Includes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
- Kathmandu hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Pokhara by tourist bus or flight. The price depends on your arrival, so we confirm it with you.We quote
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- No hotel, I will book my own$0
- Pokhara: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
- Pokhara: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Pokhara: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Pokhara: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
Best Time to Go
Spring (Mar–May)
Excellent. Rhododendrons in bloom, warm days, clear mountain views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. One of the two best windows for the Royal Trek.
Low: 8°C High: 22°C None at these low altitudes
Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Wet and humid with frequent rain, leeches on the trail and hazy, often clouded views. Lush green terraces but the least reliable season for mountain panoramas.
Low: 16°C High: 26°C None
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
The best season. Crisp, stable weather after the monsoon, crystal-clear Himalayan views and comfortable walking temperatures. Ideal for families and first-timers.
Low: 9°C High: 23°C None at these low altitudes
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold but clear mornings with fine views. Because the trek stays below 1,800 m it remains walkable through winter, though nights in the villages are chilly.
Low: 2°C High: 16°C Rare; possible light frost on higher ridges
Permits Required
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)Required because the Royal Trek route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Arranged for you and included in the package.
TIMS Card
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Trekkers' Information Management System card, required for all foreign trekkers. Group TIMS is cheaper than the solo card. Included in the package.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Merino or synthetic base layers — two sets, one worn one drying
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Waterproof shell jacket
Trekking trousers (not jeans, not cotton)
Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is fierce above the treeline
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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