A short and sweet low-level skyline trek.
Trekking in the Himalayan foothills is one of the easier treks in Nepal, and all at low altitude too. The Royal Trek is so named as it was undertaken by HRH Prince Charles when he visited Nepal. Although short, this trek is full of pleasant surprises. Once ascended, the trail follows an open ridge line of the Annapurna foothills and affords excellent panoramic views from Manaslu to Annapurna, including the iconic Fishtail. Not only that, it pretty much feels like you're walking off the beaten track (no trekking lodges are evidence of this) and will visit several traditional hill villages and gain an insight into rural Nepali life. If you're short on time but still want to enjoy magnificent Himalayan views, this is often described as a Himalayan trek for softies, which is a little harsh as there really is no such thing as an easy Himalayan trek. You may want to spend extra nights in Pokhara and Kathmandu or even at the scenic, peaceful Begnas Lake to extend this shorter Nepal walking trip.
Sleeping bags (3–4 seasons) will be required for nights spent camping. A full trek service is provided (tents, cook, dining table, chairs, cutlery, etc., and porterage). We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.
A short and sweet low-level skyline trek.
Trekking in the Himalayan foothills is one of the easier treks in Nepal, and all at low altitude too. The Royal Trek is so named as it was undertaken by HRH Prince Charles when he visited Nepal. Although short, this trek is full of pleasant surprises. Once ascended, the trail follows an open ridge line of the Annapurna foothills and affords excellent panoramic views from Manaslu to Annapurna, including the iconic Fishtail. Not only that, it pretty much feels like you're walking off the beaten track (no trekking lodges are evidence of this) and will visit several traditional hill villages and gain an insight into rural Nepali life. If you're short on time but still want to enjoy magnificent Himalayan views, this is often described as a Himalayan trek for softies, which is a little harsh as there really is no such thing as an easy Himalayan trek. You may want to spend extra nights in Pokhara and Kathmandu or even at the scenic, peaceful Begnas Lake to extend this shorter Nepal walking trip.
Sleeping bags (3–4 seasons) will be required for nights spent camping. A full trek service is provided (tents, cook, dining table, chairs, cutlery, etc., and porterage). We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Nepal's premier resort, Pokhara. It's around a 30-minute private vehicle transfer to Begnas Lake and to the trail head, where you'll meet your porters and camp crew. The hiking trail heads steeply up into the foothills of the Annapurna Range. Already one has a real sense of space and clear air, and soon you'll attain heights that offer views down to Rupal Lake, up to Machhapuchare (Fishtail), and the entire Annapurna range. Overnight is by the charming village of Chisapani with its tiny Buddhist Monastery. The campsite at approx. 1260m is surrounded by trees, and a short 2-minute hike up the hill brings you to a ridge from where the full vista of the Annapurna's presents itself. Walking time: approx. 4-5 hours with approx. 700 m of ascent. You can, of course, add a stay in Pokhara or Begnas before you go hiking.
Accommodation: Camp, Chisapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
A private transfer to the airport for the 25-minute flight to Nepal's premier resort, Pokhara. It's around a 30-minute private vehicle transfer to Begnas Lake and to the trail head, where you'll meet your porters and camp crew. The hiking trail heads steeply up into the foothills of the Annapurna Range. Already one has a real sense of space and clear air, and soon you'll attain heights that offer views down to Rupal Lake, up to Machhapuchare (Fishtail), and the entire Annapurna range. Overnight is by the charming village of Chisapani with its tiny Buddhist Monastery. The campsite at approx. 1260m is surrounded by trees, and a short 2-minute hike up the hill brings you to a ridge from where the full vista of the Annapurna's presents itself. Walking time: approx. 4-5 hours with approx. 700 m of ascent. You can, of course, add a stay in Pokhara or Begnas before you go hiking.
Accommodation: Camp, Chisapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You're within sight of the same mountains, yet the views constantly change. The mighty Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Lamjung loom large, and a love affair with Machhupuchare continues. Today's walk makes for relatively easy hiking by Himalayan standards as you follow an open ridge line with 'ups and downs' but not particularly sustained Overnight campsite close to the small village of Lipiyani (1100m) Walking time: approx. 4 hours with around 500 m of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Camp, Lipiyani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You're within sight of the same mountains, yet the views constantly change. The mighty Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Lamjung loom large, and a love affair with Machhupuchare continues. Today's walk makes for relatively easy hiking by Himalayan standards as you follow an open ridge line with 'ups and downs' but not particularly sustained Overnight campsite close to the small village of Lipiyani (1100m) Walking time: approx. 4 hours with around 500 m of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Camp, Lipiyani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
It's virtually all downhill as your final day of walking completes this mini-horseshoe circuit of the Annapurna foothills. Waking to 'bed tea' again, it's a good idea to rise early and (hopefully) enjoy a magnificent panoramic Himalayan sunrise as the peaks of the Annapurna range turn from pink to gold. After breakfast, the trail descends towards the lakes of Begnas and Rupal, and the walking becomes more level. There's no hurry at all today, and you'll stop for a relaxing lunch along the way. At the end of the trail, a private vehicle will whisk you back to Pokhara. Walking time: approx. 4 hours, 700 m descent.
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
It's virtually all downhill as your final day of walking completes this mini-horseshoe circuit of the Annapurna foothills. Waking to 'bed tea' again, it's a good idea to rise early and (hopefully) enjoy a magnificent panoramic Himalayan sunrise as the peaks of the Annapurna range turn from pink to gold. After breakfast, the trail descends towards the lakes of Begnas and Rupal, and the walking becomes more level. There's no hurry at all today, and you'll stop for a relaxing lunch along the way. At the end of the trail, a private vehicle will whisk you back to Pokhara. Walking time: approx. 4 hours, 700 m descent.
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A private transfer to Pokhara airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. You'll receive a private vehicle transfer to your hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast
A private transfer to Pokhara airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. You'll receive a private vehicle transfer to your hotel in downtown Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any delays or cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.
The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, internal flights in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, all camping equipment (except sleeping bags), full camp service, permits, National Park fees, and the Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking, professionals and fully licensed.