Royal Trek

Our skilled tour guides and devoted team are here to give you a real travel experience. Thanks to our close ties with local teahouses and homestays, you’ll experience true local hospitality.

Above all, your safety is our top priority; we provide reliable, attentive guides who offer personalised support every step of the way. We have over 2,600 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, and Google. The reviews show our strong reputation and experience.

We keep our groups small, typically averaging 4 to 6 travelers, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10. Solo travelers can easily book a private trip by filling out our custom form. 

Please select from our scheduled departure dates. If none match your schedule, you can book a private trip to customize your itinerary fully. 

We guarantee all Royal Trek bookings and honor scheduled departures, even if the group size is smaller than expected. 

Absolutely! Depending on your chosen departure date, you may be joined by other fellow travelers. However, even if there are no other bookings on your selected date, we guarantee your departure and will run the tour just for you at the same price. 

Yes, you can book a private trip when travelling solo or with your friends or family in a group. You just have to book a private trip and customize your preferred departure dates and no of members in the group. There are no limitations on the number of people in the group in a private trip.

However, if you are a solo traveler booking a private trip for yourself, you have to pay an extra fee.

Yes, travelers from most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. To ensure a smooth process, we recommend filling out the online application form before your trip and carrying cash or a card for the visa fee. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and has at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
However, some countries require a pre-approved tourist visa. For more comprehensive details, please visit our Nepal Visa Information page.

Yes, Airport transfers on both your arrival and departure days are completely free of charge and included in your tour package. On your last day, our team will pick you up and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your departure flight.

However, if your plans change in any way, we will be more than happy to accommodate your schedule and adapt to your needs.

Standard accommodation includes a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, such as the Woodapple Hotel & Spa, which is fully covered in your Royal Trek package. If you prefer to upgrade to a 4-star or 5-star property, we are happy to arrange this for an additional fee depending on the hotel you choose.

If you plan to extend your trip by arriving early or staying a few extra days after your trek, just let us know so we can arrange your lodging. Additional nights cost USD 45 for a single room and USD 50 for a twin or double room, which covers both breakfast and all taxes. 

During the briefing meeting, you will meet your guide, review the route map, and finalize payment and insurance details. We will also collect a copy of your passport and travel insurance.

Your guide will inspect your gear and provide you with complimentary trekking essentials, including a down jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag, cap, hat, and a detailed Royal Trek map. This is also the perfect opportunity to ask any last-minute questions or clarify any final details with our team.

To book, simply navigate to the departures section and select your preferred date. Complete the booking form with your details, and our team will get back to you shortly. 

Alternatively, if you wish to book a private trip, you can fill out our custom request form so we can tailor the itinerary to your needs. Don't worry if you don't have your flight and insurance details ready right away; you can send those to us later.

A 20% deposit is required to secure your reservation. Once payment is received, your trek will be officially confirmed.

The remaining balance can be settled upon your arrival in Nepal. For your convenience, we accept payments in both cash and by card. 

The 20% booking deposit is non-refundable. However, depending on the circumstances, we can postpone your trip and apply your full deposit toward a future booking or a different trek of your choice. Your deposit will never expire, giving you complete flexibility to reschedule whenever you are ready. 

Learn more about Nepal Hiking Team's risk-free booking policies.

For airport pickups and drop-offs, we provide a comfortable private vehicle (car or jeep). Overland travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara is done via a private vehicle.

While in Pokhara, private vehicles are used for your transfers from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola, and from the Begnas Lake area back to Pokhara.

Alternatively, if you prefer to fly to and from Pokhara, we can easily arrange flight upgrades for an additional transportation fee.

The guide will come to escort you to the bus station at 6:30 am from your hotel in Kathmandu. The bus will leave at roughly 7:30 am from the bus station.

For Kathmandu, the bus will also leave at 6:30 in the early morning from the hotel.

Yes, you can take a flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara instead of taking a private vehicle for transportation. However, you will have to pay an additional fee for the flight charges. The one-way flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara takes about 25 minutes and costs USD 115 per person.

The Royal Trek is perfect for beginners and those with little to no prior trekking experience. With a maximum altitude of 1,730 m (5,675 ft), there is virtually no risk of altitude sickness. Daily walking distances are moderate, averaging about 4 to 6 hours per day. 

While accessible to most, a basic level of physical fitness will enhance your endurance and ensure a much more enjoyable hiking experience. 

