- Length
- 4 days
- Highest point
- 1,730 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best months
- Oct–May
- Starts
- Pokhara
- Group size
- 2–10 People
- Sleeping
- Tea House / Camp
An easy, low-altitude 4-day cultural trek through Gurung villages in the Annapurna foothills east of Pokhara, ending at serene Begnas Lake.
- 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
The climb, day by day
Day 1Pokhara to Kalikasthan (1,370 m)1,370 m
A 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.
- Distance
- 6 km trek
- Walking
- 4–5 hrs
- Meals
- Lunch & Dinner
- Night
- Teahouse / Homestay
Day 2Kalikasthan to Syaklung (1,730 m)1,730 m
The longest and most scenic day, following a gentle ridgeline through pine and rhododendron forest and traditional Gurung settlements. Syaklung, at around 1,730 m, is the highest point of the trek and a fine viewpoint for Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal at sunset.
- Distance
- 9 km trek
- Walking
- 5–6 hrs
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Night
- Teahouse / Homestay
Day 3Syaklung to Chisapani (1,550 m)1,550 m
A relaxed descent and contour walk through farmland and forest to the small village of Chisapani. There is time in the afternoon to wander the village, watch daily life, and enjoy uninterrupted Himalayan panoramas from the hillside.
- Distance
- 8 km trek
- Walking
- 5–6 hrs
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Night
- Teahouse / Homestay
Day 4Chisapani to Begnas Lake & drive to Pokhara (820 m)820 m
A final downhill walk brings you to the calm shore of Begnas Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal, where you can swim, take a boat, or relax over lunch. A short drive then returns you to Pokhara, where the trek ends.
- Distance
- 7 km trek
- Walking
- 4–5 hrs
- Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Night
- –
The price includes
- 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
You pay separately
- 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
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.