Royal Trekking: Trail explored by King Charles III

King Charles III trekking in Annapurna Region
Trip Information
  • Duration4 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max Altitude2500m
  • ActivityTrekking
  • Group Size1+
  • Trip StartPokhara
  • Trip EndPokhara
  • Best TimeAll year
Highlights

"TRAIL EXPLORED BY KING CHARLES THE III"

  • Begin the walk from the bustling city of Pokhara while walking along the lakeside area and exploring the local attractions in and around the city.
  • Get the breathtaking view of Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Manaslu range along the diverse landscapes, forests, and traditional villages.
  • Follow the footsteps of Prince Charles who explored the route in the early 1980s.
  • Explore the various rare and endangered species of flora and fauna protected in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Capture the mesmerizing sunrise or sunset from various viewpoints with a backdrop of panoramic mountain peaks.

Introduction: Royal Trekking in Nepal

The King Charles trekking trail is an easy and exquisite trekking destination in Nepal. This is so-called 'Royal Trekking” because it was the route used by Prince Charles of England in 1980, along with 90 people and luminaries like Mick Jagger (Rolling Stone Band). The Royal Trek is a short trek in Nepal’s middle hill in the awesome backdrop of lofty mountains like Annapurna (8,091m/ 26,545 ft), Machhapuchre (Fishtail) (6,993 m/ 22,942 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m /26,795 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), and many others.

Royal Trek is a delightful trek that prepares trekking enthusiasts for the challenging treks to come. Compared to other trekking areas in the Annapurna Region. The Royal Trekking Route is less crowded, so visitors here can get closer to the nature, culture, and lifestyle of people in the location. One can savor a feeling higher than royalty by discovering oneself alive standing in front of the huge Himalayas. This trek is truly a boon to the trekkers.

The royal trek with views of the surrounding mountains offers the great ambiance of terraced rice fields and traditional Gurung village, while walking in the dense forests. The royal trek is not possible without entry into one of the protected regions of Nepal known as the Annapurna Conservation Area.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is home to various exotic and rare flora and fauna found in Nepal. the area is a habitat for 128 species of mammals, 518 species of birds, and 348 species of butterflies. Some of the animals and birds found here are the snow leopard, Kashmir musk deer, Himalayan musk deer, clouded leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, ghoral, Himalayan snowcock, black Francolin, common quail, mallard, Rufous-bellied woodpecker, common kingfisher, and many more.

The trail explored by King Charles is suitable to embark on all year-round in Nepal. However, the best seasons are spring and autumn, which last from March to May and September to November, respectively. Similarly, the trek is suitable for individuals who want to travel solo, in groups, or with families of children or elderlies.

The royal trek is a unique and exciting experience that captures the natural, cultural, and religious aspects of the Annapurna region. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience that allows trekkers to immerse themselves in the tapestry of nature.

How does the trail explored by King Charles start and end?

The Royal Trek starts from Kalikastan Ridge, about 25 km from scenic Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city, and a 30-minute air flight from Kathmandu. The trek passes through beautiful Gurung hamlets. During the trek, we can enjoy stunning views of the eloquently built hillside rice terrace farmland, and as you hike the terraced farmlands, your eyes will behold the magnificent Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Machhapuchre (fishtail peak), Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, and other surrounding peaks that give you a view of nature’s beauty at its best.

On the whole trek, you will be followed by these mountain ranges, playing hide and seek. Annapurna Region Trek provides a great view of the Himalayas, located just nearby, north of the beautiful Pokhara valley, the scenery of panoramic mountains with green hills landscapes and typical hill land culture.

The trip finally ends at the scenic Begnas Lake, which is about 30 km west of Pokhara City, where we can have a relaxing time in front of beautiful lakes and huge Himalayas. You cannot imagine how wonderful this Pokhara valley looks with the light in the evening; that will steal your heart.

This short trek also offers you a great chance to experience the diversified culture of Nepalese western highland people with the typical houses, lifestyle, nature, and culture. The Royal Trekking can be taken as perfect due to the breathtaking view just with the easy trek routes.

What is the best time/season for heading to the King Charles trekking route?

The King Charles Trek can be done year-round in Nepal. However, the best trekking seasons or times is spring and autumn.

Spring, which lasts from March to May, is one of the best seasons for royal trekking. The temperature is moderate, which offers a comfortable walking experience. The skies are clear, with a vibrant atmosphere and an uninterrupted view of a mountain range in spring. Similarly, the day length is higher, which provides longer walking days. The alpine forests with rhododendrons come to full bloom, making the landscape livelier.

Likewise, autumn, which lasts from September to November, is another best season to embark on the royal trek. The skies are crystal clear, with an unobstructed view of a mountain range with stable and moderate temperatures. The landscape sparkles in a reddish-brown color as the leaves fall during the season.

