Description

Sikles Trekking is newly explored and virgin trekking routes in the southern Gurung settlement of Nepal above the Mardi Khola (1,980m) overlooking Annapurna IV to the north and Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal to the east. It boasts good mountain views and is unaccustomed for trekkers. It is a spectacular short trek and traverses a variety of terrain from low land villages and rich terrain up to Nepali’s largest Gurung (Gurkha) village as well as blooming forests of rhododendron in the spring. 

The villagers follow with Shaman priest and Budhist priest in marriage, death and dealing with ill fate. The region is particularly good for bird watching because of its pristine forested surroundings where different species of birds thrive. The trekking route offers wonderful views of the Annapurna and Manasulu ranges. Climbing though oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest and follow ancient trails to the Madi Khola valley and stay in the villages of Sikles, Tang Ting and Bhujung. This new trek offers a truly captivating village experience where we get to see the real rural Nepal. Trekkers can enjoy by camping at unique sites, eat the local dishes and witness daily life unfold around us.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,264ft)
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Yatriyo.com will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. Overnight Stay in Hotel
Included meals: Dinner

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
We visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Durbar Square is rich with ancient palaces with spectacular art and architecture. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest places for Hindus. The ancient Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world and the Swayambhunath Stupa meaning the "the self-existent" is popular among foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2690 ft): 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 besides 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 04: Drive to Milanchowk and trek to Kharpani (hot spring)(1440m/ 4724 ft)
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 natural of spring which is about 20 km away from the city. To reach this natural hot spring on the bank of Seti River we trek through the river crossing and small settlements before entering into 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 to the destination of natural hot spring. A small pond, this hot spring, is famous for the medicinal properties to heal skin ailments of the people taking a dip in the pond. Overnight stay in Kharpani.

Day 05: Kharpani to Ghalegaon (2713m/8900 ft): 6-7 hours
In rather longer trek to another beautiful Gurung community in Ghalegaon, we have a rather long and a bit of strenuous trekking journey. In 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 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 and 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 06: Ghalegaon to Parche (1760m/5774 ft)
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 reach the settlement of 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 07: Parche to sikles
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 hour’s trek, we turn right and walk past 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 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 08: Sikles to Chasu (980m/3215 ft) 
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 overall a descent from Sikles, we have a short initial trek to Talche where we cross a stream to trek further to Tantang through smaller settlement of Tauneswanra and 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, forest, 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 09: Chasu to Kalikasthan (1080m/3543 ft)
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 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 to the vicinity of 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, ridge and hillside, and terraced landscape 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 the Begnas Lake. Get amused with the beauty of the lake and explore the surrounding that has fishery farm, resorts and a buzzing market besides the villages and swamp areas surrounding the lake. After exploring the second largest lake in Pokhara valley, after 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 reach our hotel in Pokhara and get 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 for souvenir shopping. Stay overnight in Kathmandu

Day 12: Final Departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Our representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Includes:
✓ Airport pickup and drop
✓ All accommodation and meals during the trek (Full Board)
✓ Local Transportation
✓ An experienced and professional English-speaking trekking guide, assistant trekking guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) 
✓ Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
✓ TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation entrance fees.
✓ A comprehensive medical kit
✓ Local Taxes 

Excludes:
→ Nepal Entry Visa fee ()
→ International airfare and excess baggage charges
→ Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
→ Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
→ Travel and rescue insurance
→ Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
→ Tips for guides and porters

Having trouble booking online?
Call +1 (717) 458-2026 USA | +977 9861601346 Nepal | Email: booking@yatriyo.com