Overview

Duration :
7 Days
Secondary Activity:
Nature and Culture
Max altitude :
2,713 m / 8,900 ft
Transportation:
Private Vehicle
Trip ends in:
Kathmandu/Pokhara
Accomodation:
Homestay
Primary activity:
Trekking and Hiking
Group Size:
Min. 1 Pax
Country:
Nepal
Trip starts from:
Kathmandu
Diffficulty:
Leisurely Plus
Meals:
Nepali and Continental
Best Season:
Autumn and Spring
Trip route:
Kathmandu-Pokhara-Milanchowk-Kharpani-Ghalegaon-Parche-Sikles-Chasu -Kalikasthan-Pokhara

Trip introduction

Sikles Trek is a short and easy trekking trip that takes us through beautiful Gurung-inhabited villages. Along with amazing landscape sceneries and views of stunning snow-capped mountains.

Sikles trek initiates as we drive from Kathmandu to the scenic naturally blessed city Pokhara followed by a short drive to Milan Chowk and start trekking activity towards Kharpani. We can enjoy a natural hot spring at Kharpani dipping ourselves in warm water. Further, we trek through the beautiful Gurung village of Ghalegaun, Parche, and then to Sikles.

At around 2,000m of altitude, we can get great views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal from here. At Sikles, we explore the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of local Gurung communities. How do they live, how do they celebrate their festivals? How they are involved in local handicraft production? Experiencing and knowing all these things would be a very interesting and fun-filled activity. In this way, we finally trek towards Kalikasthan, trek through countryside terraced farmlands, arrive at Begnas Lake, and drive to Pokhara which ends our short, easy, and insightful trek.

Sikles Trek is a short few days of trekking around scenic Gurung villages around Pokhara. There is no fear of altitude sickness and challenging walks. Therefore, we recommend this Sikles Trek for every travel lover who wants to explore the best of nature and culture around Pokhara. Join Nepal Mountain Trekkers for the best services while embarking on this trek.

Special Note:

If this itinerary doesn’t suit your requirement or if you want to customize it, please feel free to contact us. This trek could be customized as per your required time frame and budget limits.

Overview

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft):
  • Day 2
    Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:
  • Day 3
    Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft): 5-6 hours:
  • Day 4
    Drive to Milanchowk and trek to Kharpani (hot spring)(1,440m/4,724ft):
  • Day 5
    Kharpani to Ghalegaon (2,713m/8,900ft): 6-7 hours:
  • Day 6
    Ghalegaon to Parche (1,760m/5,774ft):
  • Day 7
    Parche to Sikles (1,980m/6,496ft) :
  • Day 8
    Sikles to Chasu (980m/3,215ft):
  • Day 9
    Chasu to Kalikasthan (1,080m/3,543ft):
  • Day 10
    Trek to Begnas Lake and drive to Pokhara:
  • Day 11
    Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu:
  • Day 12
    Departure Day:

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)::

To explore the diversity of culture, tradition, and natural beauty, you are welcomed to the land of the Himalayas. After you complete the formalities at the immigration, you shall be welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel of your stay from Tribhuvan International Airport. Rest at the hotel after a long journey to this beautiful nation and in the afternoon you can stroll around the streets of Kathmandu if you are interested.

Get prepared for the exploration of Kathmandu valley tomorrow and today enjoy the authentic meal in the hotel. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation::

Have insightful sightseeing and exploration of Kathmandu city in a guided tour of the medieval capital city of Nepal. In Pashupatinath Temple, you can explore the ancient statues of the deities and marvel at the architecture of the main temple besides witnessing the cremation in the open space at the bank of the holy Bagmati River. Exploring the 14th-century old Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and the other pilgrimage of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, you can experience the positivity in the aura. Besides the intricate paintings and ancient heritages, you shall be relaxed by the mantras buzzing in the complex.