The Royal Trek covers a total distance of about 27 to 30 km, requiring roughly 4 to 6 hours of walking each day. The scenic itinerary consists of a 6 km walk from Bijayapur Khola to Kalikasthan, a 15 to 16 km trek to Chisapani via Syaklung, and a final 5 to 6 km hike down to Begnas Lake.

Throughout the Royal Trek, the journey passes through beautifully terraced agricultural lands, lush rhododendron forests, scenic mountain ridges, and pristine lake and river landscapes. 

No, there is no specific age limit. The trek is exceptionally beginner-friendly, featuring a low maximum altitude (1,730 m) and a relatively easy trail characterized by gentle mountain ridges and terraced farmlands.

However, children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for safety reasons.

The Royal Trek is perfect for beginners. It features a steady walk of around 4 to 6 hours each day. Therefore, it’s advisable to build your basic physical endurance beforehand. Engaging in regular cardio exercises, such as jogging, running, stair climbing, or hiking for 4 to 6 hours a week, will enhance your stamina, making your journey more enjoyable.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is still required. While the Royal Trek stays at a safe, low altitude (maximum 1,730 m) with no risk of altitude sickness, insurance is essential to cover unexpected trail accidents, sudden illnesses, trip interruptions, or emergency medical evacuation. 

We highly recommend securing your coverage through reputable international insurers such as Genki Traveler, AXA Travel Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, or World Nomads. These providers understand the specific demands of high-altitude trekking and have proven track records for handling emergency claims efficiently. 

Our licensed trekking leaders bring years of expertise to your Royal Trek. They always carry comprehensive first aid kits and oximeters to monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels throughout the journey.

To ensure your comfort and well-being throughout the Royal Trek journey, we handpick reliable, clean tea houses and local homestays. Additionally, we are fully prepared to coordinate swift helicopter evacuations in the event of an emergency. 

The best seasons for the Royal Trek are autumn, from September to November, and spring, from March to May. These months give you the most reliable weather, crystal-clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions throughout the Annapurna region.

Since the trek’s elevation is about 1,730 metres, it is possible to complete it in other seasons too. Most travellers steer clear of the monsoon months, from June to September. This is because of risks like landslides, slippery trails, and road blockages.

Yes, it is possible to hike the Royal Trek during the summer and winter months. The summer monsoon in Nepal can be quite harsh and volatile, frequently causing trail mud, landslides, and road blockages. Conversely, winter brings significantly lower temperatures that may be uncomfortably cold for some travelers, particularly older adults.

However, for the best overall experience, we highly recommend trekking during the spring and autumn seasons. 

Altitude sickness is exceptionally rare on the Royal Trek since the maximum elevation is only 1,730 meters. Acclimatization is not required, making the route perfectly comfortable for trekkers of all ages. To support your body, we recommend staying well-hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and maintaining a steady pace.

While altitude issues are highly unlikely, your safety is our priority. Our guides carry first-aid kits and will regularly monitor your health with an oximeter. If you experience a headache, dizziness, or feel unwell at any point, please notify your guide immediately. In the rare event of a severe medical emergency, swift helicopter evacuation is available.

Don't worry! The suspension bridges on the Royal Trek are standard, minor village footbridges built for local transit over small streams and agricultural valleys. Because the route completely avoids sidesteps deep gorges entirely, the route remains a safe, highly accessible, and physically gentle choice for beginners, families, and elderly trekkers.

We assign one experienced porter to every two trekkers to carry your combined gear (up to 25 kg total). Since your porter will walk ahead, you only need to carry a light daypack with your daily essentials, like a water bottle, phone, camera, snacks, and any necessary medication. 

Yes, your hotel in Kathmandu has a secure storage locker where you can leave any extra bags at no charge. You can pick up your stored luggage when you return from the trek. This setup allows you to head out on the Royal Trek with only what you need, making the entire experience much more comfortable. 

Yes, we provide several essential items for the Royal Trek. You'll get a sleeping bag, a down jacket, and a duffel bag. The sleeping bag and jacket are our Nepal Hiking Team brand and are rated to handle temperatures as low as -15°C.

We also provide you with a trek map to help you follow the route, along with a complimentary Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt and cap as part of your package.