Despite spring and autumn, the Royal Trekking Route can be conquered in winter and summer. Winter, which lasts from November to February, is off-season for trekking. This season is only recommended for expert trekkers or for those who wish to take on a challenge. The winter season is marked by extreme cold temperatures and snow, due to which the trails can be slippery and difficult to walk. Thus, careful preparation is required to travel in the winter.

On the other hand, the summer season, which lasts from May to August, is marked by heavy rainfall. The skies are full of clouds and foggy, which causes impaired visibility of mountain peaks. The trails are slippery, which causes difficulty in walking. Both summer and winter seasons require additional packing, so careful attention should be given to travel during these seasons.

Outline itinerary for Royal trek explored by King Charles III

  • Day 01: Drive to Bijayapur and Trek to Kalikasthan (1,243m/ 4,078 ft), about 5 hours walk.
  • Day 02: Trek to Shaklung (1,730 m/5,675 ft), a 5-6 hours walk.
  • Day 03: Trek to Chisopani (1,260m/ 4,133 ft), 4-5 hours' walk.
  • Day 04: Trek to Begnas Bazar and drive to Pokhara.
Itinerary
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As the trip starts you will take a short drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur in a private or shared vehicle. You will continue from the bustling city of Pokhara towards the remote side. Along the way, you will drive along various waterfalls and through the forests to reach Bijaypur. Afterwards, you will take a short drive to Bijaypur, which is under an hour to reach Kalikasthan, which is your starting point for the trek.

As you begin the walk initially, you will continue climbing with a view of terraced paddy fields and pass the army camp to reach Kandane. You will walk up the stone steps to reach Rakhigaun, where you can rest under the Bodi tree (chautara). As you continue walking, you will reach Archale. With a gentle climb while exploring the local villages inhabited by Brahmins and Chhetri, you will reach Kalikasthan.

Upon reaching Kalikastan, you can see incredible views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchre. You can have dinner in Kalikasthan and rest in an accommodation place. Spend overnight in Kalikasthan.

  • Max. Altitude:1,243m/ 4,078 ft
  • Accommodation:Best accommodation available
  • Meals:Breakfast+ Lunch + Dinner

After you wake up you will get refreshed and have a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, you will continue the trek towards Syanglung. Initially, you will traverse through the dense forest and walk in a gradual up-and-down path to reach Ozangaun. Moving past Ozangaun you will descend to for a lunch stop at Lipyani. After lunch you will again continue via the stone steps uphill to arrive at Sanglung Danda. After a peaceful walk inside the rhododendron forests to reach Syanglung which is a typical Gurung settlement. 

You can have a fascinating view of Lamjung Himal from the village. After savoring the magnificent views you will settle in an accommodation place and rest until dinner is served. After dinner, you can spend overnight in Syanglung.

  • Max. Altitude:1,730 m/5,675 ft
  • Accommodation:Best accommodation available
  • Meals:Breakfast+ Lunch + Dinner

Once you wake up you will get refreshed you will continue your walk towards Chisapani. You will continue the walk inside the rhododendron and pine forests to reach Chisapani. Visitors in Chisapani can explore the local area while communicating with the locals and understanding their way of life.

After a magnificent time in Chisapani, you will settle in an accommodation place and have dinner. After dinner, you will rest and spend overnight in Chisapani.

  • Max. Altitude:1,260m/ 4,133 ft
  • Accommodation:Best accommodation available
  • Meals:Breakfast+ Lunch + Dinner

After you wake up you will you will get refreshed and start the hike. Today is an easier hike towards Begnas Bazaar. You can view the beautiful Begnas Lake and try cuisines made from freshwater fish. You can also explore the lake while boating. As the exploration of Begnas Lake completes you will continue towards the market area or bazaar. You can collect souvenirs and explore the area. Afterward, you can head to the bus station and drive towards Pokhara. Once you reach Pokhara your journey in the Royal trekking with Holiday Tours Nepal completes.

