4 days · easy
The Royal Annapurna Trekking
Prince Charles’s 1980s route through quiet Annapurna foothills: ridge walks from Kalikasthan to Syaklung and Chisopani, Gurung villages, and Begnas Lake—an easy, uncrowded four-day trek below 1,730 m.
From US$819 per person (indicative)
Best seasons: All year round
At a glance
- Distance
- 54 km
- Altitude (max · min)
- (↑) 1730 m · (↓) 820 m
- Days
- 4
- Route grade
- Grade A (an easy endeavour)
- Fitness
- Aerobic fitness
Gallery
Route map
Overview of the trekking corridor (illustrative—not a substitute for navigation).
Trip overview
The Royal Trek is named after Prince Charles, who walked this route in the 1980s. It passes through rice terraces and small villages with wide views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and the Pokhara valley, offering an authentic glimpse of Gurung life without heavy tourist traffic. Starting from the Kalikasthan ridge and finishing at Begnas Lake, the trail runs through Shyaklung and Chisopani along the divide between Begnas and Rupa lakes. The path is well maintained, wide, and gentle—suitable for beginners, families, and older walkers. The highest point is about 1,730 m, so acclimatisation is minimal. This short trek is ideal if you want spectacular Annapurna scenery on an off-the-beaten-track loop from Pokhara.
Indicative pricing
Per-person rates for the listed group sizes. For each traveller beyond the quoted group size, a supplementary charge of 30% may apply.
| Option | 2 travellers | 4 travellers | 8 travellers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | US$969 | US$900 | US$819 |
| Deluxe | US$1390 | US$1300 | US$1169 |
Indicative per-person pricing for the services described in this offer. Cost varies with customization. International flights are not included.
Services
Included
- ✓Three nights tented camp
- ✓All meals during trekking
- ✓Personal trekking guide
- ✓All camping gear, cook, and porters
- ✓All entrance fees and permits
- ✓Ground transportation to and from Pokhara
- ✓All taxes
Excluded
- -International flights and Nepal visa fees
- -Travel / medical insurance
- -Pokhara hotels
- -Client personal and unforeseen expenses
- -Bar bills, bottled water, and personal snacks
- -Natural calamities beyond our control and rescue expenses
Optional
- +Extra nights in Pokhara or Kathmandu
- +Private transport upgrades
Fees, bookings & tickets
- T-shirt
- Private tour
- 15 days advance booking required
- Trekking permits
Gear & equipment
- · Sleeping bag
- · Backpack
- · Hiking boots
- · Socks
- · Thermals
- · First-aid kit
- · Rain jacket
- · Personal medicines
- · Down jacket
- · Sleeping pad
- · Trekking shorts
- · Sleep wear / under clothes
Trekking grade
Grade A: gentle ridge walking with no high altitude. Suitable for first-time trekkers and families; still pack for cool mornings and occasional rain.
Good to know
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Royal Trek?
Below about 3,500 m the risk is low on this route, but everyone reacts differently. Stay hydrated and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
What kind of food can I expect in Nepal?
Nepal offers diverse regional cuisine—from dal bhat and momos to international dishes in Pokhara. On trek, meals are hearty and geared toward walkers.
Itinerary
- 1
Drive Pokhara to Bijayapur — trek to Kalikasthan
Kalikasthan
First ridge views
- Distance: 18 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1370 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 5 h
- Stay: Tented camp
- 2
Kalikasthan to Syaklung
Syaklung
Gurung village on the ridge
- Distance: 15 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1730 m · (↓) 1370 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tented camp
- 3
Syaklung to Chisopani
Chisopani
Chautari and village trails
- Distance: 10 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1730 m · (↓) 1550 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tented camp
- 4
Chisopani to Begnas Lake — drive to Pokhara
Pokhara
Finale at the lake
- Distance: 12 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1550 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Hotel
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Drive Pokhara to Bijayapur — trek to Kalikasthan
First ridge views
- Distance: 18 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1370 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 5 h
- Stay: Tented camp
Drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur, the trailhead, then walk four to five hours on a relatively easy path. After crossing the river the trail climbs toward Kalikasthan, with lunch on the ascent. At the ridge, views open over Begnas Lake, Pokhara, and the Annapurna Himalayas.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2
Kalikasthan to Syaklung
Gurung village on the ridge
- Distance: 15 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1730 m · (↓) 1370 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tented camp
Walk along the hilltop ridge from Thulakhet to Mathithana and on through Lipeyani before a short climb into Syaklung (1,730 m), a Gurung village surrounded by rhododendron forest and constant Himalayan views.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3
Syaklung to Chisopani
Chautari and village trails
- Distance: 10 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1730 m · (↓) 1550 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Tented camp
A varied day of ups and downs: steep descent through a village, a rest at a local chautari—traditional stone shelters for hikers and gatherings—then the left fork past a police post toward Chisopani (the right fork drops to the Marshyangdi). Explore the village and local culture in the afternoon.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4
Chisopani to Begnas Lake — drive to Pokhara
Finale at the lake
- Distance: 12 km
- Altitude: (↑) 1550 m · (↓) 822 m
- Duration: 6 h
- Stay: Hotel
Cross the stream feeding Rupa Tal and climb the ridge between Rupa and Begnas lakes through rice fields and villages to Begnas Tal. Lunch by the lake, time to explore the town, and farewell to your trekking team before driving back to Pokhara.
Breakfast, lunch
Traveler notes
Shortlisted guests who have travelled with partner operators (illustrative).
- Christopher · UK · 2026-04-20
- David · Australia · 2026-04-09
- Mathis & Ida · Germany · 2026-04-06
- Paul & Tim · Germany · 2026-03-25
- Claudia · Germany · 2026-03-18
Detail inspiration: https://himalayancircuit.com/tour/the-royal-annapurna-trekking