Yes! As a token of appreciation from the Nepal Hiking Team, we will present you with an achievement certificate upon successfully completing the Royal Trek. It is our way of honoring your dedication and celebrating your wonderful accomplishment.

The accommodation on the Royal Trek primarily consists of cozy, local teahouses and homestays along the route. These lodges offer basic but comfortable rooms, usually with twin beds and shared bathroom facilities, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic hospitality of the local villages.

Yes, you can stay connected throughout most of the trek! Before you start, pick up local SIM cards from NTC or Ncell in Kathmandu. You can buy NTC and Ncell data packs. This provides you with sufficient connectivity to stay in touch with family and friends and handle any essential business calls.

However, the signal may occasionally dip or become patchy when you descend deep into the dense forest sections or pass between the village hubs of Syanglung. 

Yes, charging your devices is easy and reliable on the Royal Trek. Because the route stays at a low altitude (below 1,800 meters) close to Pokhara, most teahouses are connected to the national electricity grid, often providing standard wall outlets right in your room.

Charging is typically free or costs a nominal fee of around NPR 100. While the grid is stable and the mild weather prevents battery drain, it is still smart to bring a power bank as a backup for occasional power outages.

Yes, Western-style toilets are widely available. Because the low-altitude route sits right on the edge of the Pokhara Valley, most established teahouses feature Western sit-down flush toilets.

While Western facilities are common, you may still occasionally encounter traditional Asian squat toilets in older community homestays or small village stops. Regardless of the toilet type, teahouses do not supply toilet paper. You must pack your own rolls, along with hand sanitizer, and dispose of all paper in the provided waste bins rather than flushing it. 

Our standard package includes twin-sharing rooms, but if you prefer a private room, a single supplement fee applies. Since the Royal Trek is a lower-altitude route with highly developed local infrastructure and homestays, private rooms are generally much easier to arrange compared to high-altitude treks. However, availability is still subject to peak trekking seasons, so we recommend booking your private room in advance.

The food on the Royal Trek features a mix of traditional Nepali dishes and international staples. The highlight is freshly cooked Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry), which comes with free refills. Most teahouses also offer Western-style options like pancakes, eggs, porridge, noodles, and fried rice.

Because the trail stays at a lower altitude right next to Pokhara, fresh ingredients including seasonal vegetables, chicken, and local fish are delivered daily from nearby farms. As a result, the menu is highly varied and significantly cheaper than on remote, high-altitude routes.

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are widely available on the Royal Trek. Because the route sits at a low altitude right next to Pokhara, teahouses have easy access to a variety of fresh ingredients and can readily accommodate your dietary needs. 

Important: Please remind our guides of any food allergies once the trek begins. They will speak directly with the lodge kitchens to ensure you receive meals that are safe and suitable for your dietary requirements.

For the Royal Trek, safe drinking water is managed by avoiding direct consumption from local taps, streams, or springs, which are often contaminated. The most reliable and safe options are to purchase boiled water from teahouses along the route or to treat your own water using purification tablets to remove bacteria. 

Since bottled water is environmentally discouraged and often unavailable in remote areas, carrying your own reusable bottle and a reliable purification kit is the most sustainable and practical approach to staying hydrated throughout your trek.

Yes, we offer customization options, allowing you to adjust the pace, add extra days for better adjustment, and choose where you want to stay. We will happily tailor the entire experience to match your wishes and preferences.

Please note that customization is only available for private treks. If you're joining one of our group departures, you'll need to follow the standard itinerary that is set for the group.

Yes, a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's premier UNESCO World Heritage sites is fully included in the package and takes place on the second day of your itinerary.

If you wish to extend your stay and explore even more, we can also arrange optional day tours of the Kathmandu Valley for an additional $120.

At the conclusion of your Royal Trek (Pokhara), consider offering a gratuity to your trekking guide and porters, leaving it for them just before parting ways. Go with an amount that reflects your means and their service standard. A tip is a gesture of appreciation for their hard work that made your time enjoyable.

We recommend bringing around 15,000 in total pocket money for the trail. Since this is a short, low-altitude trek with highly developed local infrastructure close to Pokhara, your daily extra expenses will be very minimal. This budget is more than enough to comfortably cover personal snacks, drinks, optional Wi-Fi or device charging, and tips for your guiding team at the end of the journey.

However, there are still no ATMs along the trail itself, so you should withdraw all your required cash in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) while in Kathmandu or Pokhara before heading out to the trailhead.