Sikles is a relatively new trekking route in the southern Gurung settlements above the Mardi Khola river, overlooking Annapurna IV to the north, Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal to the east. This trek boasts good mountain views with lots of authentic local life. It is not a busy trail with trekkers so the facilities are basic and we stay at homestays, basic teahouses and one night rough camping for a spectacular sunrise with mountain panorama on Tara Hilltop. The mountains here are in close proximity and in the spring season we often get to hear distant rumbling signifying movement of snow on the steep slopes of the Annapurnas. This trail gives us a proper workout as it consists of many steep inclines and declines, often through stone stairs and often all packed into one and the same day, so we grade this trek as moderate. People with knee problems should bring trekking poles and knee supports for this trail.
Sikles is a stunning short trek and the trail traverses a variety of terrain from low land villages and farming terrain up to one of Nepali’s largest Gurung (Gurkha) village of Sikles as well as blooming forests of rhododendron in the spring. The region is particularly good for bird watching because of its pristine forested surroundings where different species of birds thrive. We often witness parrots, eagles and vultures on this trail. The trekking route offers wonderful views of the Annapurna and Lamjung ranges.
We follow a very wide and vast river valley initially, then we cross right through it and move onto and behind the hills, which at the beginning seemed so high and so far away. We will climb though oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests, cross through farmlands and follow ancient trails to the Modi Khola river valley and stay in the villages of Tangting and Sikles, local traditional settlements which look like time had stopped here centuries ago. Meet the friendly locals who are so genuine, kind and welcoming and you may find yourself being stopped often as locals want to say hello and ask about your journey. Witness people at their daily tasks – planting, harvesting, weaving wicker baskets and mats, making rugs and cloths the traditional way.
This trek offers a truly captivating village experience where we get to see the real rural life in Nepal. We stay at unique remote sites and witness daily life unfold around us.
| Trip Details |
| Best Season | : | Sep - Dec / March - May |
| Trekking Duration | : | 7 Days |
| Trekking Grade | : | II (Moderate Trek) |
| Maximum Altitude | : | 2,800m / 9,185ft |
| Destination | : | Sikes Village & Tara Hilltop |
| Trip Region/Area | : | Annapurna |
| Trip Route | : | Pokhara - Tangting - Sikles - Tara Hilltop - Ghalekharka - Pokhara |
| Trip Style | : | Homestay, Tea House, 1 Night Camping |
| Group Size | : | Min. 2 People |
| Starting From | : | Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chasu |
| Ending Point | : | Ghalekharka and Pokhara |
| Culture | : | Local communities with ethnic majority of Gurung & Chhetri |
| Mode of Trekking | : | Tea house & homestay style with 1 night camping. |
| Himalayan Sights | : | Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal |
| Highlight | : | Extremely Varied Landscapes, Rice-Terraces, River Valleys, Sunrise, Sunset,Dense Rhododendron and Oak Forest, Water Falls, Local Flora & Fauna, Local Rural Life |
| Days | Destinations | Hours (hr) |
| 01 | Kathmandu - Pokhara | 7hr drive |
| Early morning tourist coach transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the drive you will already have stunning views over the mighty Himalaya massifs as well as green hills and dramatic river valleys. Preparation activities for the trek - detailed briefing, last minute shopping and packing. Overnight stay in Pokhara. | ||
| 02 | Pokhara - Chansu – Tangting 1,650m / 5,515ft | 1.5hr drive and 4hr trek |
| We take a 1hr scenic drive out of Pokhara to Chasu. For the next few days, you enter a world of friendly villages, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forest set before a back-drop of snow-clad peaks. We will be dropped off by the river in Chasu, next to a hydropower plant project in the making. Your sojourn starts with crossing a suspension footbridge over the Modi river, passing through delightful little villages along the way with mesmerizing vista of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Modi valley keeping you in the groove. We continue to gain in altitude gradually until we reach a 'Gurung' village of Tangting, initially following a wide off-road trail, which then turns in to a stone step trail leading us steeply to the top of the hill. In Tangting we stay at a small basic teahouse/homestay and we spend the rest of the day exploring this little charming village and admire mountain views from here. | ||
| 03 | Tangting – Sikles 1,980m / 6,495ft | 5 to 6hr trek |
