An alternative then other short treks in the region, the Sikles is an uncrowned corner of the Annapurna Conservation Area under the shadows of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II and IV. This fabulous camping trek takes you about a week, starting at Beganas Tal (Lake) and heading north to the Madi Khola, then following the river’s west bank up to well-preserved Sikles (1,980m.), Nepal’s biggest Gurung village. From here you strike westwards over the thickly forested ridge that separates the Madi and Seti Khola drainage’s and then descent via Ghachok, another Gurung settlement, to reach the Pokhara – Baglung Highway. Variations on this route are often touted as the ‘Royal Trek’, after a rally the troops swing Prince Charles took through the area in 1980 to visit the villages of Gurkha recruits. As part of an effort to develop this into a model eco trekking route.

 

The historic hill trek to Siklis; one of the early southern Gurung settlements and the second largest Gurung village, still retains an aura of olden times. Here, the Jhankri (shaman) and Lama (priest) have important roles in this Buddhist community, marriage, death and day-today lives. Siklis village lies above the Mardi Khola (1,981m), overlooking Annapurna IV to the north and Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal to the east. The region is particularly good for bird watching because of its pristine forested surroundings where different species of birds thrive.

 

 

ITINERARY :

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel and welcome Dinner in the evening

Day 02: Full day Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 04: Bijayapur Khola . Trek to Kalikasthan 

Day 05: Kalikasthan to Lama Chaur 

Day 06: Lama Chaur to Sikles  

Day 07: Sikles to Ghale Gaon  

Day 08: Ghale Gaon to Hyanja . Drive to Pokhara 

Day 09: Visit Pokhara valley

Day 10: Fly or drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu

Day 11: Departure