Max. Altitude
1980m
Best Season
Oct-Dec & Mar-May
Activity
Sightseeing & Cultural Tour
Start / End Point
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Overview of Sikles Trek
Sikles trek is one of the preserved gems of Nepal which will take you along the ridges and mountains situated in the southeastern part of Annapurna region. This trek allows you to discover the unique village life of Gurungs and their centuries-old culture. With a backdrop of the Annapurna range, Sikles trek is also an opportunity to experience the exceptional natural tour with the amazing flora and fauna of the village.
Sikles is not far from Pokhara, still, it has succeeded in preserving its old-fashioned traditions and culture. Perched above Mardi Khola in Kaski district, at 1981 m above sea level, the village is inhabited by Gurungs. They are particularly known for their contribution to the British army. Today, they reside in the village as mountain farmers cultivating corn, mustard, and potato, and raising sheep.
The route to Sikles will take you through numerous stone paths, crossing multiple villages decorated with beautiful waterfalls, thick forests, rivers, and some beautiful views of snow-capped mountains. From the village, you can easily admire the remarkable spectacle of Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna IV (7524 m), Lamjung Himal (6983 m), and Machapuchare (6,993 m).
Our Sikles trek begins with a short scenic flight to the beautiful city of Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will trek through several small villages of Kharpani, Ghalegaon, and Parche to Sikles. After sightseeing the village, we will return by hiking along the village of Chansu, Kalikasthan to Pokhara.
Our 10-day Sikles trek although short is composed of an itinerary that will give us the opportunity to pass through several lowland villages, terraced farmlands, and dense rich forests charmed with colorful birds. It is a real gift for those who wish to explore authentic Nepal, learn about century-old customs, and for those who are lovers of bird watching and unspoiled nature.
Highlights of Sikles Trek
- An easily accessible trek through the well-preserved Annapurna region
- Appropriate trek for bird watchers, Photography enthusiasts, and nature lovers
- Hiking through the dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo and crossing several streams, rivers, and waterfalls
- An opportunity to get an insight into century-old customs, traditions, and culture
- A chance to interact with brave Gurungs renowned for their bravery in the Indian and British Army
- Visual of magnificent mountain ranges including Annapurna, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Hiun Chuli, and Machhapucchre
Sikles Trek Itinerary
01
Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to hotel
Namaste and welcome to Kathmandu. After you exit from the Kathmandu Airport, we will assist you from the airport to our hotel in Kathmandu. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have the rest of the afternoon at your disposal.
You can rest in your room or choose to take a brief stroll around the nearby street of your hotel. In the evening, our guide will come to meet you at the hotel. He will give you a short introduction to the tour ahead.
In the evening, you can roam around Thamel and dine in the charming Nepali restaurant. We advise you to retire early at night for an early morning flight to Pokhara the next day.
Maximum Altitude
1,320 m
Accomodations
Hotel
Transportation
Airport to hotel transfer
02
Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, trek to Kharpani (hot spring)
We will board an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Enjoy the scenic flight with the breathtaking views of Langtang and Annapurna Mountain range. You can also observe the green Mahabharat range in the south.
After about 30 minutes, we will land in Pokhara where we will rest for a while and have our breakfast. We will then begin our hike to Sikles. We will walk along the small village of Milanchowk admiring the turquoise water of Lake Phewa. We will then ascend through the lush green landscape of Lhachowk and Ghachowk villages of Brahmins and Chhetris.
We will then cross the river and arrive at the area of Annapurna conservation area near Charghare. Shortly we will be at Kharpani resting on the bank of the Seti River. This small village is known for its natural hot spring with medicinal properties for curing skin diseases.
We will rest overnight in one of the lodges of Kharpani.
Maximum Altitude
1,440m/4,724 ft.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
4-5 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
Transportation
30 min flight
03
Trek to Ghale Kharka
After an early morning breakfast, we will leave Kharpani and resume our journey toward Ghalegaon. We will head east for a short distance and then cross the Seti River. We will then ascend through the terraced fields towards the ridge. We will then descend to the Gurung settlement of Chyanglung.
From Chyanglung, we will make our way to Sardi Khola where we will rest for a while. We will then go up on a steep climb to the Kyabrang village. A short descent from here will take us to Ghalegaon.
The village is a small settlement of Ghale people who are mostly engaged in agriculture and animal farming. We will stay in one of the cozy little lodges of the village and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.
From the village, you can have some marvelous views of Fishtail, Annapurna III and IV, Lamjung, Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli. In the evening, we will enjoy some tasty local cuisines and the welcome dance of the tribal people.
