Trying to find adventurous things to do in Nepal? Trekking in the trails of this country gives an amazing experience to its visitors. Nepal is popular for it’s thrilling and challenging trekking routes.

Are you searching for a short and easy trek that takes you on an exciting journey in the Himalayas? Treks that do not take much time off your vacation. Then Sikles Trek is a perfect trekking destination for you. This trek is not very far away from Pokhara City.

Sikles is a small village inhabited by the Gurung Community. This place lies in the Kaski district and is a part of the Annapurna region. Sikles Trek is also a side trek. You can add or combine this trek in your plan while visiting the Annapurna region as well.

The routes of Sikles Trek are easy and suitable for novice climbers as well. The highest point of this trek is Forest Camp. It is situated at an altitude of 2200 m. So, there are fewer chances of altitude sickness.

You will be passing through a beautiful forest of rhododendron, oaks, and many more. On this trek, you also get to see various mesmerizing peaks. Such as Lamjung, Annapurna massif, Manaslu, as well as Machhapuchare etc.

Exciting Nepal brings to you a 7 days Sikles Trek itinerary. This is a wonderful journey to the beautiful Gurung village that lies on top of a small hill. This village lies in a remote area that is quite far from the city.

This trek takes about a week of your busy schedule. And takes you on an exciting journey to the remote area of Kaski district. Pack your bags and come aboard on this scenic journey to the Sikles village.

Highlights of Sikles Trek

• Explore Sikles a traditional Gurung Village
• Mesmerizing mountain view such as Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, etc
• Experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung community
• Walk-through beautiful forests of unique vegetation
• Scenic views of landscape and valleys
• Trek through remote areas of this region

Sikles Trek Route

You begin your Sikles Trek journey by heading towards the city of Pokhara via a tourist bus. As you head out the city of Kathmandu you will enter Prithvi highway. Then viewing beautiful scenarios you reach Pokhara where you stay for the night.

The next day you drive towards Bijaypur Khola and then reach there your trekking journey begins. You will be trekking towards Kalikasthan from there and stay the night.

After that, you head towards Lama Khet viewing beautiful scenarios and stay the night. From there you head towards Sikles the major attraction of this trek. Exploring the village you will be staying in one of the lodges.

Then you head towards Neuli Kharka, the highest point of this trek. Staying the night there you head towards Ghale gaon the following day. From there you trek till Hyamgja and drive back to Pokhara.

Best time to Visit Sikles Village

Sikles Trek does not lie in much altitude so trekking can be done any time of the year. However, trekkers prefer to visit Sikles Village during the Spring and Autumn Season.

Nepal goes through four seasons Spring, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter. You can more know about the seasons in detail from below:

Spring and Autumn

Spring and Autumn seasons are the peak season for Sikles Trek.  The Spring season begins from the month of March and ends in May. While Autumn season begins from the month of September and ends in November.

The routes of Sikles trek are crowded with trekkers from all around the world during these months. The beauty of nature is at its peak attracting many nature lovers. Also, the weather and temperature are favorable throughout these seasons.

It’s neither too hot nor too cold during these months. The days are sunny and hot while the nights are a bit chilly. The skies are also clear giving the best view of landscapes and mountains.

There are few chances of snowfall and rainfall during this time of the year. So, you don’t have to worry about bad weather conditions being a problem.

Winter season

The winter season is the off-season time for trekking in the Sikles trek route. Winter season begins from the months of December and ends in February. These are the coldest months of the year.

The weather and temperature are mild during this season. The days are warm and sunny while nights and early morning are pretty cold. Also, the temperature drops below the freezing point during this season. So, don’t forget to carry warm clothes.

As Sikles village doesn’t lie in high elevation there are low chances of snowfall being an obstruction. However, walking in the cold is a challenge so be careful.

Monsoon Season

The monsoon Season is the least preferred time for Sikles Trek. Monsoon season begins from the months of June and ends in August. These are the months for heavy rainfall. The routes are slippery and muddy during these months. So be careful.

The weather condition is not very favorable during this season. Due to continuous rainfall in the lower region, there are high chances of landslide and flood. So, it can be a major obstruction in your Sikles Trek.

But during these months you can see various unique vegetation bloom in the forest’s paths. Usually, researchers and botanists trek during Monsoon Season.

