THE ROYAL TREK

his short trek follows a shrub like path along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley. The Royal Trek is so-named because Prince Charles and his 90 person entourage had explored this route in the early eighties. Starting from Kalikastan ridge, about 25 km from scenic Pokhara, the trek passes through beautiful Gurung hamlets where little kids tuck at your sleeves for a snapshot or a toffee and as you hike the terraced farmlands your eyes behold the magnificent Annapurna range, Machapuchhre [fishtail peak] and the Langtang mountains that give you a view of nature鈥檚 beauty at its best. The trip finally ends at the scenic Begnas Lake which is about 30 km west of Pokhara City. This trip is basically recommended for beginners or those who have very limited time but yet looking for an opportunity to squeeze in an experience of a trekking holiday in the Himalaya. The entire trek is rather easy with occasional up and downhill hikes along the ridges and valleys without having to worry about altitude and acclimatization as the maximum ascent on this trek is Chisapani at 1260 meter.

Day 01: Pokhara To Kalikasthan

After breakfast, drive to Vijayapur Khola, start trek from there. We walk about an hour through the flat rice fields and cross the river. If you are doing this trek in the summer the river may be difficult to cross if it is flooded. After crossing the river the trail starts to ascend to Kalikasthan.

Day 02: Kalikasthan to Syanglung:

After breakfast start walking through the villages. We walk on the ridge of the mountain with good views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal.

Day 03: Syanglung to chisapani:

Walk through the Gurung Village, rhododendron and Sal forest. Half way through the walk there is a 400 metre descent and 600 metre ascent to arrive at Chisopani. This is the best point to see the Himalayan Panorama. You will see Dhaulagiri to the west of Annapurna.

Day 04: Chisapani to Pokhara:

We walk half way down hill to Rupatal and climb about 200 metres to arrive at Sundare danda and walk 15 minutes down to Begnas Tal for an hours boating to catch the transfer to Pokhara.