The other heritage is the ancient palace complex of Patan Durbar Square where we have a palace, temples, museum, and other heritages to explore. Late in the afternoon we shall have an interaction with the trekking guide and get necessary information about the trek. Get prepared for the beautiful trekking experience in the hills of Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft): 5-6 hours::

We are now off for the short trek to the marvelous Sikles from the cultural hub of Nepal, Kathmandu. First, we shall move to Pokhara, the Lake City of Nepal, in a drive of around 6 hours. This drive along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers and past the view of the green and rural landscape, waterfalls and small streams, high hills and winding road beside the view of mountains overlooking the trip and later welcoming to the Pokhara valley. Interaction with the warm welcoming locals, stopping by the roadside restaurants of unique names, and observing the lifestyle of the settlements along the trip, we reach the city of Pokhara. You shall be welcomed to this awesome city by breathtakingly beautiful mountains and unique landscape. Explore the busy Lakeside later in the afternoon and take a good rest in the hotel with great food. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Day 4 : Drive to Milanchowk and trek to Kharpani (hot spring)(1,440m/4,724ft)::

Today shall be the beginning of the exploration of Gurung culture and tradition in the trekking destination near the main region of Annapurna Trek. The starting point of this trek shall be the small settlement along the highway, the settlement of Milanchowk. We have the beautiful Phewa Lake as we head for the Milanchowk. Through the main and modern influenced settlement beside the lake, we drive for some hours before reaching there. After Milanchowk, we start walking in the serene, lush, and scenic landscape for our destination of Kharpani, a place with a natural spring that is about 20 km away from the city. To reach this natural hot spring on the bank of the Seti River we trek through the river crossing and small settlements before entering the area of Annapurna conservation area near Charghare.

Further ahead in the trail, we have varieties of vegetation, temples and monasteries, rivers, and hills before reaching the destination of the natural hot spring. A small pond, this hot spring, is famous for its medicinal properties to heal skin ailments of the people taking a dip in the pond. Overnight stay in Kharpani.

Day 5 : Kharpani to Ghalegaon (2,713m/8,900ft): 6-7 hours::

A rather long trek to another beautiful Gurung community in Ghalegaon, we have a rather long and a bit of strenuous trekking journey. In the ups and downs of the trail, we trek through the high ridges and across torrential rivers and smaller streams, and descend to the Seti River followed by a walk through lush forests and a variety of vegetation, ascend through some summer settlements before reaching the village of Ghalegaon.

This village offers insight into the unique Gurung culture besides the view of several snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, lush valleys, and serpentine-shaped rivers irrigating the lands of the region. Enjoy the local cuisines and dances as you stay overnight in Ghalegaon.

Day 6 : Ghalegaon to Parche (1,760m/5,774ft)::

After exploring the serene landscape of Ghalegaon, a settlement on the bank of Sardi Khola, we leave for the village of Parche. Starting with the trek on the ridges and foothills of Bayule Danda or Bayule Hill, we march cautiously through the ridge in a twisting trail where we reach a junction surrounded by high hills leading to Harbu Danda, Bayule Danda, Chipli, and Jaljala Danda. Taking on a trail through the Nauli Kharka, a summer grazing place for cattle, we traverse to settle Chipli.

The ascent on the trek continues crossing over smaller streams and settlements and observing the rural settlements before reaching Parche which takes us one step closer to the destination of Siklis. Explore the beautiful settlement of Parche and have an overnight stay in the village.

Day 7 : Parche to Sikles (1,980m/6,496ft) ::

Today we head for the much-awaited destination of our trek, another Gurung settlement of Sikles. We start the trek gradually from Parche and march ahead in the trail twisting and slowly elevating which crosses the traveled road at places. After a couple of hours of trek, we turn right and walk past the hospital, temples, and scenic views of the lush green hills before we move ahead of a loop created by the trail to the marvelous Sikles village. This village still maintains the aura of ancient times and boasts of being the second-largest southern Gurung settlement. Perched above the Mardi River, Sikles is famous for the stunning view of Annapurna ranges including Annapurna IV to the north and Annapurna II and Lamjung Peak to the east of the village. In addition to this natural wealth, this village also provides the visitors with a well-maintained rustic flair and cultural heritages of the community, diverse flora and fauna as well as several species of birds. Stay overnight in Sikles.

Day 8 : Sikles to Chasu (980m/3,215ft)::

To begin with another phase of our trek in the diverse and culturally rich Annapurna region, we leave today for Chasu. In a trek that is an overall descent from Sikles, we have a short initial trek to Talche where we cross a stream to trek further to Tantang through the smaller settlement of Tauneswanra and a couple of streams. We then branch off from the trail leading to Paiyon Danda and head through the villages of Bagaletha and Setikholagaon before reaching the village of Chasu.