Sikles Trek Difficulty

Sikles Trek Route

The trek is grade as easy to moderate level climb. But the routes can be harsh for new trekkers. As for experienced trekkers, it can be an easy task. Sikles village lies in lower altitude so there is a low chance of Altitude sickness.

But still, there are many up and downhill climbs so you require huge stamina. Also, you will be walking for 5 to 6 hours a day. So, if you are not much of a walker then it can be tiring.

Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness is one of the most important factors during your trekking journey. You should be physically and mentally fit to complete this trek. Without proper body conditions walking in these routes can be harsh.

This trek requires only physical training no technical training. So, you can do this training on your own. Such as running, swimming, cycling, and many more. This helps to increase your stamina.

And meditation helps you calm your mind and have a positive mindset. So, be well prepared before your trek.

Day 01: Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus

Day 02: Drive to Bijaypur Khola from Pokhara and trek to Kalikasthan(1370m)

Day 03: Trek to Lama Khet(1680m)

Day 04: Trek to Siklesh(1980m)

Day 05: Trek Neuli Kharka or Forest camp (2200m)

Day 06: Trek to Ghale Gaon (2000m)

Day 07: Trek to Hyamgja (1070m) Drive to Pokhara.

Day 1: Drive To Pokhara by Tourist Bus

Drive Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Maximum Altitude: 914 m above sea level

Today is the first day of your Sikles Trek. This day you wake up early to catch your bus to Pokhara. You will be traveling through the tourist bus. It is about a half day drive from Kathmandu.

As you head out the noisy city of Kathmandu you make a slight descent towards the Trishuli river. Driving alongside the river you head towards your destination via Prithivi Highway.

Along the way, you will see many small towns, villages, terraced fields, barren lands, etc. You will be surrounded by green hills for most of the drive. During clear weather, you can also get a glimpse of Annapurna massif out the window.

Viewing these scenarios you reach Pokhara. The rest of the day is unplanned so you can roam around the city. And visit Lakeside, a major attraction of this city. Evening walks on the sides of Phewa lake is an amazing experience.

You will stay the night in one of the hotels.

Day 2: Drive to Bijaypur Khola from Pokhara and Trek to Kalikasthan

Total Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 19370 m above sea level

Today is the second day of your trek. This day you begin your journey by driving towards Bijaypur Khola. Then reaching there you trek towards Kalikasthan.

Heading out of the city you drive till Bijaypur Khola. From there you follow a wide trail you pass through rice fields near an army camp. Then heading upward in the trails you reach a resting place.

You get to see the panoramic view of landscapes and mountains from there. Enjoying the view you make a slight ascend in the trails. Walking alongside the ridges you reach Kalikasthan.

If you make a few minutes climb from there. You get to see the wonderful view of Begnas Taal, Pokhara city, and various mountains.

You stay here for the night.

Day 3: Trek to Lama Khet

Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Maximum Altitude: 1680 m above sea level

On the third day of this trek, you will head towards Lama Khet from Kalikasthan. You start this day’s trek by making a slight climb in the trails. Then passing through a small village home for mixed ethnic reach Mardi Khola.

From here you follow the path on the banks of the river. The trails are easy from here. Crossing Bhaise and Nawaldanda you reach Lama Khet.

Lama Khet is a small but beautiful village that is surrounded by green hills all around. You stay here for the night.

Day 4: Trek to Sikles

Trek Duration: 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 1980 m above sea level

On the fourth day of your trek, you will be heading towards Sikles from Lama Khet. This day you will be trekking towards a major attraction of this trip. Heading out of the village you follow the path through flat land along the river bank. Walking ahead you reach Khilan Gaon then make a gentle climb.

Then walking for some time you make a steep uphill climb in the trails. Passing the Parju village you again make an ascend in the trails till you arrive at Sikles village.

Sikles is a very beautiful village that is home to the Gurung community. This is the oldest and largest Gurung village in this area. You can explore the village and know more about this.

Stay the night in one of the lodges.

Day 5: Trek to Neuli Kharka or Forest Camp

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2200 m above sea level

Today is the fifth day of this trek. This day you head towards Neuli Kharka which is a few hours walk from there. Today you will be walking through forest paths filled with Rhododendron and Oak. Making gentle climbs and passing through flatlands you reach Neuli Kharka or Forest camp.

Forest camp is a beautiful place surrounded by forests all over. You stay the night here.

