Main Info
The Sikles Trek in the Kaski district is a hidden gem that offers a unique opportunity to explore untouched and picturesque destinations while experiencing a distinctive homestay and venturing off the beaten path. It is renowned as one of Nepal’s most preferred short trekking routes. The trek takes you to the indigenous Gurung Village of Sikles, providing a fascinating glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Gurung people, all while offering breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurna Range.
This trek is a visual delight as you journey through rugged terrain and are rewarded with impressive mountain vistas. It has also gained recognition as the Royal Trek, due to Prince Charles’ trek in the area in 1980. Sikles, a captivating village with approximately 850 Gurung households nestled on the ridges of the hills, entices adventurers with its remarkable experiences and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. Starting from Pokhara, this trek is a fantastic camping adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that unfolds throughout the route.
Embarking on the Sikles Trek offers a unique and immersive opportunity to discover Nepal’s unspoiled natural beauty. The blend of homestay experiences, lesser-known trails, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas ensures a truly memorable and enriching adventure. From the cultural immersion in the Gurung village to the rugged landscapes and serene camping sites, the Sikles Trek provides an authentic journey showcasing the remarkable natural splendor of the Annapurna region.
| Max-Altitude | 1,981m |
| Location | Kaski, Nepal |
| Group Size | 4 to 5 members |
| Difficulty | Easy |
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Itinerary
After completing the visa procedures upon arrival at the international airport, you must go downstairs to pick up your luggage and exit the terminal building. After meeting our agent, you will be driven to your Kathmandu hotel. On your first day, you are free to unwind or go around the city.
Overnight in Kathmandu [Meals: N/A]
Take a seven-hour tourist bus ride to Pokhara, which is 900 meters away. The trekking crew will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and then depart for Pokhara. We will stay the night at a hotel in Pokhara; tea and coffee supplied for breakfast.
Overnight in Pokhara [Meals: Breakfast]
In Pokhara, you'll start your journey right after breakfast. You will first get into a private vehicle and travel to Kaunkhola. From there, a 4WD jeep ride to Sikles village will take approximately 4 to 5 hours off-road. The route winds through terraced farmlands, hills, forests, and rivers. It is rocky and graveled. The community will extend a hearty welcome to you that evening. You will get the best photo chances in the quaint village of Sikles. The culture and manner of life of the Gurung people will become clear to you. A visit to Chili Kohinbo Temple in Sikles might provide you with information on the Bon Po faith.
Overnight in Sikles [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
The following morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast in Sikles, you will begin your Kori Kaski trek with amazing views of the Himalayas. Today's route will meander through a woods of oaks and rhododendron, gradually getting narrower and steeper. From the trekking trail, you can see the River Valley and mountains like Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Annapurna II, and Annapurna III. Walking to Hugu Goth will take you five to six hours, depending on your pace. This area was used for farming, grazing buffalo, and goat husbandry.
Overnight in Huhu Goth [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Hugu Goth may be reached from Nohtha in five to six hours. Your Kori Himal Trek Route will start as you ascend through forests of fir, pine, and rhododendron after you cross the Hugu Khola over a wooden bridge. Along the way, you will be able to observe a number of breathtaking mountain peaks, such as Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Annapurna II, and Annapurna III. With luck, you may be able to see a wild animal such as a Musk Deer, a Himalayan Thar, or the Nepalese bird called Lophophorus (Danfe).
Overnight in Nohtha [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
After breakfast this morning, you will ascend to Kori hill (Danda); the trip should take you three to four hours. This is where your trip to the Kori Himal comes to an end. From the Kori Danda, one may explore both the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges to the east. You can reach the same superb viewpoint as Poonhill from Kori Hill in the Annapurna region. You might hike for a short distance to Thulake (4115 meters), where you can explore Kori Hill all day. A hidden gem on Kori Hill is a verdant meadow used by sheep as a pasture.
Overnight in Kori [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
You will embark on an early climb to Sikles village today after breakfast. This will be your last night on the mountain. The same path that led you up to Kori Hill will get you back to Sikles. You'll pass through thick forests of oak and rhododendron. Throughout your journey, you will be treated to breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks and waterfalls as you cross several rivers on suspension bridges. It takes seven or eight hours to reach the picturesque Sikles Gurung settlement on the downhill route. While studying Gurung culture and way of life, you might return to the village.
Overnight in Sikles [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
After breakfast in the Gurung village and a tour of other charming settlements, you will return to Pokhara in a 4WD Jeep. There are hills, forests, rivers, and terraced farms along the stony and gravel path. After three to four hours of journey, you will reach the Pokhara valley. You can explore Phewa Lake and choose a stunning restaurant to round off your Sikles tour in style after a restorative night.
Overnight in Pokhara [Meals: Breakfast]
The last day of your Sikles Panorama tour is today. You will wake up in Pokhara this morning and take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu. It is approximately 205 kilometers from Pokhara to Kathmandu, along the picturesque Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli River. The route from Pokhara to Kathmandu passes through various attractive villages, including the bazaars of Damauli and Dumre. The route also offers breathtaking vistas of mountainous landscapes, rivers, and snow-capped mountains.
Overnight in Pokhara [Meals: Breakfast]
Breakfast and the drive to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule, this is a wonderful chance to take in the scenic views of the Nepalese countryside one last time.
Board your flight home, carrying with you a trove of memories from your luxurious and culturally immersive journey through Nepal
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Extend the trip
[Meals: Breakfast]
| Number of People | Cost Per Person |
| 2 Pax | USD 700 Per Person |
| 3-5 Pax | USD 670 Per Person |
| 6-10 Pax | USD 625 Per Person |
Note: The rates are subject to change with the change in government taxes and differ on a case-to-case basis.
