Annapurna Region is quite famous among trekkers for hosting many awesome and exotic treks. Among the various treks it offers, Sikles Trek is one of the popular trekking routes of this Region.
This trek takes about 12 days off your hectic schedule and takes you on a wonderful journey unfolding the cultural and natural beauty in this route.
Sikles is a beautiful village that is a part of the Kaski District and is situated at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. It is a lower altitude trek that leads you away from the wilderness and off beaten tracks.
Sikles Trek route is located on the eastern side of the Annapurna Conservation Area and on the north-east side of the beautiful Pokhara city. It is also known as Trek to Ghale Kharka in the Annapurna region.
It is an innovative trekking route that takes you away from the city noises. And lets you enjoy a peaceful environment while exploring the Annapurna region.
Sikles is a remote village that is located in the shadows of two magnificent mountains i.e. Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
The majority of people living in this village belong to Gurung Community. This beautiful village is one of the second largest Gurung villages in the Annapurna region.
While trekking to Sikles you will be astounded by the well-maintained culture and tradition of the Gurung community which is a quite remarkable experience. It was established with the hope to make this eco-trekking route by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
Firstly, you begin your trip by driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara and camp near the Begnas Lake for the night. After a wonderful camp night, you head towards Baral.
Reaching Baral you stay there for a night and head towards Chyamarang the next day. From Chyamarang you head towards the beautiful Gurung village Sikles. And stay there for a night.
Then from Sikles, you head towards Hoga and reach there you will have your rest day. On your rest day, you can explore the area and visit places near the village.
After a wonderful time, you now descend to Chipli where you will be staying for the night. The next day you head towards Burijung Khola and call it a night there.
From here, you head towards Bharaburi and then to Chisopani which is the last day in the Annapurna region. You will be heading back to Pokhara and then fly back to Kathmandu the next day from there.
In this trek, you walk viewing many Alluring snowy peaks such as Annapurna, Lamjung, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, etc. You will also be walking through many pasture and uneven lands. Entering lush green forests filled with unique species of flora and fauna.
Also, the first-hand experience of local cuisines served with beautiful cultural dances will leave a great impression on you.
So, don’t think twice and join us the members of Radiant Treks on this wonderful Sikles trek. Experiencing the local lifestyle, culture, and tradition of the people living in this area.
Highlights of Sikles Trek
- Visit the second largest Gurung village of the region
- Lower altitude trek
- View various unique vegetation
- Moderate level trek
- Awestrucking view of mountain peaks
- Know about the culture and tradition of the Gurung Community
- Taste local cuisine
- View traditional dance
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Drive Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Drive Distance: 209 km
Maximum Altitude( Pokhara): 827 m above sea level
Maximum Altitude( Begnas Tal): 650 m above sea level
On your first day, you will begin the Sikles Trek itinerary by heading towards Pokhara from Kathmandu. This day you won’t be trekking but rather drive for about 6 to 7 hours covering a distance of 209 km.
Kathmandu being the capital has one of the busiest and crowded streets all over Nepal. You will be leaving the city and its noise behind for the next 12 days.
As you drive out the city and enter the Prithvi Highway you will be surrounded by beautiful scenic views around you. This day you will be driving alongside the Trishuli River.
You get to see many small towns, barren lands, and few peaks as you look out your window. Also, the lush green forests throughout the way will mesmerize you.
Looking at these amazing views you reach Pokhara situated at an altitude of 827 m above sea level. Then you head towards Begnas Lake situated at an altitude of 650 m above sea level.
Begnas Tal is a beautiful lake located on the south-east side of Pokhara which is the third-largest lake in Nepal. This is a freshwater lake whose water is used for irrigation. And some parts of this lake are opened for fishing as well.
You will be staying the night today.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hour
Trek Distance: 17.8 km
Maximum Altitude: 909 m above sea level
On your second day, you begin your trek by heading towards Baral from Begnas Lake via Kalika Majhthana. It is about a 4 to 5 hours walk covering a distance of 17.8 km.
You start by walking in a zigzag route and reaching a low ridge. And following the narrow paths along the ridge, you get to view the beautiful landscapes from there.
Viewing the landscapes you make a descend to Modi Khola as the ridge ends. From there, you walk for some time and make a slight climb and reach Baral situated at an altitude of 909 m above sea level.
This day you will have to walk past many small villages viewing the people sell fish over an open fire.
You stay here for the night.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 1212m above sea level
On your third day, you will be heading towards Chyamarang from Baral. It is about 4 to 5 hours’ walk from here.
Leaving the village behind you begin your trek by following the paths through the Modi valley. Then crossing a suspension bridge you make an ascend in the trails.
