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Nestled just 180 kilometers from the bustling city of Kathmandu, the Royal Trek is a serene and culturally rich hiking experience near the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Whether your adventure begins in Kathmandu or Pokhara, this trek offers a smooth and immersive journey from the very first step.
What makes this trail special is its royal legacy—Prince Charles himself walked this path in 1981 before marrying Princess Diana. Since then, this trail has been affectionately known as the Royal Trek. It's an ideal route for travelers seeking a short, easy trek in Nepal that combines natural beauty, cultural encounters, and awe-inspiring Himalayan views.
Why Choose the Royal Trek?
If you’re searching for a low-altitude trek in Nepal with fewer crowds and accessible trails, the Royal Trek is an unbeatable option. This five-day hike offers a gentle mix of uphill and downhill paths through lush hills, charming villages, and forests bursting with rhododendron blooms.
You’ll get a front-row view of towering Himalayan peaks like:
Manaslu (8,156m)
Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
Lamjung Himal (6,983m)
The breathtaking Annapurna range
This trek is suitable for all age groups and does not require prior trekking experience. Because the elevation never exceeds 1,730 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is practically nonexistent, making it perfect for beginners or families.
Route Overview: The Royal Trek
The route overview of the Royal Trek sets off with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our dedicated representative will extend a warm welcome and escort you to your accommodation. Following this, an enlightening sightseeing excursion in Kathmandu is on the agenda, encompassing visits to revered sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple), and the majestic Boudhanath Stupa. Subsequently, we embark on a picturesque drive to the captivating city of Pokhara, covering a distance of approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Once in Pokhara, the trek takes a step forward as we drive to the starting point, Bijayapur Khola, where our trekking journey truly commences. The trail leads us to Kalikasthan, where we'll find respite and rejuvenation after the day's trek. The following day presents a delightful adventure as we navigate through quaint villages and meander amidst vibrant rhododendron forests en route to Syaklung. The downward path then guides us to Chisapani, marking the final leg of our trek. With the trek's conclusion, we retrace our steps back to Pokhara and eventually to Kathmandu, completing a memorable and enriching journey.
This comprehensive route overview encapsulates the essence of the Royal Trek, detailing the sequence of events that unfold from your arrival to your departure, ensuring a seamless and fulfilling experience throughout your expedition.
Best Time For the Royal Trek
When contemplating the Royal Trek, the timing of your expedition holds paramount importance to ensure an optimal and rewarding adventure. The prevailing weather conditions play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of your trekking journey. It is crucial to delve into the details of the most suitable timing:
The timeframe spanning from January to May, in conjunction with September to December, emerges as the prime window for embarking on the trek. These months seamlessly align with the enchanting spring and vibrant autumn seasons, characterized by moderate and pleasant temperatures that create a conducive environment for hiking endeavors. During these periods, the weather conditions are generally favorable, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures that enhance the overall trekking experience.
It is prudent to exercise caution and avoid initiating the trek during the monsoon season, which typically extends from June to August. This period witnessed heavy rainfall, leading to the trails becoming muddy and slippery, thereby compromising the safety and quality of the trekking route.
In light of these considerations, we ardently advocate for the discerning selection of the most opportune time to embark on the Royal Trek. By choosing a window within the recommended months, you can ensure an enriching, enjoyable, and safe journey that aligns harmoniously with the natural beauty and cultural significance of the route.
Difficulty Level Of Royal Trek
The Royal Trek is characterized by its manageable level of difficulty, positioning it firmly within the category of easy treks. However, it is imperative to prioritize the cultivation of a satisfactory physical fitness level in preparation for undertaking this trekking endeavor.
During the trek, participants can anticipate engaging in a daily walking routine spanning an average of 5 to 6 hours. The terrain traversed encompasses a harmonious blend of ascents and descents, rendering the overall route relatively undemanding. Importantly, the trek's accessibility extends to individuals possessing limited trekking experience, ensuring that even novices can partake in this journey with confidence.
Addressing the aspect of altitude, it is noteworthy that the highest point reached during the trek stands at an elevation of 1730 meters above sea level. Consequently, concerns related to altitude sickness are largely mitigated, as the altitude remains below the threshold at which the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) becomes significant. While other treks characterized by altitudes exceeding 3000 meters might carry a heightened susceptibility to AMS, such concerns are notably absent from the context of the Royal Trek.
If you dream of exploring the Himalayas but are short on time or worried about high altitudes, the Royal Trek is an ideal choice. It’s short, sweet, culturally rich, and brimming with nature’s wonders—all within a manageable physical challenge.
Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this trek delivers an unforgettable slice of Nepal's heritage and landscapes in just five days.
So why wait? Lace up your boots and embark on a royal adventure with All Nepal Hiking!
