If you have never experienced trekking in the Himalayas before, we have may have just the right trek for you. The Royal Trek is a stunning introduction to trekking in the most impressive mountain range in the world. The route was initially established for his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in the winter of 1991, and since then, the name ‘Royal Trek’, the original trail and a brilliant trekking experience has remained for you to enjoy.
The Royal Trek starts 45 minutes outside the second biggest city in Nepal, Pokhara, and the 4-day/3 night route takes you along a ridge capturing the most spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna range in The Himalayas.
The route lies along the high ridges to the south of the Phewa Tal (lake) and the first three days of the trek is generally at relatively low altitudes of around 1,500-2,100m which is suitable for pretty much everyone. We recommend the Royal Trek from mid-October all the way through (the season until) May. The Pokhara valley itself gets quite hot in late spring but temperatures on the trekking route should remain pleasant. The birding and spring flowers are in bloom, and rhododendron and white mycelia will guarantee to amaze you time and time again. The stunning views of Dhauligiri and the Annapurnas, and east to Manaslu and Himalchuli are exceptionally good (especially at dawn), but are affected by spring haze from mid- March onwards.
The Royal Trek, combined with a lodging experience at either Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge or Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, is a fantastic way to see Nepal for the first time. As all of our trips are bespoke we are more than happy to tailor both the mountain and jungle elements accordingly. This trip can be physically demanding as some of the terrain is steep. The guides are experienced at walking at the traveller’s own pace so you can enjoy the day and the stunning views.
After arriving at Kathmandu Tribhuvan airport, you will be met by a TfT Travel staff member and connected straight onto a connecting flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara you will drive 45 minutes up the valley to the trek start. This afternoon’s walk will be to the location of Bhumdi (1,525m). As you approach the campsite the Himalayan vistas will dawn on you, with the dream becoming a reality. The coming three nights you will be overnight camping on a full board basis.
Today you will be walking parallel to the Himalayan mountain ranges to the President Camp at 2134m. The smell of the pine forests will be overwhelming and the local fauna will start to become apparent. The terrain in the second part of the day steepens sharply with a number of challenging ascents. The campsite is located on the brow of a grassed hill with Machapuchare in your direct line of sight, so make sure you request an early wake up call on day 3 as sunrise is something that cannot be missed! (Tip: Keen birders, make sure you pack your binoculars, the twitching is fantastic!).
Your day starts with a strong cup of fresh local coffee and maybe a chilli omelet before the biggest ascent up to a Buddhist temple. You will be heading up through Nepal’s famous Rhododendron forest, which comes to life with colour after the departure of the bone chilling winter. After a visit to the temple you will steadily amble down to today campsite- Tashi’s Camp at 2000m. (Tip: Head out on the Royal Trek in February and the flowering of the Rhododendrons will be in its full. Absolutely stunning!).
Today offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a chance to reflect on the magnificent mountain ranges and life in the sticks. Our trekking team will provide you with a full continental breakfast while you piece together parts of your journey in your diary or enjoy the satisfaction of a bucket shower. Khare is located at 1000m and your pick up point to the next part of your trip Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge.From now on you will be staying overnight at the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge on a full board basis.
Activities available to you from the Lodge include a ridge-top walk visiting local village,; short hikes, and naturalist-guided nature and bird watching walks. Alternatively relax in Colonel Jimmy’s (founder of trekking in the Himalayas) Library reading about some of the more famous mountain expeditions. A beautiful swimming pool is located in a strategic site at the end of the ridge and reflects the high mountains which drop away to the Bijaypur River far below.
Today is your final full day in Nepal and a chance for you to be very lazy and leisurely, or to get out and about to enjoy the enchantment of the Himalayan foothills. Both the butterfly and bird watching tours are remarkable. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is renowned for its experienced and extremely knowledgeable naturalists, so take advantage while you can. (Tip: after the tours ask your naturalist if he will accompany you to the library to help find what you have seen in the Himalayans in the numerous books available in Colonel Jimmy’s selection).
Today you will return back to Kathmandu by domestic flight, whereby an airport representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you across for your onward international departure out of Kathmandu Tribhuvan airport.
March, April, October, November
January, May, June, July, August
January, May, June, July, August