Trip Duration: 3-7 Days
Trip Distance: 36.7KM
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 two 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.
Day 1: Drive and Trek to Kalikastan
This is your first day of the Trek. After leaving the city, you drive to Bijaypur Khola. From there, you follow a wide trail past rice fields near an army camp.
Finally, you head upward until you reach a resting place. After resting for a few moments, you ascend the trails and walk along the ridges to Kalikasthan, where you can see the panoramic view of mountains and landscapes.
We spend the night in Kalikastan.
Day 2: Reaching Lama Khet
The second day of the Trek requires you to hike for 6 to 7 hours altogether. You will make your way today from Kalikasthan to Lama Khet.
First, you will start the journey with a slight climb on the trail. Then, we will pass through a small village home with mixed ethnic people until we reach Mardi Khola.
Next, we follow the path along the riverbanks as you cross Bhaise and Nawaldanda. After traversing these two small villages, you reach Lama Khet.
Lama Khet is a gorgeous village surrounded by green hills where you'll stay for the night.
Day 3: Reaching Sikles
The fourth day is set for you to reach Sikles from Lama Khet. Today's hike will take you to the major attraction of this trip.
You walk through flat terrain along the river bank as you leave the village. You then reach Khilan Gaon and do a gentle climb.
After passing through Parju Village, we can reach Sikles. You can rest overnight in one of the friendly lodges or homestays available here.
Day 4: Descend to Neuli Kharka
Today marks the fourth day of the Trek. We now head towards Neuli Kharka.
This is a couple of hours away. First, we walk through forests filled with oak and rhododendron trees.
Furthermore, we reach Neuli Kharka or forest camp after passing through flatlands. This would be the place where we take rest for the night.
Day 5: Trek to Ghale Gaon
As you begin your walk, you find yourself in a beautiful forest of Rhododendrons. After crossing one high pass, you would descend to the town of Ghale Gaon.
This is the second-to-last day of the Trek, and you'll probably hike for five hours on this penultimate day.
Day 6: Returning back to Pokhara
This is the last day of the Trek. Today, you drive towards Pokhara from Ghale Gaon right after making your way down the trails to Hyamgya.
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.