Day 6: Trek to Ghale Gaon

Trek Duration: 5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2000 m above sea level

Today is the second last day of your trek. You begin your walk by entering a beautiful forest of Rhododendron. And crossing one of the high passes you make a descent in this trail to reach Ghale Gaon.

You stay the night here.

Day 7: Trek to Hyamgya and Drive to Pokhara

Total Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Maximum Altitude: 1070 m above sea level

Today is the last day of this trek. This day you head towards Hyamgya from Ghale Gaon. Making a descend in the trails you reach your destination. Then from there, you drive towards Pokhara.

We the members of Exciting Nepal hope you had a wonderful time on our Sikles Trek. we hope you return with great memories of this trek.

Trip Cost US$ 595 Per person

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes:

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

Trekking to a new place can always be nerve-wracking  disregard of the number of times you might have done it. Every place has its own culture, non-verbal norms and values, government policies and so on.

Having even the basic knowledge about the place can boost your confidence and give you a positive anticipation of the experience you can gain from the place.

If you are looking forward to trek in Nepal, this article will indeed be of great use to refer to. Answered below, are some of the most frequently asked questions about trekking in Nepal.

1.      Is trekking difficult?

The difficulty level of the trek entirely depends upon the trek you chose.

If you happen to be trekking for the first time, or your physical condition does not permit you to (because of age or other medical conditions) you can always look for easy treks.

Easy treks have shorter number of days, less distance to be walked in a day, and relatively lower altitudes. You do not have to have prior experience or knowledge to trek to these places.

If you are adventurer and are looking for some thrill, you have plenty of options to choose from. Difficult treks have longer number of days. You will have to walk for 5-7hrs a day on an average and these treks are mostly situated in high altitudes. These treks also demand a good level of physical fitness.

Unlike other product, trekking is not about more for better. The difficulty level has got nothing to do with the experience you can gain from a trek.

Go for what you want to and what your physical ability will allow you to. Do not push yourself too hard. Trekking is not a competition. Its relaxation.

2.      Is trekking expensive?

This entirely depends upon how much you are willing to spend on your trek. You can trek luxuriously by spending lavishly or you can backpack. It all depends upon how much your bank balance allows you to.

You will get accommodation for as less as 3-4$ per night, or you can pay up to 60-1004 per night for luxury resorts. On an average, you will need not more than 10$ for a meal. If you are looking for economical places, you can eat 3 meals for 10$! But eating at such places come at a great cost of low hygiene rate.

Bottom line: Nepal is not an expensive place when it comes to tourism. It is probably one of the places you can have the most economical luxury trek comparing to what a luxury trek would otherwise cost in your country!

3.      What preparations should I make before trekking?

It is always a good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. Not that you have to be all athletic and muscular to trek. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful.

Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.

Start exercising at least a month before the trek. You can do cardio exercises like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too. Just don’t over-do it.

If you are going on an easy trek, you need not be very physically fit. But prior exercising is still a good option. You will only make your journey more comfortable.

4.      What are the things I need to pack?

There are a long list of things you will need for trekking. The things you carry can affect the entire experience of your journey. So make sure that while purchasing any gear, make no compromisation on the quality or the brand of the equipment.

To know about the things you require, refer to the following link-

http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/travel-resources/trekking/equipment-gear-needed-for-trekking-in-nepal.html

5.      Do I need special permission to trek?

You will not need trekking permits in any of the treks in the Everest region, the Annapurna region and also in the Langtang region. But you will have to pay entry fees while entering a conservation area or a national park.

Trekking permits are a must for trekking in the restricted regions. The permits are available for purchase in the department of immigration located in Dillibazaar, Kathmandu. For further information, refer to-

http://www.taan.org.np/pages/trekking-permit-fees

6.      Is drinking water easily available?

Availability of drinking water is not the problem. The problem is the cost of it at higher altitude. As you gain height, the price of water rises up to 2-3$ per liter.

An alternative way of getting drinking water is by having your water bottles filled in tea houses. Tea houses will provide you boiled water for about 0.4-0.7$ per liter. They are completely safe for drinking.

Therefore, do not forget to take at least two water bottles with you.

7.      What kind of food is available during trekking?

Food is not of any concern while trekking. You will get all kinds of cuisines. For breakfast, tea houses will provide you with eggs cooked in your preferred style along with pan cakes, bread butter, roti, and so on.

