Amazing Hiking Routes in Nepal
Amazing Hiking Routes in Nepal
Amazing Hiking Routes in Nepal: If you thought trekking in the Himalayas was all about climbing some of the world’s highest mountains and tackling challenging hikes at high altitudes, think again.
This is most definitely on offer in Nepal, but there are gentler routes available if you’re not quite ready to take on the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek.
The Royal Trek around Pokhara is an example of this, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a walking break in Nepal if you’re short on time.
As you stay at low altitudes for the duration of your trip, you’re always surrounded by greenery.
Another thing that makes the Royal Trek stand out is the views it offers of the Annapurna mountain range, including the peaks of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre.
You don’t need to be really close to appreciate them, in fact, I think the views on the Royal Trek are more spectacular, simply because you can see so many of the summits stretching into the distance.
How easy is it to hike in Nepal?
I’ve described it as Nepal’s easiest trek and in comparison to many of the other routes travellers tackle, it’s positively gentle.
The highest altitude you’ll reach is around 1,600 m when you climb Sarangkot hill to get amazing views over the Annapurna range at sunrise – and on this leg of your trip you can even get a lift part way up to avoid a really early start!
Every day of trekking is gentle to moderate, with no particularly challenging ascents or descents, so you can take your time and enjoy that mountain scenery!
Why is it called the Royal Trek?
You might be wondering where this trek gets its rather noble title – and it is, in fact, thanks to Prince Charles.
The heir to the throne visited Nepal in the 1980s and during his stay did some walking in – yes, you guessed it – the Himalayan foothills around Pokhara.
So, ever since then, the trail has been named in his honour.
What can you see when hiking in Nepal?
The overriding theme of this trek is the mountains, as even though you won’t be climbing any, they’re ever present on the horizon.
You’ll have some remarkable views of these lofty peaks at various times of the day as you walk, too, so you can appreciate them in all their glory without having to cope with altitude sickness or aching legs after steep up and downhill sections.
Another thing that made the Royal Trek appeal to me is that it’s much less walked than many of the more famous Nepali routes.
As someone who loves to appreciate the raw beauty of places like this, without crowds of other people, that’s a big plus.
It’s not only the amazing mountains you can see, either (although you’ll come home with a camera full of photos of them).
One of the nicest walks from Pokhara – which isn’t technically part of the Royal Trek circuit but that can be easily included in your itinerary – is the route to the World Peace Pagoda.
This is just one of many Buddhist stupas that were erected around the globe following the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the second world war.
The pagoda in Pokhara is beautifully decorated, with four images of Buddha, each facing in a different direction.
Its hilltop location only adds to its charm, and you’ll have spectacular views of those ever present mountains from this vantage point too.
Have you tried hiking in Nepal or planning it?
Let us know in the comments section below!
