The Royal Trek

The Royal Trek (a soft trek that prepares you for the bigger things to come). Trekking in Nepal's middle hills, in the awesome backdrop of the Annapurna Range – 8 days

This short trek follows a shrub like path along the foothills of Annapurna, north of the Pokhara valley. The Royal Trek is so-named because Prince Charles and his 90 person entourage had explored this route in the early eighties. Starting from Kalikastan ridge, about 25 km from scenic Pokhara, the trek passes through beautiful Gurung hamlets where little kids tuck at your sleeves for a snapshot or a toffee and as you hike the terraced farmlands your eyes behold the magnificent Annapurna range, Machapuchhre [fishtail peak] and the Langtang mountains that give you a view of nature’s beauty at its best. The trip finally ends at the scenic Begnas Lake which is about 30 km west of Pokhara City.

This trip is basically recommended for beginners or those who have very limited time but yet looking for an opportunity to squeeze in an experience of a trekking holiday in the Himalaya. The entire trek is rather easy with occasional up and downhill hikes along the ridges and valleys without having to worry about altitude and acclimatization as the maximum ascent on this trek is Syaglung at 1730 meter. However, there is also an option to extend a cultural tour of Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan by combining this trek to get the thrills of Nepal’s diverse ecological beauty.

TRIP FACTS

Trip duration: 8 Days
Grade: Soft adventure - Grade Explanation
Activity: Trekking, sightseeing and boating
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Trek type: FOT (Fully Organized Trek or camping trek)
Accommodation: Hotel & camping 
Transportation: Flight and private car

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and then drive to Bijaypur. Trek to Kalikathan. 
Day 04: Trek to Patle
Day 05: Trek to Syaglung (1730 m) 
Day 06: Trek concludes. Drive down to Pokhara. 
Day 07: City of Pokhara tour, sightseeing and boating PM: Fly to Kathmandu.
Day 08: Depart Kathmandu.

Etourchannel.com as a reputed Nepal tour operator parallels you to the contemporary culture of Nepal through its exotic cultural tours packages. Explore the ancient bazaars and winding streets of the cities and villages of the Kathmandu Valley, with temples and sacred sites that remain symbols of vibrant culture. Drive through the foothills of the Himalayas to Chitwan National Park, search for one-horned rhinos from the marvelous vantage point of an elephant's back, glide by sunning crocodiles in a dugout canoe and go birding in the early morning to spot Nepal's rich bird life. Relax and explore beautiful Pokhara on the shores of Lake Phewa, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks.

As our professional multilingual Guides take you on cultural tours in Nepal, you will undeniably gain invaluable insight into Nepali lifestyles, philosophy, socio-behavioral pattern and culture of Nepal. Interacting directly with ethnic communities will not only add excitement to your holiday but will also rejuvenate you spiritually. In our Nepali cultural holiday packages we have put our best effort to incorporate all cultural delights as well as natural beauty that Nepal has to offer, which you can chose depending on your time availability. All these Nepal tours offered here can be focused on a short visit to the Himalayan Kingdom or taken as an extension to trekking in Nepal or trips to Tibet, India & Bhutan.

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 2 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.

Day 03: Fly or drive to Pokhara (optional) and then drive to Bijayapur and start trek to Kalikasthan
From Kathmandu we take a half an hour scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Bijaypur or we drive along the Prithivi Highway to Bijaypur for about 6 hrs. We will then make a short trek up to Kalikastan. We climb through the terraced cultivated fields of Kandane, following the steep stone steps, and eventually reaching a level path under the shade of evergreen trees. The path is steep but the background vista is incredible, vast stretches of flat farmland covers the valley. We will take a short rest in the shade of a huge Banyan tree, close to the scenic village of Archale. Now we head to Kalikastan. The view from Kalikastan is incredible, as the peaks of the Annapurna and the Machhapuchhre (fish tail) are clearly visible from here.

Day 04: Trek to Patle 
We start on a level path and after a short while descend through the tranquil evergreen forest of Okhare to the village of Mastan Saurani. From here, the path ascends, winding up to the village of Sundergaon, and then goes straight down to reach the village of Patle.

Day 05: Trek to Syaglung
The route follows through a vast green forest on the right. On the way the path takes an undulating descent to the village of Ozangaun. We stop for a brief rest at the school at Ramche, and then steeply descend to the village of Lipyani, where we stop for lunch. Here there are few shops where we can buy some cold drinks or mineral water. After lunch, we start ascending the typical stone steps to Syaglung danda through an enchanting rhododendron forest. The trail is so peaceful that you can only hear the sound of your own footsteps. After a hard climb, we eventually enter the village of Syaglung, a typical Gurung settlement. From the village we can glimpse the entire Lumjung Himal – a breathtaking sight!

Day 06: Conclude trek at Begnas Lake and drive to Pokhara 
Today we retrace our way back to Lipyani. The path is steep, descending on stone steps, with the Doban Khola on the right and contoured rice and wheat fields on the left. We come to a wooden bridge over Doban Khola, and then climb up the hill through a forest and arrive at the Lapsi danda. Here we take a short rest. Now the path becomes easier as we enter the village of Lapsidanda. We make a short descent to the motor road and follow the track to the village of Begnas, where we stop for lunch in an open field. After lunch, we make a short trek along the dirt road, to our bus pick-up point at Begnas where we finally end our trek. We reach Pokhara after a short bus ride and stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu 
Today you fly back to Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule you will be taken for a half-day sightseeing tour around Pokhara.

Day 08: Depart Kathmandu
After checking out of the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

TRIP GRADE
Soft Adventure trek 
The treks on this grade last for about a week to 10 days. It generally doesn't go above 4000 meter and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 – 5 hours. It is a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. The activity level is fairly easy but don't expect it to be all easy going, there will still be some big hills to climb as well as the well-known 'Nepali flat' – a little bit up and a little bit down.

TREK TYPE: Camping trek (no lodge available)
Includes: Guide, Porters, Cook, All meals and tented accommodation

ACCOMMODATION: 
Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are ‘Two men dome’ or ‘A’ shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own ‘Air pillow’.

We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection to this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website.

MEALS & DRINKING WATER 
We provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. 
After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain remarkably high standards of health over many years of trek organization - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for.

LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING:
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porter. You simply carry a daypack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kgs, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.

GROUP LEADER AND SUPPORT CREW:
We provide different options concerning leadership in order to match your requirements:
1) Western leader
2) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
3) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)

The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2 or 3 porters for each member.

JOIN A GROUP OR PRIVATE TRIP
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our ‘2008/09 departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time). 
If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

GROUP SIZE ON FIXED DEPARTURE TRIP
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 12 people.

PERSONAL EXPENSES:
On this trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas),tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5-10 % of the total tour cost as tips.

FLIGHT AND LAND TRANSFERS: 
The starting point of the trek is near Pokhara which is connected by a 30mins flight from Kathmandu or 5-6 hrs by road.You can choose any mode of transport to commute from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On your return, our car/bus shall pick you from Begnas Lake and drive to Pokhara. You can choose between flying and driving back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu). There will be price reduction if you chose to travel overland between kathamndu and Pokhara, please ask us.

COMMUNICATION:
The trail on this trek passes through villages. There are telephones with international connection available along the way.

TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT
Trekking: You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (3 or 4 seasons/ - 15 or -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack.

Comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip or check CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST LINK.

GEARS AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU
It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu. E-tourchannel.com owns a gear shop in Kathmandu selling and renting out climbing and trekking gears, both Nepali made and original. Please check out www.trekkinggearsnepal.com

TYPICAL DAY ON TREK: 
Your typical day begins with a hot cup of tea brought to the tent at about 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing all your bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the morning’s walk. All you need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of your gear for you. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at camp by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. 
Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and talking with the crew, or perhaps even joining in some singing and dancing, before heading off to the tent for a well-earned sleep. 

MEETING AND GREETING IN KATHMANDU:
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘E-tourchannel.com’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland.

CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO: 
The best seasons to trek in Nepal are Autumn, from mid September until end November and Spring, from the beginning of March until the mid May. Temperature will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights are cold (between 5 C and 10 C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 15C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking in the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring.
March, April, October and November are most popular and favored months for traveling. Please choose the time that is convenient for you.

ITINERARY CHANGES: 
The itineraries for private trip should be taken as guideline only. Depending on prevailing situation, you can modify to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases we or your guide will suggest a best alternative depending on circumstances. 

TREK DURATION:
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the project period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels and services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.

VISA 
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph. So, please download form from the link below (visa form) and get ready while you are passing through the immigration Point. 

Visa Application form

Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries
Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Tourist Visa Extension
* Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).

HEALTH ISSUES & VACCINATIONS
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.
The trekking trail on this trip does not go into high altitude area (i.e not above 2000m) so there is no chance of altitude related sickness (Acute mountain sickness, AMS). However, one needs to be careful and take all the necessary precautions against all ailments.

FIRST AID KIT
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors as standard medicines. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicines kit and so not depend on what we have.

RESCUE/EVACUATIONS 
In case of serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

INSURANCE 
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL 
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At E-tourchannel.com, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible.
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strew with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help, protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.

TRIP EXTENSIONS 
In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tours .You may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan, whichever is more appealing to you.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 
E-tourchannel.com works with the motto” Development through Tourism”. Keeping in line with this motto, E-tourchannel.com Community Service Project (EHCSP) was conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal.
Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation and fund raising. E-tourchannel.com encourages its clients to contribute for the development of Nepal.

CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFF 
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porters Protection group (IPPG-WWW.IPPG.NET).

BOOKING CONDITIONS: 
1) It is fundamental you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We can not be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, E-tourchannel.com shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, E-tourchannel.com shall only be responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.

2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received the deposit of USD 300 and the signed copy of booking form and contract.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.

3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply: 
2 months before departure-loss of deposit (USD 300) 
29 days to 2 months before departure -30% of total trip cost
10 to 28 days before departure - 60% of total trip cost 
less than 10 days before departure -100% of total trip cost

BOOKING PROCEDURE
If you still have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us. We answer all enquiries within 24 hours. If you want to book a trip, you can e-mail us at info@e-tourchannel.com or contact us directly by Phone: +977-1-4363912 / 4364040