FAQs
The journey from Pokhara to Sikles typically spans 3 to 4 days, covering a distance of roughly 30 to 40 kilometers. The exact duration can fluctuate based on factors like trekking pace, weather conditions, and personal fitness levels. Typically, each day of the trek involves 5 to 7 hours of walking, with breaks for meals and rest along the way. It’s advisable to allocate additional time to explore the Sikles village and its surrounding areas upon reaching the destination.
Trekkers visiting Sikles can marvel at the breathtaking vistas of several renowned Himalayan peaks, including the majestic Annapurna II and the impressive Lamjung Himal. Annapurna II, standing at an impressive height of 7,937 meters, dominates the skyline with its grand presence. Likewise, Lamjung Himal, another prominent peak visible from Sikles, rises to an elevation of approximately 6,983 meters. These towering mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the scenic beauty of Sikles village, elevating the trekking experience with their awe-inspiring grandeur.
Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,980 meters above sea level, the charming Gurung village of Sikles is nestled within the hills of the Annapurna region, providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountainous landscape and valleys.
The distance between Kathmandu and Sikles by road is roughly 200 kilometers as the crow flies. However, the actual travel distance may differ depending on the specific route and any diversions along the way. Typically, the road trip from Kathmandu to Sikles takes around 6 to 8 hours by private vehicle or bus, as the route traverses mountainous terrain with varying road conditions.
Sikles is predominantly home to the Gurung ethnic group, one of Nepal’s prominent indigenous communities. The Gurungs are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, courageous spirit, distinctive traditions, and warm hospitality. Additionally, the Magar people, another ethnic group with their own unique cultural practices and customs, also reside in Sikles. The presence of these two vibrant ethnic communities adds to the diverse and lively cultural fabric of Sikles village.
Tour Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the wilderness through off-the-beaten-path trekking
- Discover mystic villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities
- Explore the traditions, cultures, and lifestyles of local peoples
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring mountain landscapes
- Traverse lush and beautiful forests with a tranquil ambiance
Trekking Season in Nepal
Nepal has two primary seasons that attract the majority of visitors. The peak season, which is the most popular, and the spring season, known as the “mini-season,” are the times when the country sees the highest influx of travelers. In contrast, the summer months of June, July, and August are the monsoon season, during which the trails are often washed out and the roads can be impassable due to landslides. However, it is still possible to trek to rain-shadow regions like Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang during the monsoon.
The winter season in Nepal is characterized by dry, extremely cold conditions, with high passes becoming inaccessible due to ice and snow. While the daytime temperatures typically range from 20-25 degrees Celsius, the temperature decreases with increasing altitude, and can drop to 0 to -25 degrees Celsius at night when staying in tented camps in the Himalayan regions. Trekking at higher altitudes during the winter is not recommended due to the risk of avalanches and altitude sickness, although some may find the sight of snow-covered mountains to be a rewarding experience. In the lower mountain regions, the temperature fluctuations are not as extreme, with the nights being slightly colder than the daytime.
The best time for trekking in Nepal is during the autumn and spring seasons, as the weather is generally warm and dry, and the lower elevations of the country are in bloom with flowers. This is also a time when many festivals take place in the country.
Meals and Accommodation
During trekking expeditions, the accommodation is commonly known as teahouses. These are family-run basic lodges that serve as restaurants, dining halls, and boarding facilities for tourists. Nowadays, rooms in these teahouses often have electricity, typically consisting of one light bulb and one or two outlets for charging electronic devices. The common areas are also illuminated by electricity. Alternatively, some teahouses may use solar power, hydroelectric sources, or have electrical lines running into the village, resulting in varying availability and consistency of electricity. However, certain trekking routes still lack access to electricity, prompting the use of traditional kerosene lamps.
Most teahouses offer private rooms, although in more remote or higher altitude areas, limited teahouse options may lead to the use of dormitory-style accommodations during the peak season. Rooms typically have two single beds with basic bedding, and bathroom facilities are shared. Some teahouses do provide private bathrooms, which may feature a mix of Western-style and squat-style toilets.
Meals, including breakfast and dinner, are served at the same teahouses, which have large family-style dining rooms centered around a stove or coal-burning heater to provide warmth, especially in mountainous regions. The menu often includes Nepali-style Western dishes such as pancakes, pizza, burgers, and fries, as well as the traditional Nepali Dal Bhat meal, a lentil soup served with rice, vegetables, pickles, or meat curry. Additionally, many menus offer a selection of local cuisine.
Gears and Equipment
The Sikles Trek is an easy trekking experience. To help you prepare, here is a list of the essential equipment to pack for your trek:
- Luggage: You’ll need a duffel bag or backpack for your trekking gear, which will be carried by porters. Himalayan Adventure can also provide a duffel bag if needed.
- Day Pack: Bring a day backpack, at least 25L in size, to carry important items like your passport, credit card, water bottle, snacks, and extra clothing layers.
- Footwear: For the trek, simple trekking boots are sufficient. You’ll also want a pair of sports sandals or sneakers to wear around camp or tea houses.
- Clothing: Pack a lightweight sleeping bag rated for -10 to -20 degrees Celsius, a warm fleece jacket, and a down jacket. Bring several pairs of thick socks, lightweight trekking pants, short-sleeved shirts, and long-sleeved shirts.
- Outerwear: Ensure you have a waterproof jacket and potentially waterproof pants for rain and wind.
- Accessories: Necessary items include a sun hat or cap, woolen hat, polarized sunglasses, warm gloves, and various travel supplies like a camera, flashlight, and first aid kit.
- Toiletries and Medication: Pack your personal care items and any necessary medications, including altitude sickness medicines.
