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Quick facts
Walk the quiet ridge route that Prince Charles made famous in 1980 — through Gurung villages, terraced farmland, and dense subtropical forest with unbroken Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal views. The gentlest multi-day trek near Pokhara.
Overview
The Royal Trek earned its name in 1980 when Prince Charles walked it with a retinue of nearly 90 people — a fact that has become the main marketing hook for this route, though the trail itself has far more to offer than its famous walker. What the Royal Trek actually is: a low-altitude ridge walk through the Kaski district north and east of Pokhara, passing through Gurung villages that feel genuinely unhurried, farmland terraced with care over generations, and forest sections that are dense and quiet in the mornings.
The maximum altitude of 1,730m at Syaklung means there is no altitude concern whatsoever. This is the route I recommend without hesitation to first-time trekkers in Nepal, to families with children of trekking age, to older adults who want real mountain views without the acclimatisation risk, and to anyone with limited time who wants to understand what Nepali rural life looks like when it isn't performing for a teahouse full of trekkers on the Annapurna highway.
The views are the other argument for this route. The Annapurna range, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the closer Himalayan foothills are visible on clear days from multiple points on the ridge. This is not a compromise mountain view from a low trail — on a clear October morning from Syaklung the panorama is genuinely impressive, and because the route runs northeast of Pokhara rather than directly north, the angle on the Manaslu massif in particular is excellent.
The villages along the route — Kalikasthan, Syaklung, Chisapani — are Gurung communities with a long tradition of military service (particularly in the Gurkhas) and a characteristic warmth toward travellers. I find the pace of life here more approachable and less touristy than the villages of the main Annapurna circuit, where trekker traffic has changed the dynamic considerably. Finishing at Begnas Lake, one of Pokhara's three lakes, with a boat ride or a lakeside lunch is the ideal end to the walk.
Who this trek is for
First-time trekkers in Nepal, families with school-age children, older adults looking for real mountain scenery without altitude risk, and anyone with only 3-4 days available. Also excellent for people who want to combine a trek with Pokhara's lakeside and café culture — this trek can be done as a standalone before or after any Pokhara holiday. No prior trekking experience required.
Best views & moments
- The historic route walked by Prince Charles in 1980 — now a quiet, characterful trail far off the main Annapurna highway
- Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal panoramas from the Syaklung ridge at 1,730m without any altitude acclimatisation required
- Gurung villages of Kalikasthan, Syaklung, and Chisapani — traditional stone houses, marigold garlands, and genuine community warmth
- Dense subtropical forest sections with good birding for Himalayan barbets, sunbirds, and raptors
- Finish at Begnas Lake for a boat ride on the most peaceful of Pokhara's three lakes
- No altitude risk, no technical terrain — genuinely accessible to first-timers, families, and older trekkers
- Panoramic views of Manaslu massif from a particularly fine northeast angle not available on the main Annapurna trails
- Terraced farmland working agriculture — mustard fields in winter, rice paddies in monsoon, buckwheat in autumn
Day-by-day itinerary
Route & terrain
The Royal Trek begins just north of Pokhara, following a ridge route that runs northeast through the Kaski district. From the trailhead at Bijaypur or Kalika the path climbs steadily through the first hour into subtropical forest before emerging onto the farmland terraces that characterise the mid-elevation zone between Pokhara and the higher Annapurna foothills.
The route passes through a sequence of Gurung villages that retain a genuinely traditional character. Kalikasthan sits on the first prominent ridge point with views opening to the north and east. Syaklung at 1,730m is the highest point of the trek and the best viewpoint — from here Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu are visible on a clear day, with the forested valleys of Kaski spreading below in every direction.
From Syaklung the trail descends through mixed forest toward Chisapani and then drops more steeply to the Begnas Lake area. Begnas is the quietest of Pokhara's three lakes — no paragliders landing here, no tourist jet-skis, just egrets in the shallows and local fishermen in dugout canoes. It is a calming place to finish a walk.
The total distance of the Royal Trek is approximately 40-50km depending on the exact start and finish points, with minimal altitude variation compared to the Annapurna routes further west. The trail is well-marked and follows a combination of stone-paved paths through villages and dirt trails through forest sections.
General info
Difficulty & preparation
Easy-Moderate. The Royal Trek has no technical terrain, no altitude risk, and no day longer than 4-5 hours of walking at a comfortable pace. The main physical demand is the climb from the valley floor to the Kalikasthan-Syaklung ridge on day one and two, which involves sustained uphill walking but on well-maintained trail at low altitude where breathing is unrestricted.
The descents on day three and four are longer and the path can be slippery in places after rain, particularly through the forest sections approaching Chisapani. Trekking poles are a comfort on these sections, particularly for anyone with knee concerns. Otherwise this is a walk that a reasonably fit person of any age can complete without stress.
The low altitude means there is no acclimatisation requirement and no risk of altitude-related illness. What mild fitness is needed is covered by anyone who walks 30-45 minutes per day in normal life.
How to prepare
Minimal specialist preparation needed. Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support (full hiking boots are useful but trail runners are fine in dry conditions). A light daypack with rain cover. Water bottle and snacks. Sun protection for the exposed ridge sections. A light fleece for the evenings at Syaklung, which can be cool even in October and November.
The Royal Trek is short enough that it can be undertaken with little pre-trip physical preparation beyond being generally mobile and willing to walk uphill for a few hours. That said, the more fit you are, the more you will enjoy the views rather than focusing on the exertion. Even a few weeks of regular walking before departure makes a difference.
Permits you'll need
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
USD 30 per person
The Royal Trek falls within the ACAP boundary. Required for all foreign nationals. Obtainable in Pokhara at the ACAP office or Nepal Tourism Board before departure.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
USD 15 per person (NPR 2,000)
Required for trekking in the ACAP region. I obtain both permits in Pokhara before the trek starts.
I handle all permit paperwork as your licensed guide.
Altitude & acclimatisation
Maximum altitude of 1,730m makes this a non-issue from an acclimatisation perspective. The vast majority of trekkers will feel no altitude effect whatsoever. The route is suitable for people who have never trekked at altitude before, for children, and for anyone with mild respiratory concerns that would preclude the higher Annapurna routes. Drink water regularly and pace yourself on the climbs — standard sensible advice for any hill walking regardless of altitude.
Food & accommodation
Teahouses and local homestays along the Royal Trek are simple but welcoming. The villages of Kalikasthan, Syaklung, and Chisapani have guesthouses that serve dal bhat, fried noodles, omelette and toast, and basic Nepali meals. This is not a route for restaurant variety — it is a route for honest local food cooked by the family running the lodge.
Syaklung in particular has several teahouses that have hosted trekkers since the trek became established in the 1980s and the hospitality is genuine. Hot water (often bucket hot shower) and a clean room with a good blanket is what to expect. The finish at Begnas Lake gives access to the slightly more developed restaurants around the lake before the drive back to Pokhara.
What to pack
Daypack only — no porter needed unless you prefer. Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L), sun hat, light fleece, rain jacket, UV sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks for the trail, headtorch for early starts, a good camera. Accommodation on this trek includes local teahouses and simple homestays, so a sleep sheet or sleeping bag liner is useful. Leave valuables in Pokhara — there is no need for expedition gear on this route.