Maximum Altitude
2,713m/8,900 ft.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
6-7 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
04
Trek to Nyaulikharka
After having an early morning breakfast in the serene atmosphere of Ghalegaon, we will resume our ascend to the ridge of Bayule Hill. From here, we will march on a serpentine trail and arrive at the junction point of several ridges including Harbu Danda, Bayule Danda, Chipli, and Jaljala Danda.
All these ridges are densely populated by several species of birds and deep forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. A short uphill and downhill hike further and we will finally arrive at Nyaulikharka, our stop for tonight.
Maximum Altitude
2550m/8366 ft.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
4-5 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
05
Trek to Sikles via Parche
After a fulfilling breakfast, we will traverse our path to Chipli a small Gurung village. We will then cross numerous smaller streams and rural settings and arrive at Parche. We will rest at Parche for a lunch break.
After lunch, we will move ahead on the twisting trail for a few hours. We will then turn right and hike past some temples, and hospitals. Eventually, we will be at the trail that will lead us to the Sikles village in a couple of hours.
We will rest overnight in the comfortable lodge of the village. Although far from the mountains, we will still be able to enjoy the magical views of Annapurna, Lamjung, and Fishtail Mountain range. In addition, the village will also give us a glimpse of the ancient customs of the Gurungs which they have maintained for centuries.
The village is also known for its unique handicrafts including traditional Gurung attire and Bamboo products.
Maximum Altitude
1,980m/6,496 ft.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
5-6 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
06
Trek to Chansu
After an exploration of the ancient Sikles village, we will take a path that will gradually take us to Kathmandu. But first, we have to make some downhill hike for a couple of days. Today morning after breakfast, we will hike to other small villages of Talche, Tauneswanra, and Tantang.
The trail is well marked with a lush green forest of rhododendrons enliven with the chirping of several bird species. We will also cross numerous small streams and traverse through the trail leading us to Paiyon Danda. We will then move forward passing the villages of Bagaletha and Setikholagaon and arrive at Chansu where we will spend the night.
Maximum Altitude
980m/3,215 ft.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
4-5 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
07
Trek to Kalikasthan
After breakfast, we will walk along the Madi River and arrive at the village of Sabaldanda. A little further, we will exit the Annapurna Conservation Area and ascend further to reach the village of Yangjakot.
We will arrive at the village of Kare where we will again cross the Madi River and walk through the dense luscious vegetation and terraced farms. Finally, we will be at Kalikasthan our destination and resting place for tonight.
Maximum Altitude
1,080m/3,543 ft.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
5-6 hours Trek
Accomodations
Lodge
08
Trek back to Pokhara
Today is the last day of our trek as we make our way back to Pokhara. We will take advantage of this short trek as much as possible by taking the easy and beautiful route embellished with small streams, thick green vegetation, and a shady trail under the shadow of dense forests.
After walking for about 3 to 4 hours on this beautiful and well-marked trail, we will be at Pokhara. For the rest of the afternoon, we will have ample time to explore this heaven of tourism. We can tour around Lakeside, or go boating in Lake Phewa.
We will enjoy the energetic nightlife of Pokhara and retire early at our hotel for a flight tomorrow morning.
Maximum Altitude
822 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trek Duration
3-4 hours trek
Accomodations
Hotel
09
Fly to Kathmandu, and transfer to Hotel
Early morning after breakfast, we will board a return flight to Kathmandu and once again enjoy the scenic flight for about 30 minutes. As we land in Kathmandu, our staff will be there to transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
The rest of the day is free for you to take a brief tour of the city. We suggest you take a tour of Kathmandu, and Patan Durbar Square along with Monkey Temple and Pashupatinath. Or, you can also stroll in Thamel and Durbar Marga and shop for some souvenirs.
Maximum Altitude
822m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodations
Hotel
Transportation
30 min flight
10
Final Departure. Farewell!!
After breakfast in your hotel, our representative will pick you up three hours before your departure time and drive you to the International Airport. Have a nice return to your home and please remember us for your next journey to Nepal.
