Trekking · Nepal
The Sikles Trek
A short 3–5 day trek to Sikles, one of Nepal's largest traditional Gurung villages, beneath Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
The Sikles trek is a short 3–5 day route from Pokhara to one of Nepal's largest and most traditional Gurung villages, set on a hillside beneath Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal. It is among the most rewarding cultural short treks in Nepal, pairing close mountain views with an authentic look at hill life, all at low altitude.
Overview and highlights
Sikles is a tightly packed settlement of stone-and-slate houses, terraced fields and Gurung homestays on the quieter eastern side of the Annapurna foothills. The highlights are the village itself, the close-up wall of Annapurna and Lamjung peaks, and the forested trails through the Madi valley. It can be extended toward the turquoise Kapuche glacier lake or the high Kori ridge above the village. As a cultural walk it complements the easy Royal Trek on the ridges nearby.
Itinerary
A typical 4-day plan from Pokhara:
| Day | Stage | Approx. altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive to Khilang/Taprang, trek to Sikles | 2,000 m |
| 2 | Explore Sikles, optional walk toward Hugu/Kori | 2,000 m |
| 3 | Trek down via Tangting | 1,500 m |
| 4 | Trek to road and drive back to Pokhara | 820 m |
Add days to reach the Kapuche glacier lake or the Kori viewpoint.
Difficulty and fitness
This is an easy to moderate trek. The village sits at about 2,000 metres, so altitude is not a concern, but the forest and farmland trails climb steadily, so a basic fitness level helps. The cultural focus and short days make it well suited to families and first-timers. It is still worth reading about altitude sickness if you extend toward Kori.
Best time
Autumn (October–November) gives the clearest views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal from the village, while spring (March–May) brings rhododendron colour and warm days. Winter is cold but clear, and the monsoon brings cloud, mud and leeches; see the best time to visit Nepal.
Permits and cost
The route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need the ACAP permit (around USD 25) and a TIMS card (around USD 17–20). It is an affordable trek: staying in Gurung homestays at Sikles keeps costs low and supports the village directly, with the main expense being transport to the trailhead. For kit and seasons, read our Nepal trekking guide.
Getting there
The trek is staged from Pokhara, with a road transfer to the Khilang or Taprang trailhead in the Madi valley. Accommodation in Sikles is mainly in community homestays, offering a genuine taste of Gurung hospitality. For an easier village ridge walk near Pokhara, try the Panchase trek.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Sikles trek?+
The Sikles trek usually takes 3 to 5 days from Pokhara, including the walk up to the village of Sikles and back. It can be done as a tight overnight or extended toward the Kapuche glacier lake and the higher Sikles–Kori ridge.
What is special about Sikles village?+
Sikles is one of the largest and most traditional Gurung villages in Nepal, a tightly packed settlement of stone-and-slate houses on a hillside beneath Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. It offers an authentic look at Gurung culture, with homestays, terraced fields and mountain views.
How difficult is the Sikles trek?+
It is easy to moderate. The trek stays at low to moderate altitude, around 2,000 metres at the village, so there is no real altitude risk, but the trails climb steadily through forest and farmland. It suits fit beginners and families.
What permits do I need for the Sikles trek?+
The route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need the ACAP permit, around USD 25, plus a TIMS card, around USD 17 to 20. Both are easily arranged in Pokhara. Sikles sits at about 2,000 metres, with close views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
