Trip Duration: 4 Days
Trip Distance: 26 to 34 km
Trip Grade: Easy
Max-Altitude: 2200M
Trip Cost: $400-$600
Trip Start: Pokhara
Trip End: Pokhara
Accommodation: Tea House
Best Season: Spring and Autumn
Trip Permits: ACAP and TIMS
Transportation: Public Bus/ Private Vehicle
Guide: Compulsory to Have a Licensed Guide
Sikles Village
Would you like to experience an exciting journey on a short and easy trek in the Himalayas? Then the Sikles village might be the one for you.
Sikles trek is one of the more interesting trekking destinations in the Annapurna area and quite unpopular compared to similar destinations. As you trek through the Sikles trek area, you'll see rhododendron forests, beautiful mountain ranges, and diverse landscapes.
On the Trek, you will probably get to see Annapurna and Lamjung Himal up close after crossing 2,000 meters. You will also learn about the culture, tradition, lifestyle, and handicraft production of Huwu village and Khapuche Lake.
About the Sikles Region
Located in the Kaski district, Sikles village is a well-conserved village that lies on a hill at an altitude of 3,000 meters. It is one of the region's earliest and largest 'Gurung' settlements.
Sikles is famous primarily in the Kaski district in Nepal. People visit Sikles for the warm and welcoming Gurung community, the beautiful trekking trail, and the greenery along the way.
The Trek to this beautiful place takes you to the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region of Nepal, which is located above Madi Khola at an altitude of 1,981 meters. It is also one of the biggest Gurung villages in Nepal, along with Bhujung and Ghale gaun.
Itinerary for Sikles Village
The Sikles village trek can be done in three to six days, depending on how fast you and your group hike. The distance to the Sikles Village from Pokhara is below 20 KM.
However, getting there can take some time due to the difficult road conditions. Now, if you are not from Nepal, you must apply for a Nepali visa and travel to Kathmandu.
After traveling to Kathmandu, you can then travel to Pokhara via a tourist bus or flight. From there, we can begin our trip.
From there, we can begin our trip.
4 Day Trek Sikles Village Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Sikles
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Sikles, one of the largest and most culturally rich Gurung villages in Nepal. The drive passes through rural settlements, terraced farmlands, and rolling hills before reaching the village.
Upon arrival, you can explore the traditional stone houses, interact with local residents, and enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre.
Sikles offers a fascinating glimpse into Gurung culture and lifestyle, making it an excellent introduction to the trek. After spending the afternoon exploring the village and surrounding viewpoints, you will stay overnight at a local lodge or homestay in Sikles.
Driving Duration: 3 to 4 Hours
Accommodation: Lodge or Homestay
Overnight: Sikles (1,980 m)
Day 2: Trek from Sikles to Neuli Kharka
After breakfast, begin trekking towards Neuli Kharka.
The trail gradually leaves the village behind and enters dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and other native vegetation. Along the way, you will encounter peaceful woodland scenery, occasional grazing pastures, and beautiful mountain views.
As the trail climbs steadily, the landscape becomes increasingly tranquil. After several hours of walking through the forested hillsides, you arrive at Neuli Kharka, a seasonal grazing area surrounded by natural beauty.
The location provides excellent opportunities to enjoy the peaceful mountain environment.
Walking Duration: 4 to 5 Hours
Accommodation: Basic Lodge or Community Accommodation
Overnight: Neuli Kharka (Approx. 2,200 m)
Day 3: Trek from Neuli Kharka to Ghale Gaun
Today's trek takes you through one of the most scenic sections of the route.
The trail traverses ridgelines, forests, and open viewpoints with magnificent panoramas of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges. During spring, the rhododendron forests are particularly vibrant and colorful.
After crossing the higher sections of the trail, you gradually descend toward Ghale Gaun, a renowned Gurung heritage village known for its successful community-based tourism program. The village is famous for its traditional culture, warm hospitality, and stunning mountain scenery.
Spend the evening experiencing local traditions and enjoying a comfortable homestay experience.
Walking Duration: 5 to 6 Hours
Accommodation: Community Homestay
Overnight: Ghale Gaun (Approximately 2,100 m)
Day 4: Trek to Hemja and Drive Back to Pokhara
Wake up early to witness sunrise over the Himalayan peaks before beginning the final descent. The trail leads through forests, cultivated fields, and traditional settlements as you make your way toward Hemja.
Upon reaching the roadhead, a vehicle will transfer you back to Pokhara. The drive offers a final opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Annapurna foothills before concluding your trek.
Walking Duration: 3 to 4 Hours
Driving Duration: 30 to 45 Minutes
Trip End: Pokhara
From Pokhara, we hope you have a pleasant trip back home, and remember to cherish your memories.
The itinerary mentioned above is the general plan arranged by Pokhara Info. The above itinerary is only a guideline; it might change due to the availability of lodging and campsites, fluctuating weather conditions, unforeseen political, trail, and environmental, or any other factors beyond our control.
After consulting with the group, your trek leader will decide the best way to reach a final decision if this occurs.
Preparing for the Sikles Village Trek
As described earlier, the Trek to Sikles Village is quite short compared to other trekking routes in Nepal. Moreover, it reaches a height of 2000m, which may not seem like much to experienced travelers, but it is quite a change for first-time trekkers.
Additionally, explorers taking part in the Trek often walk for several hours daily. Thus, people with lung diseases should either avoid such activities or take precautions before taking part in them since high altitudes can be difficult to adapt to.
Furthermore, these high altitudes may cause people to experience altitude sickness.
Parting Note
Finally, every place has its own culture, non-verbal norms and values, government policies, and other factors that make traveling to a new place potentially nerve-wracking, no matter how many times you've done it.
But remember to enjoy the Trek to the beautiful village of Sikles despite the difficulties you might face.