However, there is never a dull moment for the adventurists. And even though rain might add to the difficulty, we get to enjoy the blue skyline, once the sky clears up after that heavy rainfall.
Apt for the beginners or for those with limited time, The Week, this issue recommends a short and an easy trek along the foothills of Annapurna. Christened as the “Royal Trek”, after Prince Charles of the UK and his 90 person entourage explored this route in the early 80’s, the trail follows villages and terraced farmlands of north Pokhara.
The trek takes you around the Begnas Tal giving you an opportunity to explore traditional lifestyles of the Gurung community.
The trek starts from Bijayapur and the trail passes through Kalikasthan, Nawaldanda to Sikles and ends at Pokhara. It follows north- west route of Pokhara, which is not higher than 1500m
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Along with good views of the diverse geographical range that our country boasts of, magnificent mountain ranges Machhapuchhre (fishtail 6,993m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m) Annapurna (8,091m) also come into the sight during this trek.
Itinerary List
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft)
A tourist bus or a micro bus can take up to seven or eight hours drive to reach Pokhara. Direct flights are also available from Tribhuwan International Airport to Pokhara Airport.
Day 2: Pokhara to Kalikasthan (1,370m/4,496ft)
The first day of trek starts from Bijyapur Khola, a short drive from Pokhara city. Take a local bus or hire a cab. For about an hour, at the beginning, trekkers come across flat paddy fields and scenic Bijaypur river. After crossing the river, the trail starts to ascend towards Kalikasthan, the trekking destination for the day.
Day 3: Kalikasthan to Syaklung (1,730m/5,675ft)
After a good breakfast, the trek resumes. Trekkers will walk along villages, rhododendron forests and mountain ridges. A great view of Annapurna and Lamjung Mountains is the highlight of the day and a treat for the eye. Syaklung would be a good point for staying overnight.
Day 4: Syaklung to Chisapani (1550m/5,084ft)
The walk for the day begins from the Gurung village, through rhododendron and Sal forest. Half way through the walk from Syaklung is a 400m descent, and then there is a 600m ascent to arrive at Chisapani. There, the trekkers will be greeted with the best views of the Himalayan Panorama.
Day 5: Chisapani to Pokhara
A downhill walk to Rupa Tal recommences the trek. Then, there will be an uphill walk about 200 meters to arrive at Sundare Danda. A fifteen minutes walk will lead you down to Begnas Tal.
Day 6: Pokhara to Kathmandu
It is now time to head back to the capital. You can either take the highway or fly back to Kathmandu.
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