Various other dishes like pizza, pasta, momo, chowmein and many more are also available. The most preferred dish is Dal Bhaat. It is a typical Nepali meal. Rice is served with vegetable curry, lentils, tomato chutney and meat curry. The best part- an extra helping will no cost you extra! The meal is highly nutritional. It will also keep you fueled for long walks.

8.      What kind of accommodation should I expect?

Accommodation depends upon the type of trekking you are going for. There are two types of trekking

1.      Tea house trekking:

You will be spending your night in tea houses. Tea houses are local lodges and hotels. They are small and comfortable enough. Most rooms are shared with two small cots that have mattress, pillows and sheets. If you need spare blankets, you can always ask for it. The rooms have attached bathroom, western flush designed and shower. You will have to pay for hot shower and electricity.

Dormitories are also available and a very low cost of about 3-4$ per night. These come with common toilets and bathrooms.

The cleanliness of the rooms may not live up to your expectations. Bring your own pillow if possible. Conjunctivitis is a common case you might fall sick of.

2.      Camp treks

In this type, you will spend your nights in tented camps. Such treks mostly lie in the restricted regions. These regions do not have enough facilities to accommodate many people.

 

9.      What are the risks associated with trekking?

Trekking is an extreme sport and does come with a lot of risks. Some unavoidable risks are avalanche, heavy rainfall, earthquake, landslide and other such natural calamities.

You might fall and injure yourself or catch some viral flue. The deadliest risk of trekking is AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. This sickness occurs when a great altitude is gained and the body fails to adjust to the changing pressures associated with it. Anyone can fall a victim of the sickness and if not treated in time, it can be fatal.

10. How to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

There is absolutely nothing you can do to prepare your body for altitude sickness. But yo can take few precautionary measures to avoid it. They are-

1. Attain height gradually and slowly
2. As you cross over 2000meters, reduce your number of walking hours and walk slow
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Take ample rest. Take more rest if you feel like your body is asking for it
5. Eat high caloric food
6. Avoid smoking or drinking

11. How to diagnose AMS?

In order to detect AMS, you need to be aware of the symptoms of them. They are-

1. Headache
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Dizziness
4. Tiredness
5. Loss of appetite
6. Upset stomach
7. Feeling unsteady
8. Shortness of breath
9. Increased heart rate
10. Difficulty sleeping

If you notice any of the symptoms, take immediate precautionary measures such as:

1. Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
2. Descend to a lower altitude if possible
3. Take complete rest until you feel well
4. Do not exercise
5. Do not smoke
6. Drink plenty of water
7. Take external oxygen supply if necessary
8. Take anti-sickness medicines

If you see no further improvement in your heath within the next 48 hours, you will have to be deported to Kathmandu in a helicopter. Therefore, do not forget to issue and insurance that will cover you helicopter reuse cost.

12. Do I need a guide/porter to trek?

There is no such hard and fast rule that you must have one. But it is highly advisable to travel with them. Some of the treks cannot be trekked without a guide most of them are the restricted ones.

A guide is someone who will help you with navigations. He will also have a better idea about the places to live in and eat at can negotiated prices for you. They will also help you during medical emergencies.

A porter is someone who will carry your load for you so that you can enjoy long walks.

In case you hire them, you are entirely responsible for providing them with trekking gears, food and accommodation and other medical facilities.

Guide/porter as also available these days. These are people who play the role of both a guide and a porter. Hiring them will save you from bearing an additional cost.

13. Can I trek solo?

To some places, yes. But trekking solo in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.

A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.

Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.

14. What is the difference between trekking independently and trekking with an agency?

Trekking independently means trekking without an agency. You can hire a guide or a porter if you want to. You may also have a trekking partner. But the entire journey depends upon the way you want to take it.

In treks organized by agencies, they will have a well-planned schedule designed for you which you will have to strictly follow. Most of the times, you will be travelling with a group. The agency will also provide you with a guide and a porter. Trekking with an agency will be a little more expensive than trekking independently or solo.

15. Which is the best season to trek in Nepal?

Every season as its own charm. However, the best seasons are spring lasting from April to May and autumn lasting from September to November.

In these two season, Nepal sees the maximum number of tourists who come to trek. These are the busiest months of the year. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long walks. The trails are blossoming with fresh leaves and flowers. The clear skies allow you to get a great view of the magnificent Himalayas.

Conclusion

The above information covers up almost everything you need to know about trekking. If you happen to have any queries, please feel free to leave a comment below or inbox us at [email protected]