Overview
The Siklis Trek is an exciting off-the-beaten-path trekking route in Nepal that offers spectacular views, diverse landscapes and a rich cultural experience. Siklis Trek is a scenic route that showcases the beauty of Nepal. Beautiful villages, beautiful paddy fields, rhododendron forests and high-altitude forests located under the high mountains of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV are some of the highlights of cichlid trekking.
The Siklis Trek route takes you through areas inhabited by the Gurung community, which preserves ancient customs and traditions. The last high point is the wonderful view of the Fishtail Peak, called Machhapuchare. Siklis walk is a great treat for bird lovers as many species of birds can be found in the forests of Siklis area.
Silka's Trek, situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal, is a lesser-known trekking route compared to its more famous neighbors like Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp. Here’s an overview of the difficulty and the gear you’d typically need for this trek:
Difficulty of Siklis Trek:
Duration and Distance:
The trek usually spans about 7 to 10 days, depending on your pace and the exact route you take. The total distance can range between 70 to 100 kilometers (43 to 62 miles).
Altitude:
The highest point you’ll reach is typically around 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), which is relatively moderate compared to high-altitude treks. However, altitude sickness can still be a concern, so acclimatization and hydration are important.
Terrain:
The terrain can vary from well-trodden paths to more rugged and less maintained trails. Expect steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and possibly muddy conditions, depending on the season.
Weather:
Weather conditions can change rapidly, with temperatures dropping significantly at higher altitudes, especially at night. The trek is generally best undertaken during the pre-monsoon (March to May) or post-monsoon (September to November) periods to avoid extreme weather.
Fitness Level:
A moderate level of fitness is required. The trek involves daily walking for several hours, so regular cardiovascular exercise and stamina-building activities before the trek will be beneficial.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola (Bijayapur Army Camp)-Kalikasthan (1370m.) takes about five hours.
Day 3: Trek from Kalikasthan to Lama Khet (1680m.) takes about six hours.
Day 4: Trek from Lama Khet to Sikles (1980m.) takes approximately six hours.
Day 5: Trek from Sikles to Neuli Kharka or Forest camp (2200m.) takes about five hours.
Day 6: Trek from Forest Camp to Ghale Gaon (2000m.) takes about five hours.
Day 7: Trek from Ghale Gaon to Hyanja takes about three hours.
Day 8: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours.
Overall, while Silka's Trek is not the most challenging trek in the Annapurna region, it still requires good preparation and fitness. The remote and less-trafficked nature of the trek can make it a more adventurous and rewarding experience.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours.
After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the tour bus stop. It takes about 7 hours to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m). The trip is mainly in the morning and the evening is spent showing warm views of Pokhara valley and its beauty. You can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes by plane. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to evening. Pokhara is a tourist paradise full of heritage and culture, including lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples, with beautiful views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks.
Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.
Day 2 : Drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola (Bijayapur Army Camp)-Kalikasthan (1370m.) takes about five hours.
The wide road starts through the paddy fields near the military camp and climbs through Rakhigaon to Chautara, a resting place under a huge peepal tree. You can enjoy some nice panoramic views on the way. The trail climbs gently along the crest of the ridge, through Brahmin and Chhetri villages, to Kalikasthan (1370m). At the end, you will climb a short distance to the campsite above the village with panoramic views of the mountains, Begnas Lake and the city of Pokhara.
Overnight in a Hotel.
Day 3 : Trek from Kalikasthan to Lama Khet (1680m.) takes about six hours.
To Mardi Khola, you follow a flat road that passes through villages and rice terraces of various local ethnic groups. Now hiking is easy by walking along the riverbank. On the way you will cross Bhais, Nawal Danda to reach Lama Khet. This is the small village where you live. The place is surrounded by miles of green hills that inspire the imagination with good thoughts.
Stay in the simple Lodge.
Day 4 : Trek from Lama Khet to Sikles (1980m.) takes approximately six hours.
You travel along the riverbank to reach Khila Gaon. You then follow the path, which is gently uphill for a few distances and then climbs steeply for a few hours. On the way you will pass the village of Parju. The road goes up again to the town of Sikles. It is one of the oldest and largest Gurung villages found here.
Stay in the camp for the night.
Day 5 : Trek from Sikles to Neuli Kharka or Forest camp (2200m.) takes about five hours.
A trail that ascends through rhododendron and oak forests is the starting point for this walk. After some distance, you walk across flat ground. Forests surround the forest camp. Stay in the camp for the night.
Day 6 : Trek from Forest Camp to Ghale Gaon (2000m.) takes about five hours.
You hike through forests covered with alpine roses. Walking you will cross the highest course of this hike. After passing through the passage, you will descend steeply to reach Ghale Gaon. It is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities.
Overnight in Hotel
Day 7 : Trek from Ghale Gaon to Hyanja takes about three hours.
The road descends gently to Hyanja (1070m.). Here you board a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel Pokhara.
Day 8 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu early in the morning, which takes about seven hours. Along the way, you can enjoy mountain views, green landscapes, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people in their daily life. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, the journey takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.