Meals
Breakfast
Trek Duration
30 min drive
Transportation
Transfer to the airport




Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal
- Breathable Underwear
- Sports Bra
- Base Layers
- Trekking Shirts
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Fleece Jacket
- Down jacket (insulated jacket)
- Windcheater (water proof)
- Sun protection Hat
- Headband or Beanie
- Scarf or neckband
- Gloves (inner and outer )
- Hiking Boots
- Trekking Shoes
- Hiking Socks
- Thermal Socks
- Gaiters
- Duffel Bag
- Day pack
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Hydration bladder or Water bottle
- Head Lamps
- Batteries
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Woolen socks
- Waterproof jacket
- Lip Guard
- Insulated pants
- Baby wipers
Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal
- Water bottle
- Batteries and bulbs
- Flashlight
- Personal towel
- Swiss army knife
- Rucksack
- Sun lotion
- Medical & first-aid kit
- Sewing kit
- Polypropylene/wool socks
- Other required equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Down Jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes/boots
- Camp shoes
- Jumperorpile jacket
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shirts
- Full–sleeves shirt
- T-shirts
- Sun hat
- Gloves
- Woolen hat
- Long underwear
- Goggles or sun glasses
- Gaiters
- Sun block for lips
- Light cotton socks
- Mountain trekking boots
- Woolen socks to wear with boots
- Nylon wind breaker
- Insulated pants
- Nylon wind pants
- Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
- Sun hat
- Long cotton hiking shorts
- Fleece/wool for climbing
- Lightweight fleece
- Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
- Down high altitude sleeping bag
- Down jacket/trousers/vest
- Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
- Water proof climbing jacket
- Head torch/batteries/bulbs
- Climbing sunglasses
- Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
- Sun screen
- Warm climbing trousers
- Wool long underwear
- Other required equipment
- Climbing boots
- Gaiters
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Crampons
- Karabiners
- Tapes/slings
- Snow bars
- Ice screws
- Rock pegs
- Deadmen
- Crash hat
- Day bag
- Rucksack
- Lip salve
- T-shirts
- Ascenders
- Ascenders
- Kit bag
Whats Included
- All ground and air transportation throughout the trek.
- Best available accommodation and full board meals throughout the trek.
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
- All national park and conservation areas permit fee.
- Government taxes & office service charge
Whats Excluded
- Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
- Travel insurance
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa charge.
- All beverage and others personal expenses.
- Snacks and other personal expenses
- Hot shower during the trek.
- Personal trekking equipment’s.
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers.
Sikles Trek - Essential Information
Sikles Trek Route
Sikles trek is a moderate grade trek starting with a scenic flight from Kathmandu valley all the way to Beautiful Pokhara Valley. We then ascend from Pokhara commencing steep and rough trekking trail passing through some of the most beautiful and colored cultural villages and sightseeing sites. Commence this delighted trek and experience the best sightseeing of mighty Himalayas of Nepal.
Best Season for Sikles Trek
You can undertake our 10-day Sikles trek in all seasons winter, summer, spring, and autumn. But to be honest, spring and autumn are the best seasons for this trek. The temperature begins to increase in the spring months of March, April, and May. The average temperature in March reaches around 12°C and increases steadily with an average of 17°C in May.
This period sees a slight increase in rainfall as the monsoon approaches, although this relatively small amount will have little impact on a visit to the Annapurna Conservation Area. The world-famous rhododendrons and other flowers of the Himalayas come alive with the onset of the May rains, making this the best time to visit the Sikles village botanically. It is also the perfect time to see the rarest birds in their natural habitat.
Temperatures during the autumn months from September to November range to 14°C in October dropping to around 10°C in November. You can expect the clear skies to offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
The period from December to February is certainly the coldest of the year, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 8°C. However, the Sikles trek will take you to the maximum elevation of 2550m at Nyaulikharka. So there is no risk of heavy snowfall or need of any technical complexities to carry out the trek.
Finally, June, July, and August experience the heavy downpour of rain, there is mud everywhere, rivers overflow and highways often collapse due to landslides. But the best thing about trekking in monsoon season is that there are even fewer crowds.
But keep in mind we have to cross many ridges and terraced farmlands which can be slippery and hard to cross. The trails traversing through dense forests may cause leech infestation.
Is Sikles Trek Difficult?
Our short 10-day Sikles Trek is an easy trek perfect for those looking to experience authentic Nepal without the need for extensive trekking or climbing experience. Since the maximum elevation gain is just over 2000 m, this trek is the low altitude trek accessible to all of any age, and fitness level.
The Sikles trek is therefore a perfect choice for a beautiful family vacation in Nepal. However, a moderate level of physical fitness is a must as you will have to trek for 4 to 6 hours each day. We advise you to engage in regular sporting exercise such as running, walking, and swimming to increase your physical stamina.
It is also important for you to be mentally prepared as you will be accommodated in basic lodge accommodation. They may not provide the same level of comfort and facilities that you are used to at home. But it is the perfect opportunity to embrace the basic rural life connect with nature and forget for a while about your smartphones and laptops.
Enjoy the incredible views and unspoiled nature, and immerse in the local culture and daily lives of the indigenous locals through our Sikles trek.
Altitude Sickness While Trekking to Sikles?
The possibility of experiencing altitude sickness is significantly less in our Sikles trek. The maximum altitude you will be at is 255o m when you are at Nyaulikharka while at Sikles you will be standing at 1980 m. these are considered relatively low altitudes and the occurrence of altitude sickness is rare.
