Accommodation during Royal Trek
- In Kathmandu and Pokhara we provide comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels with breakfast on a twin-sharing basis.(Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- During the trek, we provide comfortable teahouse accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals and Drinking water on Royal Trek
During the Royal Trek, you’ll enjoy three hearty, freshly prepared meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—at cozy teahouses in villages like Kalikasthan, Syaklung, and Chisopani. Expect wholesome Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, soups, pancakes, eggs, and seasonal local fare, providing ample energy for your 4-5 hour trekking days. Hydration is key at elevations up to 1,760m, and while bottled water is available at teahouses, we recommend using a reusable water bottle with purification tablets or filters provided by our guides to safely refill from local sources, reducing plastic waste and keeping you refreshed on this scenic Annapurna adventure.
Required Permits for the Royal Trek
You’ll need a TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit to trek in Royal Trek . All permit fees are included, and we arrange them for you.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 per person.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: NPR 1,000 per person
Best Time for Royal Trek
The best time for the Royal Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is ideal with clear skies, mild temperatures (10-20°C in lower areas like Pokhara and Kalikasthan), and vibrant views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons, adding color to the trails, while autumn offers crisp air and excellent visibility. Winter (December to February) is colder (0-10°C) but quieter, with occasional fog. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and slippery trails, reducing visibility, so spring or autumn is recommended for the most comfortable and scenic trekking experience.
Royal Trek Difficulties
The Royal Trek is an easy to moderate hike, ideal for beginners and families, with daily treks of 3-5 hours covering 6-8 km through the Annapurna region. The trail reaches a maximum altitude of 1,760m at Syaklung, with gentle ascents and descents through terraced fields, Gurung villages, and rhododendron forests. Challenges include short steep sections, like the climb to Kalikasthan (1,370m), and uneven paths that may be slippery during the monsoon (June-August). Winter (December-February) brings chilly mornings (0-10°C), while spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer stable weather. Altitude sickness is unlikely due to low elevations, but basic fitness is recommended for the daily walks. Teahouses provide basic amenities, though hot showers and electricity may be limited or incur extra costs. With sturdy shoes, trekking poles, and guidance from Aarohi Holiday’s experienced team, most trekkers can comfortably enjoy this scenic and culturally rich adventure.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention on Royal Trek
The Royal Trek is a low-altitude adventure, peaking at 1,760m in Syaklung, making altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS) highly unlikely. However, Aarohi Holiday prioritizes your safety with trained guides who monitor for mild symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or dizziness, which can occasionally occur due to exertion or dehydration. The itinerary includes a gradual ascent from Pokhara (900m) through Kalikasthan (1,370m) to Syaklung, allowing your body to adjust comfortably. Guides carry first aid kits and are trained in emergency protocols, ensuring quick response with rest, hydration, or descent if needed. To prevent discomfort, stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle (using purification tablets provided by guides), maintain a steady pace, and communicate any concerns during the pre-trek briefing or on the trail. With these precautions, the Royal Trek offers a safe and enjoyable Himalayan experience.
Travel Insurance for Royal Trek
Aarohi Holiday strongly recommends comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the Royal Trek, which reaches a maximum altitude of 1,760m at Syaklung. While this low-altitude trek poses minimal risks, insurance should cover hiking activities, including personal injury, medical treatment, and emergency evacuation (such as helicopter rescue) for unforeseen incidents. Additionally, ensure coverage for trip cancellations, delays, or lost luggage, as remote trails and weather can be unpredictable. A valid policy provides peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenic trails, Gurung villages, and Annapurna views, knowing you’re protected throughout your 9-day adventure.
Royal Trek cost
The Royal Trek, a 9-day adventure through the Annapurna region, is priced at USD 750 per person for solo trekkers, offering excellent value for a scenic and culturally rich experience. This cost includes airport pick-up/drop-off, 3-star hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast, teahouse accommodations during the trek, three daily meals on trekking days, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (NPR 3,000), TIMS Card (NPR 1,000), one porter per two trekkers, transportation (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Bijayapur and Begnas-Pokhara-Kathmandu), a Kathmandu sightseeing tour with a car and driver, and a farewell dinner.
Important Notes for Royal Trek
- Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara is by tourist bus (6–7 hours), ensuring a scenic and comfortable journey to the trailhead. The drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur is by private vehicle.
- One porter is shared between two trekkers, carrying up to 20kg total. We recommend packing under 10kg per person, and a duffle bag will be provided for your gear.
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included during the trek, served from teahouse menus. Extras like hot showers, Wi-Fi, or device charging at teahouses are not covered.
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included, except for breakfast at 3-star hotels and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Drones require a special permit, which is difficult to obtain. Unless you have prior official approval, we advise against bringing one to avoid complications.
- Weather in the Annapurna Region can be unpredictable. In case of trail disruptions, our team will arrange alternative plans to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Fitness Preparation for the Trek
The Royal Trek is an easy to moderate hike, perfect for beginners and families, with daily treks of 3-5 hours covering 6-8 km through the Annapurna region, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,760m at Syaklung. To prepare, engage in regular walking or light cardio activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming 3-4 times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trek to build stamina. Practicing short hikes on uneven terrain or stair climbing helps with the trail’s gentle ascents and descents, such as the climb to Kalikasthan. No advanced training is needed, but maintaining basic fitness ensures you comfortably enjoy the scenic paths, Gurung villages, and Himalayan views, with support from Aarohi Holiday’s experienced guides.
Trekking Day for The Royal
A typical day on the Royal Trek begins around 7-8 AM with a 3-5 hour hike (6-8 km) through gentle trails, terraced fields, and rhododendron forests, passing Gurung villages like Kalikasthan and Syaklung, with Annapurna views. The terrain, peaking at 1,760m, includes mild ascents and descents with short breaks. You’ll reach the next teahouse by mid-afternoon, guided by Aarohi Holiday’s team for a comfortable and scenic experience.
Royal Trek Itinerary
The 9-day Royal Trek starts in Kathmandu (1,345m) with an airport welcome and a day visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next day 6-7 hour drive takes you to Pokhara (900m), followed by a short drive to Bijayapur to begin trekking to Kalikasthan (1,370m, 3-4 hours). Continue to Syaklung (1,760m, 4-5 hours), then Chisopani (1,550m, 4-5 hours), passing Gurung villages with Annapurna views. Descend to Begnas Lake (3-4 hours) and return to Pokhara, before driving back to Kathmandu for your final departure, wrapping up a scenic, beginner-friendly Himalayan journey.
Arrival Instruction
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your name being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. The representatives are responsible to escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will see men offering you to carry luggage and take you to your destination as you exit the airport. We request you pay no attention to these people and follow the designated representatives and follow their instructions. You will also need to keep an eye on your luggage and belongings to avoid any complications.
Nepal Visa Entry Procedure
For entry into Nepal, there are visa requirements everyone (except Indian nationals) must complete before being allowed to pass through immigration. This is for air travel as well as overland transportation. Most visitors may obtain a visa to enter Nepal, however, there are exceptions.Three options are available for entry.
- 15-day single entry: US $30
- 30-day single entry: US $50
- 90-day multiple entries: US $125
Please have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, and have cash ready, preferably in US dollars, though there are other currencies Nepal Immigration accepts. If you are entering via overland, you must have US cash and 3 passport photos. For arrival by air, the kiosks at the airport take your picture for you.For the most up to date list of exceptions for visa on arrival or to obtain the most current visa information, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website
