Sikles Trek

Major Attractions for Sikles Trek

• Off the Track and Not that Popular:

Sikles Trek is a comparatively lesser travelled trek, which gives you the authentic experience of trekking through unvisited villages and unperturbed natural landscape. The trail enables you to walk along peaceful ambience, isolated from the crowds of popular trek paths, and hence a perfect hideout for nature lovers and people who seek solace.

• Rich Gurung Culture:

This is an opportunity to experience the rich culture of Gurungs and traditions. Sikles is among the biggest settlements of Gurung in Nepal, where tourists have an opportunity to taste warm hospitality, traditional way of life, and cultural performances, including folk songs and dance.

• Panoramic Scenic Views of the Himalayas:

The trek provides trekkers with breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The sun rise and sun set against the snow covered mountains is a breathtaking scene that completes the enchanting experience of the trip.

• Diverse Landscapes:

The route is varied ranging from dense forest, cascading waterfalls, and field terraces to alpine grasslands and rock. The trekkers move through forests of rhododendron trees, especially scenic in spring when the trees are in bloom.

• Eco-Trekking and Wildlife:

Sikles and the surrounding area come under the Annapurna Conservation Area, and therefore it is home to diverse flora and fauna. The trekkers can spot Himalayan langurs, barking deer, and other birds, and also enjoy the peaceful and pristine environment.

Sikles Trek Route

The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Kharpani and then an ascend through terrace fields and forest to the scenic village of Sikles. From Sikles, following a tour, the trek ascends to Hugu Goth with good views of the mountains. The trek extends to Kapuche Glacier Lake, the lowest of the glacier lakes in Nepal, before returning back to Sikles. The last descend is to Tangting and a scenic drive back to Pokhara.

Physical and Health Requirements for Sikles Trek

Sikles Trek is moderately challenging, and good physical fitness is anticipated. Trekkers must condition themselves to trek for 5-7 hours a day on steep and rocky trails. Basic cardio exercises like running and trekking can condition. Although the altitude is not great, gradual acclimatization is still necessary so that one feels comfortable in altitude terms.

Accommodation and Food in Sikles Trek

Accommodation is mostly in teahouses and homestays, providing a warm and authentic village experience. The lodges have simple but cozy rooms with basic facilities. Food is traditional Nepali food such as dal bhat, roti, noodles, and local Gurung cuisine. As the trek goes to higher altitudes, food may be limited, so one should bring snacks and hydration materials.

Sikles Trek is the ideal combination of nature, culture, and adventure that offers a lifetime experience on one of Nepal’s most scenic and rural trekking trails.

Necessary Equipment’s for Sikles Trek

There are many necessary equipment that trekkers have to carry during the treks. During the Sikles trek trekkers can stay at stars to local level hotels at Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the way they have to stay at local community house or tea house enjoying local cuisine but some places they have to stay on tent doing camping because at upper altitude we can’t find any permanent residence house so that trekkers have to carry necessary equipment and materials according to their stay .The necessary materials needed during the treks are as follows.

Best Season for Sikles Trek

The best season for the Sikles Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these times, the weather is generally clear, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall, offering excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains. The spring season brings lush greenery, while autumn offers crisp air and clear skies. Both seasons provide ideal conditions for trekking, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful landscapes.

Spring Season

Spring season is one of the best seasons for the Sikles Trek. The temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for trekking. Rhododendrons and other flowers are in bloom along the trekking trail, which offers wonderful scenery. The weather is clear most of the time, and the views of the surrounding mountains like Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) are stunning.

Summer Season

Summer in Nepal coincides with the monsoon, and moderate showers are felt in the Sikles region. The trails become slippery, and trekking may not be easy with muddy paths. The temperature is 12 to 22 degrees Celsius in the lower regions. Though fewer tourists are encountered in the season, the lush scenery, foggy environment, and waterfalls contribute to a serene environment. Special care has to be taken due to the chances of landslides and unsettled weather patterns.

Autumn Season

Autumn also is the best time for the Sikles Trek, when the sky is clear and there are stunning views of the white snow-capped mountains. Monsoon dries up the trails, and the temperature ranges from 8 to 18 degrees Celsius, ideal for trekking. The season also coincides with the major Nepali festivals of Dashain and Tihar, and thus is a festive period for the villages. Despite the optimum weather, it can get somewhat crowded due to the favorable trekking weather.

Winter Season

Sikles winter trekking is more challenging due to snow and cold. The temperature drops up to 0 to -5 degrees Celsius, especially in the upper altitude, and hence trekking would be less comfortable. Trekkers can access lower regions of Sikles, but they have to carry adequate winter gear to protect themselves from the cold. Snow can hinder the upper trails and trekking will be less comfortable in this season.

Typical Day in Sikles Trek

The day begins early with day’s trek breakfast. Trekkers begin their trekking at about 7-8 am, trekking for 5-7 hours with regular breaks. Lunch is had at a viewing point or local tea house along the trekking trail. Trekkers continue their uphill and downhill trek in the afternoon and arrive at the night halt about 4-5 pm. Evenings are kept open to roam around villages or relax, and dinner can be had from 6-7 pm. Trekkers camp in teahouses or village homestays, where they socialize, read, or plan for the next day before retiring early at night.

Acclimatization in Sikles Trek

Acclimatization is highly required during trekking the Sikles Trek, especially when the trekkers climb higher altitudes.Though the highest point of the trek is lower than other treks, altitude sickness can occur. Slow ascent, together with water intake, sufficient rest, and hot food, needs to be adhered to in order to avoid any chance of illness. Acclimatization rest days or acclimatization breaks are incorporated into the travel itinerary so that the trekkers adapt to the altitude transition. Achieving a daily altitude of no more than 300-500 meters is useful in reducing the risk of high-altitude sickness.

Difficulties of Sikles Trek

It is an easy trek but does have its set of challenges as well. The trek includes steep ascents, ridges that are small in width, and river crossings that demand high physical endurance. The terrain is usually rough, with part of it being trekkers walking on forest cover and alpine meadows. Weather can be uncertain with some rain and wet trails during monsoon, and the cold of winter can also add to the challenge. Less physically demanding compared to other treks but still requiring good planning and physical fitness to be in a position to do the trek safely.

 Sikles Trekking Permits

It must be obtained by the trekkers in order to trek in Sikles. The Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card is a compulsory document for every trekker, which must be obtained either in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) also has to be acquired as the trekking route is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The cost of the permit is approximately 3000 NRP per head. There are no restricted area permits to be obtained for this trek. The whole permits should be collected in advance prior to undertaking the trek to avoid delay during the trek.

Electricity and Communication on Sikles Trek

There is electricity and mobile phone connectivity in the urban towns like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but no or very limited connectivity in the higher villages of the Sikles Trek. Power sources for devices are arranged at some secluded locations by trekkers, but at extra cost. Mobile connectivity is accessible in lower altitudes, but unreliable in higher altitudes. It is recommended to carry a power bank so that the devices stay charged. Satellite phones are accessible in case of need, but are generally available at higher camps or among guides.

ATM and Currency Exchange

ATMs and currency exchange centers are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara but not during the trek. The villages of Sikles Trek accept only Nepalese rupees, and thus trekkers should ensure that they exchange currency in Pokhara or Kathmandu before starting the trek. Adequate local money for food, water, and other essentials is required to avoid discomfort during the trek.