In 1980, Prince Charles walked the ridges east of Pokhara accompanied by a large royal entourage, sleeping under canvas in what was then an entirely self-supported camping expedition. The route he chose — because of its easy terrain, spectacular mountain views, and pleasant village character — has since become known as the Royal Trek, and remains one of the most accessible and enjoyable walks in the Annapurna region.
The Royal Trek follows a gentle arc through the hills east of Pokhara, passing through a series of traditional Gurung and Chhetri villages that see very little tourist traffic compared to the famous Poon Hill or ABC routes. The maximum altitude is just 1,740m — there is literally no altitude risk on this route, making it unique among Himalayan treks in being genuinely accessible to anyone capable of a comfortable day's walk. Daily distances are moderate, and the teahouses, while simpler than the well-developed lodges of the main circuits, are clean and welcoming.
The rewards are real and underrated. The Syaklung ridge at 1,740m delivers a sweeping view of the full Annapurna range from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu — one of the finest accessible mountain panoramas in the Pokhara region. The Chisapani viewpoint looks out over Rupa and Begnas Lakes, two bodies of water that shimmer in the valley below like mirrors. The village life encountered along the route — rice terraces, water mills, school children, women weaving at doorway looms — is Nepal's middle-hill culture at its most authentic. For families with young children, older travellers, or anyone for whom this is their first trek anywhere, the Royal Trek is the perfect starting point.
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Walk the route Prince Charles trekked in the 1980s
Panoramic Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views from Syaklung ridge
Views of Rupa Lake and Begnas Lake from the Chisapani viewpoint
Walk through traditional Gurung and Chhetri farming villages
The easiest and most accessible trek near Pokhara — no altitude risk
Who Is This Trek For?
The gentlest introduction to Himalayan trekking. Named after Prince Charles's 1980 visit, this 4-day walk through the ridges east of Pokhara offers mountain views, lake scenery, and village culture with zero altitude risk. Ideal for families with young children, older travellers, or anyone seeking a relaxed pace.
Best Time to Trek Royal
Spring
March-May brings wildflowers, green terraces, and warm walking temperatures. Mountain views are clear most mornings.
Autumn
October-November delivers the sharpest Annapurna panorama and the most pleasant walking weather. Rice harvest adds golden tones.
Winter
December-February is cool and quiet. Crystal-clear views. The low altitude means comfortable temperatures during walking hours.
Difficulty & Fitness
Easy — 4-5 hours walking per day
Well-maintained trails, gradual elevation gain
No prior trekking experience needed
The easiest trek in our catalog. Daily walking is 4-5 hours on gentle ridge trails with minimal elevation change. Maximum altitude 1,740m means absolutely no altitude risk. Suitable for children aged 6+, older adults, and those recovering from injuries.
Itinerary
4 Days
Depart Pokhara by vehicle for the 45-minute drive northeast to Bijayapur Khola (900m), the traditional starting point of the Royal Trek. The road follows the eastern edge of Pokhara Valley through flat farmland and small market towns before reaching the trailhead at the river crossing. From here, the trek begins immediately, climbing through subtropical farmland and forest to the small ridge settlement of Kalikasthan (1,370m).
The trek from Bijayapur to Kalikasthan covers approximately 8 km over 4-5 hours, gaining 470m through a landscape that transitions from flat valley floor to gently rolling hill country. The trail passes through Chhetri and Brahmin farming villages where the daily rhythms are set by agricultural seasons rather than tourism schedules — ploughing, planting, and harvesting are conducted with hand tools and water buffalo, and the stone-paved paths between villages have been worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic. Annapurna II's enormous mass appears progressively above the ridge ahead as you climb.
Kalikasthan is a small ridge village with a simple teahouse or two and a schoolyard that doubles as a community gathering space. The evening views from the ridge are a satisfying reward for the day's climb: the Pokhara Valley spreads behind you, Phewa Lake visible in the late afternoon light, while ahead the Annapurna range fills the northern horizon in a wall of white peaks. Dinner in a family-run teahouse is simple and good — dal bhat with fresh seasonal vegetables from the kitchen garden just visible through the window.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What's Included
Transportation from Pokhara to Bijayapur and return from Begnas
All permits (ACAP)
Experienced guide
All teahouse accommodation
Three meals a day during trek
Interactive Route Map
Explore the trek route on a topographic map. Click waypoints for details. Scroll to zoom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Starting From
USD $280
per person
Next: Mar 25, 2026
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Book by Mar 18, 2026
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ER
“As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe the entire time.”