| We leave Tangting behind and we continue to descent all the way down to the river. We eat our packed lunch on the way and from here we have to climb up to the top of another hill again. A long flight of steep but well-laid stone staircase tests your fitness as we trek past green terraced fields to Sikles. This Gurung village is a true embodiment of real and raw beauty of typical Nepalese hillside village. You'll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic place to spend your day than in this delightful traditional village with ever so welcoming inhabitants, picturesque terraced fields, alpine meadows and the vista of the giants of the Annapurnas- Annapurna IV (7,525m,24,690ft), Annapurna II (7,937m/26,050ft) and the monolithic hulk of Lamjung Himal. Overnight in a teahouse. | ||
| 04 | Sikles - Exploration Day 2350m / 7,710ft | 3 to 4hr hike |
| We spend a full day at this idyllic spot with high mountains towering above us and a charming village just below. We have an option to take a hike to Rishi Danda at 2350m/7,710ft from where we get even a closer look at the snow-capped giants. We have the day to explore the area and walk through the steep stone paved streets of the village, meet the friendly locals and witness their day to day life. We can also visit a small local Eco Museum (open 10am-4pm) with some history of the region. Overnight in the same teahouse. | ||
| 05 | Sikles – Tara Hill Top 2,800m / 9,185ft | 5hr trek |
| Today we have time to sleep in a bit as we won’t be leaving Sikles until early lunch time. After yoga and breakfast we have time for a last quick look around and we eat early lunch, take packed dinner and we set off for a climb up to Tara Hill. We walk gradually uphill through some forests until we reach the top, where we will camp for the night to witness a sunrise view the next morning with a wide mountain panorama. There are no facilities here, just rough camping so we need to adjust to the lack of amenities in exchange for spectacular natural surroundings. | ||
| 06 | Tara Hill Top – Ghalekharka/Khadarjung 1,669m / 5,475ft | 5 to 6hr trek |
| After early wake up we can witness a great mountain panorama with sunrise. After yoga and breakfast, we begin walking mostly downhill all the way, to the next village on the other side of the hill, we walk mostly through thick forests. We spend the night in Ghalekharka or Khardajung in a basic teahouse/homestay. | ||
| 07 | Ghalekharka/Khadarjung – Pokhara | 2hr walk and 1.5hr drive |
| This is the last day of our adventure so we take it easy and enjoy the rural surroundings before heading back. After yoga and breakfast we make a short 2hr walk to the road head from where we will get our transport back to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara |
Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
Note: Each day & trek is different, depending on a number of factors ranging from availability of some facilities and trail conditions to the general pace of the whole group. Exact timetable cannot always be followed and would in fact destroy the free and easy going atmosphere of the trek that you have come along to enjoy. Therefore the following schedule serves as a general guideline only.
On your request we can arrange an extension of your holiday and there are many activities you can choose from, depending on your personal preferences. Here is what we can help you arrange:
We have various residential yoga retreat programs available from 1-21 days in duration. Typical daily program includes meditation, two yoga classes, jala neti, sound immersion with singing bowls and gong, guided relaxation and daily wellness activities of foot bath, steam bath, mud bath or aromatherapy steam inhalation. Our food is organic and delicious, always cooked fresh by our skilled chef with accordance to ayurvedic principles. You can also learn to make a hand-crafted mandala, have a private sound healing session or get an ayurvedic massage during your stay on request.www.purnayoga.com.np
Seated high on the back of an elephant, gain a unique viewpoint of the Chitwan National Park which is a home to significant populations of one horned rhino, tigers, leopards, wild hogs, sloth bears, many species of deer, monkeys, langurs, Gharial crocodiles, Indian bisons and many beautiful peacocks. Packages start from 3 days/2 night and longer with a variety of activities including elephant jungle safari, river canoe trip, cultural performance of Tharu stick dance, elephant bathing, jeep safari and more.
Nepal is a home to many raging mountain rivers and streams originating from the Himalayas, which makes it a perfect destination for a river rafting adventure. The excursions start from a short half day rafting tour on Upper Seti river, 1 day for Trisuli river and 2 days for Lower Seti and Marshyangdi. A longer 3 day camping excursion is required for rafting on Kali Gandaki. There are rafting tours suitable for beginners as well as more experienced thrill seekers, grades from II to V, changeable with the seasons.
