Annapurna Foothills Royal Trek Discovery
- 9 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you through the historic mid-hills of the Annapurna region on a low-altitude route originally mapped by British royalty.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead this peaceful, low-altitude journey through the scenic mid-hills of Nepal's Annapurna region, following a path originally popularised by British royalty. Our route winds along pristine dirt trails, terraced agricultural fields, and traditional village settlements, offering panoramic mountain views without the physical strain or altitude risks associated with higher Himalayan passes.
This itinerary is ideally suited for novice hikers, families, or anyone seeking a comfortable cultural walk without acute mountain sickness concerns. Throughout the trek, our groups traverse landscapes featuring sal forests, rhododendrons, and magnolias while encountering local communities including Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, and Chhetri populations.
Although the maximum elevation reaches only 1,730 m at Chisapani, our days involve steady walking over 4 to 6 hours on varied terrain. We manage the pacing carefully to ensure everyone enjoys the cultural and natural surroundings while relying on local teahouses for basic lodging and meals.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Annapurna Massif Views
We catch expansive vistas of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung Himal from the ridge viewpoint at Chisapani.
Gurung & Magar Villages
Our groups pass through traditional rural settlements, interacting with local farming communities and observing daily hill life.
Low-Altitude Walking
We maintain a relaxed pace on gentle trails peaking at 1,730 m, eliminating altitude sickness concerns entirely.
Rhododendron Forests
We walk beneath canopies of sal trees, magnolias, and blooming rhododendrons as we climb toward Syaklung.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use this afternoon to check your trekking gear and discuss the upcoming route details.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Sites
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Sites
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day visiting key heritage sites across the Kathmandu Valley, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Our team boards a private vehicle for the 200 km overland drive west to Pokhara, taking approximately 6 to 7 hours along the Prithvi Highway beside the Trishuli River.
Day 4
Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola and Kalikasthan
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola and Kalikasthan
Meals: B / L / D
We take a short drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola to begin our physical walking. The trail leads us past flat paddy fields and riverbanks before climbing gradually toward Kalikasthan at 1,370 m.
Day 5
Kalikasthan to Syaklung
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Kalikasthan to Syaklung
Meals: B / L / D
Our route today carries us through dense rhododendron woods and terraced farmland. We walk for 4 to 6 hours, ascending to the ridge village of Syaklung at 1,730 m.
Day 6
Syaklung to Chisapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Syaklung to Chisapani
Meals: B / L / D
We descend and traverse local hillside paths, passing through diverse farming communities before reaching Chisapani at 1,550 m. This vantage point offers striking sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna and Lamjung peaks.
Day 7
Chisapani to Rupa Lake and Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chisapani to Rupa Lake and Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Our final morning walk takes us down toward Rupatal and Begnas Lake. From the lakeside, our private transport brings us back to Pokhara for a relaxed afternoon.
Day 8
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We pack our duffels and board our private vehicle for the return drive along the highway back to Kathmandu.
Day 9
International Departure
Meals: B
Day 9
International Departure
Meals: B
We arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your homeward flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All standard meals during the trek with tea or coffee
- Experienced English-speaking government-licensed guide
- Porters for luggage carrying (one porter per two trekkers)
- Staff wages, insurance, and medical coverage
- First-aid kit and medical oximeter carried by our lead guide
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal travel insurance covering emergency rescue
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging at teahouses
- Tips and gratuities for guide, porter, and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude considerations
Because our maximum elevation is 1,730 m at Chisapani, acute mountain sickness is not a factor on this route. We still recommend maintaining good hydration and steady pacing on daily ascents.
Teahouse accommodation
We stay in family-run lodges along the trail. Rooms are simple and twin-share, with shared bathroom facilities and basic dining halls heated by central wood stoves.
Physical preparation
We advise basic cardiovascular conditioning prior to arrival. Walking involves 4 to 6 hours daily over uneven stone steps and dirt paths with rolling elevation changes.
Insurance requirements
We require every participant to carry personal travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation, though ground transport to medical facilities in Pokhara is straightforward from this altitude.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Sturdy ankle-support boots broken in prior to trip start.
Base layersEssential
Clothing
Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
Trekking pantsEssential
Clothing
Two pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trousers.
Fleece jacketEssential
Clothing
For cooler mornings and evenings in the hills.
Rain jacketEssential
Clothing
Waterproof shell or poncho.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Protection against strong daytime sun exposure.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Provided by us if needed for teahouse stays.
First-aid suppliesEssential
Safety
Personal medications, blister plasters, and rehydration salts.
Passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Required for registration and checks.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Royal Trek?
We rate the Royal Trek as easy. It involves 4 to 6 hours of walking daily on well-trodden paths with a maximum elevation of 1,730 m, making it ideal for beginners.
Do I need permits for this trek?
We arrange standard regional permits and conservation area paperwork required for your walk through the Annapurna foothills.
What kind of accommodation is available on the trail?
We house our groups in local teahouses offering twin-share rooms with basic bedding and communal dining spaces.
Can I do this trek with children?
Yes, the low altitude, moderate daily walking hours, and comfortable lodging make this route suitable for families and older travelers.
What is the weight limit for luggage carried by porters?
We assign one porter per two trekkers, with each porter carrying up to 25 kg total, meaning roughly 12 kg to 13 kg per trekker in the provided duffel bag.
When is the best time of year to go?
We recommend autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) for clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures, though lower elevations allow trekking through winter as well.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 9 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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