Sikles Trekking around Pokhara and Annapurna

Starts from: Pokhara

Ending: Pokhara

Duration: 16 days

Best season: Spring and autumn.

Sikles Trekking is a new and innovative trek that breaks away from the norm. For this camping trek we venture into rarely visited valleys deep within the Annapurna range. Sikles Trekking leads the wilderness exploration away from traditional Gurung villages. We pass through upper areas further from Pothana and will be walking through untouched primary forest.  It is a rare trek through the foothills of Nepal and it will be exhilarating. Besides the beautiful landscapes you will experience typical cultural villages.

Sikles trekking starts from Pokhara heading due north towards the holy mountain, Machapuchare. Our ridgeline route offers wonderful views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Climbing though oak, rhododendron and bamboo forest we follow ancient trails to the Madi Khola valley and stay in the villages of Sikles, TangTing and Bhujung.

The trail follows the high alpine summer grazing route the shepherds use to herd their flocks above the treeline. The views from the ridges of the endless blue foothills are unsurpassed anywhere in the country. This new trek offers a truly captivating village experience where you will get to see the real rural Nepal. We camp at unique sites, eat the local dishes and witness daily life as it unfolds around us. We also get to see a side of the Himalayas rarely seen.

Trip Highlights:

Private city guided tour in Kathmandu – Explore Annapurna’s eco touristic destination, encounter different varied cultural regions in front of Himalayas – dramatic views of the snow capped Annapurna Himalayan panorama, Mt Manaslu, the Western Himalayan range’s giant Dhaulagiri. This trek is ideal for both camping and lodge trekking.  We will find beautiful eco lodges with foods and typical hill terraced cultural lifestyle.  This trek is deal for every age group.

Sikles Trekking Itinerary details

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer at hotel and welcome Dinner

Day 02: By Bus: Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 to 7 hrs depending on road conditions). By air: 25 minutes. Camp near Begnas Tal

Day 03: Begnas Tal to Baral:

From the lake at about 909m, the trail meanders along a low ridge with superb views. We pass several villages, some selling fish smoke over open fires. From the ridge, we descend to the Modi Khola river.  The Modi Khola has its headwaters at the base of the Annapurna Glacier.

Day 04: Baral to Chyamarang:

An easy day's walk, ascending to 1,212m as we follow the valley along the banks of the Modi. The Annapurna summits come into view as we clear the foothill’s ridge. We pass villages, farms and scattered forests.

Day 05: Chyamarang to Siklis:

We gain another 303m, crossing the Modi Khola and then climbing, steeply at times, to the hillside village of Siklis.

Day 06: Siklis to Hoga:

The ascent takes about seven hours, the views becoming more and more spectacular. Hoga is still less than3,030m but the Annapurnas and Lamjung Himal (6,892m) are right in front of us.

Day 07: Restday at Hoga:

This can be a rest day or an opportunity for an ambitious day hike to the foot of the Annapurna IV Glacier that lies 2 or 3 hrs from camp. The trail is steep and difficult at times, but well worth the effort. The altitude at the viewpoint is about 3,333m, so there should be no worry about mountain sickness. Return to camp at Hoga.

Day 08: Hoga to Chipli:

A long trekking day, first descending to Siklis. Leaving the gorge of the Modi Khola, we climb west about 5 hrs to Chipli. The walk is not too arduous as the altitude in Chipli is still about 1,515m.

Day 09: Chipli to Burijung Khola:

A long day of steady climbing to a ridge top at about 2,727m.  Then a long descent to the gorge of the Seti Khola. We will camp two hours short of Burijung Khola (midway down the ridge). Here, we have a spectacular panorama of Machhapuchhare Himal mountain.

Day 10: Burijung Khola to Bharaburi:

Todays trek involves a steep ascent from low farm lands to rhododendron forest. We have good views of Machhapuchhare (6,952m) from our camp at 1,818m.

Day 11: Restday at Bharaburi: Another chance to rest and relax or climb a ridge for better views of the Himalayan range.

Day 12: Bharaburi to Chisopani:

We backtrack down to the Seti Khola, by passing Burijung Khola and carry on along the banks of the river to Chisopani ("Coldwater").

Day 13: Chisopani to Pokhara :

A relatively easy six-hour day of level walking along the Seti to the lovely Pokhara valley. Transfer to hotel in Pokhara.

Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: Transfer to hotel.

Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and other activities.

Day 16: Transfer to Airport for departure.