However, the occurrence of altitude sickness varies according to the individual. If you have not previously trekked above 2000 m, or if you are new to hiking, you may feel mild symptoms of this sickness. You may have headaches, nausea, vomiting, and feel fatigued, or find it hard to sleep.
In such cases, descending immediately to low altitude is the best remedy for altitude sickness. If the symptoms still persist, a tablet of Ibuprofen or Diamox can alleviate your discomfort and other symptoms.
In order to prevent altitude sickness, you should allow your body to properly acclimatize. So walking at a slow pace and hydrating your body are the two best preventive measures. Have traditional garlic soup, and drink lots of water avoiding alcohol.
What to Expect During the Sikles Trek?
Sikles trek has been gaining popularity among Western travelers day by day because of its ancient customs and culture, pristine nature, and unique arts. Through our short Sikles trek, you will have the chance to witness the medieval image of the village and experience its extraordinary charm.
Not only the village, but the route leading us to the village will give you an idea of life in the middle of the mountains. This well-preserved village will give us the rustic feel of a traditional Gurung village. Enthusiasts of birds, butterflies, and nature can find solace in the dense forests along the trail.
The elegantly built clean stone houses will welcome you as soon as you reach Sikles. From here, you can view the majestically standing Himalayas of Annapurna IV, II, and III along with Lamjung, Hiun Chuli, and Fish Tail Mountains. Their presence cast a serene spell that can captivate anyone.
As you go on exploring the village, you can feel is an open-air museum of Gurung arts, culture, and customs. Walking on the stone paved roads, you can observe the local activities of everyday life. Women weaving traditional garments, and men engaging in producing beautiful bamboo crafts are some of the common activities you can witness.
And how can we forget about our brief tour of Pokhara and Kathmandu, two cities that are known as paradise for Western tourists in Nepal. When in Pokhara, you can take a boat ride in Lake Phewa and explore Lake Begnas. You can walk along Lakeside Street and immerse yourself in the charming nightlife and delicious cuisine in the evening.
When in Kathmandu, you can experience a spiritual awakening when visiting Boudhanatah, Monkey Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple. You can also witness the historically important landmarks of Patan and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Accommodation, Food, and Transportation
As a reputed and reliable trek and tour agency of Kathmandu, we promise to provide you with the best, and most comfortable accommodation with varied onboard full meals and all transportation during the entire Sikles trek period.
As you arrive in Kathmandu, we will drive you to our hotel in a private vehicle (car or van based on group size).
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in a 3-star category hotel where we will provide you with a free heart breakfast every morning till your stay. For lunch and dinner, you have wide options from budget-friendly to luxurious restaurants. You can get a taste of numerous cuisines from Nepali, Italian, Tibetan, Chinese, Indian to Continental.
As your trek begins, you will fly to Pokhara on a comfortable domestic flight. When sheltering in various villages, you will stay in the best available lodges or tea houses which may come with basic facilities such as a bed, pillow, and mattress.
But the local inhabitants of the village will welcome you with their big warm hearts and display their gratitude through traditional dance and musical programs.
You will also get the chance to taste some authentic home cooking with nourishing Dal, Vat, and Tarkari. You can also order some dumplings, noodles, etc. And why not try some Dhido (millet paste) and Gundruk (fermented vegetable)? For breakfast, you may taste some Sel Roti, egg, or chapati. The lodges may also provide tea, coffee, and locally made Kodo ko Raksi (Gurung alcohol) for an additional cost.
When we close our trip, we will again fly you to Kathmandu from Pokhara and drive you to the hotel. On the last day of your stay in Kathmandu, we will take you to the International airport in a private vehicle so you can conclude your last day in Nepal in comfort.
Sikles Trek - FAQs
Can I shorten this Sikles trek?
Yes, you can go for 3 3-day Sikles trek instead if you are short of time. From Kathmandu to Pokhara, you can take a half-hour flight, and from Pokhara, you can drive directly to Sikles in a jeep.
What other treks can I combine with Sikles Trek?
You can combine this trek with the Annapurna Base Camp trek or the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Please visit our website for further details on these tours.
Can I extend your Sikles Trek for a few days?
Yes, you can stay for a few days in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Or, you can rest for a day in Sikles village and explore its museums and view tower. Or, you can trek from Sikles to Kapuche Glacial Lake, Khopra Danda, and Mardi Himal.
Can I customize your Sikles trek?
Yes, if you want to tailor-make this trek based on your budget, availability, and preference, we can customize this trek for your comfort and satisfaction. Please contact us for further details to customize this trek.
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