Walking for some time you enter a lush green forest filled with various species of flora and fauna. You will have a walk past many small settlements, farms, and scattered forests this day.
As you walk these routes you arrive at Chyamarang Situated at an altitude of 1212 m above sea level.
You will be staying here for the night.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 2000 m above sea level
On your fourth day, you will be heading towards Sikles which is a few hours walk from Chyamarang. You will have walked about 5 to 6 hours this day.
You begin the trek by crossing a suspension bridge over the Modi Khola and gradually make a steep climb in the paths.
Today you will have made many up and downhill walks passing through pasture lands and villages.
After walking for some time, you arrive at Sikles , a beautiful village on the hillside situated at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level.
Sikles is the second largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region. Most of the households have their family members listed in either the British or Indian army.
You can explore the village and see the local lifestyle of these people. They offer varieties of local cuisine, handicraft products, and many more. During the night time, they put up shows and traditional dances to entertain the guests.
You will be staying in one of the tea houses for the night.
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3030 m above sea level
On your fifth day, you head towards Hoga from Sikles which is about 7 to 8 hours walk.
You begin your trek by making an ascending in the trails viewing magnificent mountains throughout the way. You get to see various peaks such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, etc.
This day you will have made many ascends before arriving at Hoga which is situated at an altitude of 3030 m above sea level.
You will be staying here for the night.
On your sixth day, you will have your rest day in Hoga. This is a beautiful village from where you get to see the mesmerizing view of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal.
You can explore the traditional villages or hike up to the base of Annapurna IV glacier which is a famous viewpoint situated at an altitude of 3333 m above sea level.
The paths are steep and can be a bit harsh in some places but it is worth all the effort. As you reach the base, you get to see various mountains peaks covered in snow i.e. Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna IV, etc.
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Maximum Altitude: 1515 m above sea level
On your seventh day, you head towards Chipli from Hoga which is about 8 hours walk from here. This day's trek is going to be the longest walk but it is not strenuous.
You begin by descending the trails back to Sikles. And heading out from the gorge of Modi Khola make an uphill climb from the west side. As you head in this route, you arrive at Chipli after a 4 to 5 hours walk.
Chipli is situated at an altitude of 1515m above sea level. You stay in one of the lodges for the night.
On your eighth day, you will be heading towards the Burijung Khola from Chipli which is a few hours walk.
This day you will be making many steep up and downhill walks. Firstly, you make a steep climb until you reach the summit of the Ridge at an altitude of 2727 m above sea level.
Then you gradually descend in the paths from there until you arrive at the gorge of Seti Khola. As you head ahead in the trails passing through a dense forest you arrive at Burijung Khola.
You stay here for the night.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 1818 m above sea level
On your ninth day, you head towards Bharaburi from Burijung Khola which is about 4 to 5 hours walk from here.
You begin your trek by making a slight ascend in the trails then following the paths enter the forests of Rhododendron. Then you cross a small wooden bridge and walking a bit further arrive at Bharaburi situated at an altitude of 1818 m above sea level.
The view of Mount Machhapuchhre looks mesmerizing from here. You will stay here for the night.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
On your tenth day, you head towards Chisopani from Bharaburi which is about a 4 to 5 hours walk.
You retrace your steps back to Seti Khola and from there cross above the Burijung Khola with the help of a suspension bridge. And continue to walk along the banks until you arrive at Chisopani.
You stay in one of the lodges for the night.
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 827 m above sea level
On your eleventh day, you will be heading back to Pokhara from Chisopani which is about 6 to 7 hours walk.
The routes are even and do not have many up and downhill walks. Today’s walk is a relatively easy one as you travel along the Seti Khola until you arrive at Pokhara situated at an altitude of 827 m above sea level.
Pokhara is a beautiful city that is a famous destination for travelers as well as trekkers. Many trekkers start their trekking journey from here. Thus, it is called the gateway for many trekking destinations.
The rest of the day is unplanned so you can roam around the city and do various activities such as cycling, boating in Phewa Lake, or visit attraction sites such as bat cave, David’s fall, etc.
Today is your last night of Sikles Trek. You will stay in one of the hotels for the night.
Flight Duration: 25 to 30 minutes
Flight Distance: 147 km
Maximum Altitude: 1400 m above sea level
This is your last day in Pokhara valley, you will wake up early and visit the Tal Barahi temple located in the middle of Phewa lake. After a short tour, you now head towards Pokhara airport.
From here you catch your flight back to Kathmandu which takes about 25 to 30 minutes from here. As you look out the window, you get to view beautiful mountains and valleys.
Landing at Kathmandu we the members of Radiant Trek bid you farewell hoping you had a great time with us in our Sikles Trek.
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