Sikles is a charming and excellently well-preserved village on a small hill in the lap of the Annapurna region in the Kaski district of Nepal. The village is home to Gurung, Brahmans, and Tamang people, of whom the Gurung are the majority. This village has an elevation of 1980 m.
It is renowned for some of the stunning panoramas of the Annapurna Mountain Range and the iconic Macchapuchhre Peak. Moreover, you will be able to explore snow-capped peaks such as Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.
The village in itself is a cultural and natural hub and also a place to explore the traditional Gurung houses, terraced fields, and rich culture. Being the starting point for various treks, including the Annapurna trek, this place offers various vistas of the mighty Himalayas, diverse flora and fauna, and a vibrant culture of Gurung and Gorkhali.
The Sikles Homestay Trek is an alternative trek to Annapurna Treks and offers a wonderful experience for camping and trekking in Nepal. You will trek through high alpine meadows and towering peaks. This village has several Buddhist monasteries along with small, ravishing temples.
Sikles Home Stay Trekking is the perfect destination to explore the countryside and nature of Nepal.
But are you wondering why you should choose homestays instead of lodges and restaurants?
Here’s why. They are considering that staying in a homestay is the best way to get a sense of the area and its surroundings. Moreover, by staying in a village, you can enjoy the local culture, organic local food, and an authentic experience. Also, homestays are comparatively more affordable than lodges.
Trip Itinerary
Day 01
Your trekking journey to the exquisite Sikles Home Stay will officially begin today. As you are driving to Burjuing Khola, you will see some beautiful and picturesque villages along the way. Once you reach Burjuing Khola, you can take a moment to appreciate the beauty.
Thereafter, you will be heading towards Gurung village on the hilltop named Ghalegaun. This is a moderate trek that will offer lush green vegetation on the way. After reaching Ghakegaun, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and rest there for the day.
Day 02
After collecting yourself from Ghale Gaun, you will gear up for a trek to Tara Hilltop. This is a somewhat challenging trek; however, the rewards are worth the effort. In the beginning, you will ascend to the hill from where you can have a view of the Annapurna Range. After this, you will slowly descend to Parche village, where you will be spending your night.
Day 03
On the following day, you will have the most exciting journey to the Lamang Himal Glacier, which is in the heart of the Himalayas. You will pass through the diverse terrain, along with the lush green rhododendron forest and the cascading waterfalls.
Reaching the glacier, you can take a moment and enjoy some of the unparalleled views of the mountains. After spending some time at the glacier, you will descend to the village of Sikles. You will spend your night in this village and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Gurung people.
Day 04
Today, you will have a scenic trek to Tanting village, which is located in between the rolling hills. But before, you can visit the Gurung community museum along with the regional office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. You will be descending to the lower pasture grounds and passing through the suspension bridges. After some ascending, you will find a wild, silent path from where you can get a glimpse of Tanting village.
Day 05
After having your breakfast at Tantin, you will head towards Yanjakot. This trek is through the rainforest, rivers, and various small settlements. You will continuously lose altitude and ultimately reach Yanjakot. The trail has a wide off-road trek in the beginning and gradually descends downhill. You will stay overnight at Yanjakot.
Day 06
On this day, you will return to the familiar ground of Gale Gaun. Early in the morning, you will retrace your way back to Ghale Gaun. The way is mostly downhill through the thick forest. You will reach there via a trail that offers various beautiful scenery, including stunning landscapes, mountain folds, and waterbodies. You will reside there for the night.
Day 07
On the seventh day of the trek, you will be saying goodbye to the mountains and heading on your journey to Ganpokhara. You will descend, and on your way, you will see some of the breathtaking views of the Gurung residences. You will be unable to forget the memories you created on the trek. After this trek, you will reach Ganpokhara.
Day 08
The final day of trekking for this excursion is the trek to Beshishar. You will be leaving the mountains behind. You will gradually descend to Beshishar, and you will have a renewed perspective on nature and the Gurung culture. You will be spending your night there in Beshishar.
Day 09
After having breakfast in the morning, you will arrive back in Kathmandu, and you will mark the end of this incredible adventure. You will drive back in your private vehicle provided by Pure Adventure. However, you can opt for public transportation as well. Arriving at Kathmandu, you can go for a stroll to sightsee the valley and other heritage sites.
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Airport pickup and drop at Tribhuwan International Airport
Tourist bus from Kathmandu
3-star Hotel stays at Kathmandu night stay in twin sharing
Lodging and Tea house accommodation
Licensed Trek Guide with good spoken English plus assistant leader each for a group of four
A porter sharing for two trekkers each on the route
Salary and Insurance Cost of Staff
Pure Adventure Nepal T-Shirt/ trekking maps.
All necessary paperwork and permits (TIMS/ Conservation Fee).
Emergency medical kit and local taxes
What not to Expect
International Flight and Nepal VISA fees
Travel Insurance
Extra activities cost not planned within the Itinerary
Hard or Soft Drinks and snacks
Tips for Staff (Trekking Guide, Assistant, and Porter)
Essential packing Equipment
Extra cost for booking domestic flight other than planned
Gears and Equipments
Clothing
Waterproof jackets and pants
Sweaters and down jackets
Lightweight trousers
Hiking shirts- long-sleeved
Hooded raincoat and Fleece jacket
Innerwears
Lightweight and heavyweight winter gloves
Sun hat or scarf; Money belt; Cotton headscarf, bandana
Winter hat or insulating hat
Personal accessories
Headlights and extra batteries
Face and body wipes
Sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection
Money
Watch
Cell phone and camera
Toiletries
Medium-drying towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Washing kits, talcum powder, and toilet paper
Degradable soap and shampoo
Deodorant floss, nail clippers, and mirror
Extra items
First aid kit
Passport-sized photos and passport photocopies
Binoculars
Personal medications
1 swiss type knife
Sleeping bags and sheets,
Rucksack, backpack, and a small day pack
Water bottle
Water purification tablet solution
Footwears
Trekking Boots
A pair of sports shoes
Heavy wool and light socks
Frequently asked questions
The Sikles Homestay Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. However, it depends on the chosen route. So, it is suitable for people who have a good level of fitness.
The best time for Sikles Homestay Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is chill and the sky is clear.
You will need a TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
You can find several options for accommodations, such as homestays, lodges, and tea houses on Sikles Homestay Trek.
You can either take a bus or jeep from Beshishar to Kathmandu. This drive will take you 7 to 8 hours.