Intermittently we have the scenic view of hills and valleys, forests, flora, fauna, and houses perched on the hillside as well as opportunities for interaction with the locals and fellow trekkers. The temperature starts becoming warmer and you start experiencing the change in vegetation as well. Stay overnight in Chasu village.

Day 9 : Chasu to Kalikasthan (1,080m/3,543ft)::

Today we head for Kalikasthan from the village of Chasu. Starting with the trek along the Madi River and after some trek, we move out of the Annapurna conservation area a little ahead of Sabaldanda village.

The ascent continues as we trek along the boundary of the protected area and experience the diversity of the buffer zone before we reach the vicinity of a bit bigger village of Yangjakot. Moving ahead in the trail we cross the Madi River again near the settlement of Kare and march through lush areas, ridges, hillsides, and terraced landscapes to reach the destination for today, the village of Kalikasthan. Overnight stay in Kalikasthan.

Day 10 : Trek to Begnas Lake and drive to Pokhara::

In the last section of this short trek, we today head for another marvelous lake, Begnas, and then head back to Pokhara. We shall take the best possible route in this section of the trek as we explore several settlements en route, cross a couple of streams, explore the greenery of the trail, and pass through cultivation areas before reaching Begnas Lake.

Get amused with the beauty of the lake and explore the surrounding that has fishery farms, resorts, and a buzzing market besides the villages and swamp areas surrounding the lake. After exploring the second largest lake in Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, we shall drive to Pokhara ending the marvelous trekking in the Annapurna region. After this short drive of around half an hour, we reached our hotel in Pokhara and got refreshed there. You have the remaining day all by yourself to further explore the areas surrounding the hotel, try out some new dishes, and interact more with the locals; the scenery of Pokhara is never out of fashion for travelers, no matter how many times has the person been there. After exploring Pokhara, we stay overnight in Pokhara

Day 11 : Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu::

The exciting trekking in the beautiful Annapurna region and Pokhara valley comes to an end as we drive for Kathmandu to end the Sikles Trek. This drive of around 6-7 hours is an entertaining one this time as well, as it was in the drive to Pokhara. Leaving the courtyard of unique Fishtail Mountain we are first accompanied by Marsyangdi River and then by Trishuli River as we head for Kathmandu.

A journey filled with variety in terms of scenery, landscape, settlements, and lifestyle, this drive has rural villages, waterfalls, hills, and views of mountains overlooking the drive from far away. After this journey we reach Kathmandu and you will be escorted to the hotel for your stay. Utilize the remaining time of the day by packing your bags and going souvenir shopping. Stay overnight in Kathmandu

Day 12 : Departure Day::

You have completed a fantastic trek in the hills of Nepal today, in the beautiful and scenic Annapurna region, as you leave for your onward destination. Engage in some activities if you have booked with us until you are transferred to the international airport for your scheduled flight. With the hope that you have taken with you some extraordinary memories from this tour, we aspire to welcome you for another adventure and travel in this land of diversity. Our representative shall be at the airport to wish you a safe journey.

Price Includes

  • Airport Pickup and drop
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • 2 nights Hotel in Pokhara
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single Accommodation: You won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so that your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation Costs
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Four seasonal sleeping bags, down jacket, Nepal Mountain Trekkers duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (Note: down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Trekking Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets
  • Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses (Laundries, Electric accessories, Internet, and so on)
  • All Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages
  • Tips for guide and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Torch
  • Lip Balm
  • Sun’s Cream ( 40+)

Upper Body

  • Cotton t-shirts or thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Down jacket (Light-weighted)

Lower Body

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Underwear and Half Pants

Feet

  • Thin inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Light-weighted sandals

Hands

  • Gloves
  • Creams

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
  • Trekking bag (Rucksack)
  • Duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries

Miscellaneous

  • Medicines: We recommend you bring your regular medicines; we will provide a first aid kit from our side.
  • Light-weighted Towel
  • Swiss Knife
  • Passport and extra passport photos
  • Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer
 

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