  • Accommodation:Best accommodation available
  • Meals:Breakfast+ Lunch + Dinner
Cost Details
What's Included
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers' Information Management System( TIMS card).
  • A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking, well-trained, government license-holding guide. The price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
  • Two guests to one porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation, and equipment.
  • lodge accommodation during the trekking days.
  • Three meals per day, i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are included during the trekking days.
  • Fresh fruits after dinner and cookie time upon reaching tea house.
  • Safe drinking water.
  • Pokhara to the trek Starting point and ending point of the trek to Pokhara by private vehicle.
  • First aid kit and first aid service.
  • A holiday planner's essentials are a sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirts, caps, duffel bags, and city and trekking route maps, if necessary.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (you should have insurance for emergency evacuation, which will be paid by your travel insurance company).
  • All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary.
What's not Included
  • Your Nepal Visa fees.
  • All the International airfare from and to Kathmandu.
  • All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Personal travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation.
  • In case of extra night accommodation, lunch and dinner in the city due to early arrival and late departure as well as early back/return from mountain/trekking (due to any reason) than the given time period of the itinerary.
  • Guest personal expenses in the Trekking like (laundry and baggage charges, phone calls, bar, and beverage bills, battery recharge, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold shower, extra porter.. etc).
  • The Tips to the trekking crews and drive.
  • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions or any event out of our control. 
Availability
  • The trip departs every day of the year.
  • The trip and trek are fully customizable.
  • We can customize the trip according to the needs and necessities of our clients.
  • The trip is available for solo travelers, group travelers, and private travelers.
  • We organize the trip for a large group and can provide service for a group of 100+ members as well.
  • If the given dates are not appropriate for the trekkers, the trip can be conducted on the customary date provided by our clients.
  • Holiday tours Nepal advises all our clients to book at least 7 days prior so all the arrangements can be done in time, especially sometimes in the mountains where the accommodations are booked prior, so prior booking helps a lot.
  • We are available 24/7 on WhatsApp, Viber, and WeChat for additional information.
  • Contact us at [email protected], or send us a text at +977-9816710843 or +977-9818178630.
Useful Information

Equipment and Gear List

GeneralGeneral

  • Four-season (-20 degree) sleeping bag (We provide rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
  • Puffy down jacket (We provide rental jackets for an additional USD 35)
  • Daypack (25-30 liters recommended) with rain cover

CatUpper Body

  • Sun hat or cap (We'll provide you with a trekking cap.)
  • warm woolen hat
  • Scarf/Neck Buff (highly recommended to get saved from wind and cold)
  • Headlamp or mobile torch light for nighttime
  • Polarized sunglasses

TorsoTorso

  • Technical fabric base layer thermals are light for warmer months, heavy for colder months
  • Technical fabric t-shirts and sleeve sweaters or high-necks
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • windproof jacket for the walk as it gets windy
  • Fleece jacket or down jacket

LowerLower Body

  • thermals inner
  • Hiking pants at least 3
  • Comfortable pants for teahouses
  • Waterproof, windproof shell
  • Hiking shorts

glovesHands

  • Woolen gloves for the tea house
  • Hard-shell windproof outer gloves for the walk

feetFeet

  • Marino Wool or comfortable, warm socks
  • Hiking socks
  • Liner socks
  • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
  • Crampons (For passes)
  • Casual shoes or sandals that are comfortable for the time in the tea house
  • Gaiters (lightweight for rain and snow)

undergarmentUndergarments and Inner Wears

  • Technical fabric/quick drying (can be washed during the trek)
  • Sports bras (women)
  • sleeping clothes as per the comfortability

FirstaidFirst Aid Kits and Medications

Note: Our guides carry medications, oxygen cans, and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are recommended.) 

  • Sunscreen SPF- 50+
  • Lip balm or Vaseline
  • ointment cream
  • Cough Syrup and strepsils (recommended for Khumbu Cough)
  • Creams and medicines (for any allergies or diseases)

Optional Other Essentials

  • Passport
  • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Toilet paper, small soap, and shampoo
  • Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
  • water bladder for the day bag
  • small towel for personal use
  • Pillowcase in case of allergies to new pillows
  • High-protein snacks (such as mountain bars or nuts)
  • Waterproof/dry bags for carrying essential documents, stuff, frequently used items, and money
  • Power bank or extra batteries
  • Cameras and mobile phone
  • Cards/book
  • Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
  • Trekking poles
  • Whistle in case your voice is not loud enough to stop or start
  • Thermos for hot water during the night
  • We give you a free duffel bag, trekking cap, maps, and t-shirt during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
  • For every two participants, we assign one porter. The porter will carry the duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg/22 lbs., throughout the walk.
  • Daypack bag for daily used stuff like cash, documents, papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc. (with a waterproof cover).
  • You can store your luggage (on-trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu, and we can assist and help.
  • Total luggage for the Kathmandu-Lukla flight is (15 kg (33 lbs.), including duffel (10 Kg/22 lbs.) and backpack (5 kg/11 lbs.)
  • A down jacket with a hood (cap) to be warm in altitudes above 3,000m.
  • We can provide a down jacket for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, you need to pay back the cost of USD 200 per item.
  • We can provide a sleeping bag for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, USD 200 per item must be paid.

Note: Supplies and gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu. Once you are in Nepal, you can buy supplies and gear for hiking if you have spare time. Trekking Planner Nepal representatives will assist you in purchasing the equipment. Thamel a tourist hub, offers a wide range of trekking equipment at affordable prices. Don't wear short clothes inside the monasteries and religious places.

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