Pokhara is a paradise for paragliding, on one side towering snow-capped mountains, on the other side a stunning lake surrounded by hills and terraced fields. Such landscapes are sure to take your breath away as you glide through the air seamlessly like a bird in flight. Tandem flights are perfect for beginners, a 30min adventure that gives you a taste of thermal lifts and even some acrobatics if you’re keen. Cross country is the next step with a 60min flight that takes you higher and further. All flights start from Sarankot hill, nearby Pokhara.
There are two bungee jump locations in Nepal. Pokhara has a 70m vertical drop tower bungee, located just 20 minutes away from Lakeside. The jump site offers a spellbinding view of the Himalayas, the hills and the rivers that will take your breath away. The second bungee site is located on a suspension bridge hanging over a 160m deep Bhote Kosi river gorge, 100km east from Kathmandu. Both locations offer superb adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience.
Take this 1 day tour and journey through intimate passages of contorted rock and powerful blasts of water as experienced guides lead you climbing, abseiling, jumping, scrambling, sliding & swimming down steep canyon walls to pristine natural pools below. Jalberi Canyoning Zone, which is located half way between Pokhara and Kathmandu, features breath-taking scenery of untouched jungle, karst rock formations and multiple cascading waterfalls dropping one after the other into refreshing pools and rainbow gardens.
Pokhara has the world's longest, fastest and steepest zipline, which is over 1.8km long, with a 600 metre vertical drop and which can travel at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. The descent is only 2min long but it is sure to leave a lasting impression as you're flying over treetops, Pokhara Valley with Seti River below you and a vast space in front of you with beautiful mountain panorama in sight. Make the most of your trip, you can't zipline to such extreme anywhere else in the world.
Pokhara offers a range of ultralight flight experiences. The shortest flight is just 15min and it takes you around Pokhara Valley with a mountain panorama view. A 30min flight can take you around the valley and also bring you close and personal with the Fishtail Mountain.
The 60min flight takes you into the heart of the mountains, where you will fly in between the Himalayan mountain ranges for a once in a lifetime experience and an incredible vantage point to snap some stunning photos.
Mountain flights operate from Kathmandu airport and once you take off you don't have to wait long before you see spectacular mountain views beneath you. You get to fly over the highest mountain ranges in the world and you will also see what Mt Everest looks like from above. This is as close as you can get to the world's tallest mountain without trekking. This flight is operated in a 17 seater Beech aircraft and everyone gets a window seat, the flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Please note these Terms and Conditions contain important information. It is essential that you read them carefully and understand them prior to making your reservation with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please note that while booking a trip, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions as well as the cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. When making your booking with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd it is implied that you have read, understood and accepted all these terms and conditions and agree to abide by them.
1. Booking
To make your reservation you must fill out the booking form and make a booking deposit payment. Your reservation will be confirmed by email once we have received your booking deposit and a copy of your booking form duly filled out.
All treks require a booking deposit of 200 USD per person at the time of booking. Some longer treks like Everest Base Camp and Upper Mustang require a booking deposit of 500 USD per person at the time of booking.
2. Payment Methods
Booking deposit payment can be made by bank transfer, by Visa / MasterCard or by Western Union. The remaining balance can be cleared upon your arrival in Nepal by cash or credit card (credit card payment incurs a 4% charge).
a. Payment by Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa Only)
There is a 4% surcharge when you make your payment with a credit/debit card. Please download the credit card payment form and complete the necessary details in the form including your complete card details, signature (same as in your passport & credit card) and send a scan/photo of this filled form as well as a scan/photo of your passport and both sides of your card by email to info@nepalyogatrek.com
Your credit card will be charged by Alpine Travel Service (Credit Card Division) on behalf of Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please do not send the form details directly to Alpine Travel Services.
b. Payment by Wire/Bank Transfer
Please use the below details to complete a wire/bank transfer. Please note that Nepal banks do not operate the IBAN system, the below details are full and complete:
Beneficiary Name: PURNA YOGA & TREKS PVT.LTD
Beneficiary Address: TEKU, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Bank Name: MEGA BANK NEPAL LIMITED
Bank Address: KANTIPATH, KATHMANDU, NEPAL.
Bank Account No: 0010010103716
Bank Swift Code: MBNLNPKA
Please put down your own name as the transaction reference for easy recognition.
