Royal Trek

 

The Royal Trek (a soft trek that prepares you for the bigger things to come). Trekking in Nepal's middle hills, in the awesome backdrop of the Annapurna Range – 8 days

This 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’s 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 Syaglung at 1730 meter. However, there is also an option to extend a cultural tour of Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan by combining this trek to get the thrills of Nepal’s diverse ecological beauty.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and then drive to Bijaypur. Trek to Kalikathan.
Day 04: Trek to Patle
Day 05: Trek to Syaglung (1730 m)
Day 06: Trek concludes. Drive down to Pokhara.
Day 07: City of Pokhara tour, sightseeing and boating PM: Fly to Kathmandu.
Day 08: Depart Kathmandu.

 Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 2 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.

Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara (optional) and then drive to Bijayapur and start trek to Kalikasthan
From Kathmandu we take a half an hour scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Bijaypur or we drive along the Prithivi Highway to Bijaypur for about 6 hrs. We will then make a short trek up to Kalikastan. We climb through the terraced cultivated fields of Kandane, following the steep stone steps, and eventually reaching a level path under the shade of evergreen trees. The path is steep but the background vista is incredible, vast stretches of flat farmland covers the valley. We will take a short rest in the shade of a huge Banyan tree, close to the scenic village of Archale. Now we head to Kalikastan. The view from Kalikastan is incredible, as the peaks of the Annapurna and the Machhapuchhre (fish tail) are clearly visible from here.

Day 04: Trek to Patle
We start on a level path and after a short while descend through the tranquil evergreen forest of Okhare to the village of Mastan Saurani. From here, the path ascends, winding up to the village of Sundergaon, and then goes straight down to reach the village of Patle.

Day 05: Trek to Syaglung

The route follows through a vast green forest on the right. On the way the path takes an undulating descent to the village of Ozangaun. We stop for a brief rest at the school at Ramche, and then steeply descend to the village of Lipyani, where we stop for lunch. Here there are few shops where we can buy some cold drinks or mineral water. After lunch, we start ascending the typical stone steps to Syaglung danda through an enchanting rhododendron forest. The trail is so peaceful that you can only hear the sound of your own footsteps. After a hard climb, we eventually enter the village of Syaglung, a typical Gurung settlement. From the village we can glimpse the entire Lumjung Himal – a breathtaking sight!

Day 06: Conclude trek at Begnas Lake and drive to Pokhara
Today we retrace our way back to Lipyani. The path is steep, descending on stone steps, with the Doban Khola on the right and contoured rice and wheat fields on the left. We come to a wooden bridge over Doban Khola, and then climb up the hill through a forest and arrive at the Lapsi danda. Here we take a short rest. Now the path becomes easier as we enter the village of Lapsidanda. We make a short descent to the motor road and follow the track to the village of Begnas, where we stop for lunch in an open field. After lunch, we make a short trek along the dirt road, to our bus pick-up point at Begnas where we finally end our trek. We reach Pokhara after a short bus ride and stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu
Today you fly back to Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule you will be taken for a half-day sightseeing tour around Pokhara.

Day 08: Depart Kathmandu
After checking out of the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

 PRICE INCLUDES :
* Fully Catered Camping Trek (FOT)
* National park fees
* All domestic airfare
* Airport transfers and escort
* All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with entry fees.
* 3 + 1 night accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on double sharing with breakfast
* Transfers as per the itinerary in private vehicle

PRICE EXCLUDES:
* International flight & departure tax
* Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
* Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance