Annapurna Royal Trek / Skyline Trek
Maximum altitude : 1750m
Duration of trek : 4 days
Overnight : Camping
Sights : Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna range, Manaslu, Nilgiri
Attractions : Lake and mountain views, temples, village life
Cultures : Gurung, Magar, Brahman, Chhetri
Difficulty : Easy
This cameo trek is perfect for anyone working in a limited time-frame – or as an introduction to the joys of trekking for those with little or no previous experience.
Because it is only four days in duration and climbs to just 1750m, it is also suitable for those who are less physically fit – and there are none of the usual concerns about altitude sickness.
The trek, which offers striking mountain views, of the Annapurna Massif and the Manaslu Himal, as well as some fascinating glimpses of village life, is known as the ‘Royal’ trek because it was walked by Prince Charles in 1980.
The Prince of Wales completed the route with an entourage totalling 90 people – but be reassured that you will see far fewer people during your excursion ! Despite the nearness of the route to Pokhara, this is one of Nepal’s less frequented trekking routes and so the trail is usually very serene and uncrowded.
Incidentally, when you follow this route you will also be walking in the footsteps of other celebrities, including Mick Jagger !
Day to day Itinerary
Day 01 : POKHARA – KALIKATHAN
The trek begins in the beautiful resort of Pokhara, renowned for its large and tranquil lake, Fewa and its breathtaking mountain backdrop, which includes the iconic sacred peak, Macchapuchre (The Fishtail Mountain). From Pokhara we will drive you to Bijayapar, where you start your walk along a wide trail through vivid lime-green paddy fields. There is a gradual ascent through the village of Rakhigaur to a rest point under a large pipal tree, whose spreading branches have provided shade and shelter for many travellers. Here there is also a chautaara – one of the characteristic stone benches built specifically for trekking porters to lay down their loads ! After you are sufficiently rested, you will climb gradually up to a ridge-top, through Brahmin and Chhetri settlements towards Kalikathan (1370m). Here there is a good chance you will be ‘welcomed’ by a cluster of children on the look-out for sweets, pens or your loose change ! Our campsite for the night is on the ridge-top, where there are fine views of Annapurna, Fishtail and other peaks.
Day 02 : KALIKATHAN – SHAKLUNG
Today we pick up the trail, which runs along a forested ridge through Thukolot to Mati Thana, where there are opportunities to be refreshed with a cup of chai before embarking on the short climb to Naudanda. Continuing along the ridge, you will see a schoolhouse in the village of Lipini before the trail becomes a little steeper and requires you to climb through some lovely forests to the Gurung village of Shaklung (1750m), for the overnight camp.
Day 03 : SHAKLUNG - CHISOPANI
This is the point on the trek where you will see the splendours of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Himalchuli at closer quarters. On leaving Shaklung, the path falls fairly steeply down the south side of the hill to a resting place with another large tree, chautaraa , checkpoint and tea shops. Climbing back up again, you will take a winding path around the back of the hill which takes you to Chisopani (‘cold water’) village. Our stopping point is on a high knoll above this community, Chisopani Danda, where there is a small temple. Again our camp site offers some fantastic mountain views.
Day 04 : CHISOPANI – POKHARA
After breakfast we descend from the Danda ridge down some steep steps into a small valley where there is a rippling stream which feeds the Rupa Tal. We will continue for a while through some rice fields before making a final climb to the ridge which separates Bagnas Tal and Rupa Tal. From this height we will descend into Pokhara Valley, joining the road at the bustling Bagnas Bazaar which marks the end of the trek and the point where your transport back into Pokhara will meet you.
For further information regarding this tour please contact us.
Vast reams of material have been written on Nepal over the years, in particular over the past fifty years with the successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The past twenty has slowly seen Nepal become a well recognised holiday destination. 