Please note that your transfer may be subject to an intermediary bank fee on the way to Nepal as well as your own bank's transfer fee. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd is not liable for any bank charges incurred at any stage of the transfer process.
c. Payment by Western Union or Moneygram
Send the payment option "pickup at location" to the following receiver details:
Company Name: Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
First Name: Manohar
Last Name: Shrestha
Address: Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Telephone Number: +977 9841436877
Note: After making the transfer please email us the receipt of your payment to info@nepalyogatrek.com We need the MTCN code, full sender name & address to receive the money in Western Union office.
Please note you can only send the payment in NPR (Nepali Rupee) to Nepal so we will use the current exchange rate NPR/USD to calculate the deposit amount received in USD
3. Cancellation
a. Cancellation by Guest
Written cancellation notice must be received and acknowledged by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Such notice commences from the day your cancellation note is received and cancellation shall be valid with acknowledgement from the company. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge would be deducted from the advance paid. Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and acknowledged by the Company. The Client is strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of making the booking.
The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CHARGE INCURRED |
| 60 days or more before departure | Loss of deposit |
| 59 - 21 days before departure | 50% of services booked |
| Less than 21 days before departure | 80% of services booked |
Please note no refunds will be made if you voluntarily or involuntarily leave the trip for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals and any other services not utilized. Under no circumstance will there be a refund of any kind if you don't show up on the trip departure date or if you leave the trip after the trip has started for any reasons.
Guests have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary, Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd is not financially responsible to provide alternative accommodation after the guest has left the itinerary voluntarily or involuntarily. However we will do our best to assist if help is requested to make any alternative arrangements.
b. Cancellation by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
The tour once confirmed will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so due to circumstances outside of our control (force majeure) such as major natural disaster, major political unrest or war - only when it directly affects our operations, not due to singular localized events in any part of the country.
In the event of cancellation of the booked trip due to reasons out of our control, you are free to reschedule your trip or take an alternative trip of the same category. While rescheduling the trip, you will receive the full credit from your previously booked trip, and you will only pay the difference amount between old and new prices if the price increases for the rescheduled departure. Refunds are not possible in such circumstances but credit transfer is offered. toward an alternative trip within 24 months.
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as flight costs, insurance, accommodation and any other costs).
4. Change of itinerary due to reasons beyond our control
Travelling in Nepal requires a degree of flexibility, good humour and understanding as unforeseen changes to the itinerary, modes of transportation and accommodation can occur at any time. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restriction, extreme weather, road blockage, political unrest, flight cancellation or delay, sickness or accident, any natural disaster (earthquake, landslide, flood, snowfall, avalanche, etc) or any other circumstances beyond our control. The given itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but not a contractual obligation. No refunds are given for unused services or unrealized dreams. But we will always do our best to keep your itinerary unchanged as much as possible.
If a domestic flight is part of the itinerary at the end of the trip (ie Jomsom-Pokhara or Lukla-Kathmandu) and the flight becomes cancelled or delayed, the guest is responsible to bear all additional expenses incurred including food and accommodation costs. If you wish to make alternative arrangements such as helicopter flight to avoid international flight delays, all additional cost would be your responsibility. Moreover, Purna Yoga & Treks does not accept any responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flights, but would assist to make alternative transport arrangements wherever possible.
5. Risk & Liabilities
Your safety is our number one priority and the tour leaders have an authority to make changes in the itinerary based on their risk assessment due to weather or trail conditions while the trek is in progress. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd will not be liable for any accident, injury, health problem, emotional distress or any other health condition suffered by the client during the trip. Our packages do not include any kind of personal insurance so it is guests' own responsibility to purchase travel insurance from their own country before their trip starts. Similarly Purna Yoga & Treks will not be liable for any loss or damage of property, lost or stolen valuables or luggage.
6. Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the prices quoted. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants at all time, it is a condition of booking that you take out a personal travel insurance policy. To protect against unforeseen circumstances it is advisable to take a comprehensive travel insurance cover from your own country and before your arrival to Nepal. Such insurance should cover personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation expenses, land and helicopter rescue from high altitude (up to the max altitude of your trek - please check this carefully with your insurance provider before booking).
We also recommend that the insurance cover includes trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
7. Privacy & Publicity
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd has to collect your personal information in order to obtain the necessary trekking permits and for records purposes. No private or personal information that you supply to us when making a booking will ever be used for any other purposes.
You agree that Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd may use images of you taken during the trip without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes through whatever medium it chooses.
