Overview

The Sikles is an uncrowned corner of the Annapurna Conservation Area under the shadows of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II and IV. The Gurung village of Sikles was established by ACAP as a model trekking village and is an integral part of their eco-route. Located to the north-east of Pokhara at about 2000 m elevation, it is possibly the second largest Gurung village in Nepal, and is known for its well preserved Gurung culture. During your trek in this area, you will get to spend several days experiencing the Gurung lifestyle, handicraft production and sight-seeing. Of particular interest is the local cloth weaving traditions and the ancient water-driven flourmills. Folk songs and dances play an important part in the Gurung culture and such performances are common occurrences in Sikles. One performance that outclasses the rest is the Ghantu dance, traditionally performed by three young Gurung girls.  This dance is of great significance as it portrays their heritage.

This fabulous trek takes you about a week, starting at Beganas Tal (Lake) and heading north to the Madi Khola, then following the river’s west bank up to well- preserved Sikles (2000m).  Above the village is Rishing Danda, from where a marvelous panoramic view of the peaks of Annapurna II and Lamjung can be witnessed. This place is also famous as a point from where one can observe avalanches thundering down off the mountain sides.

On our way back, we head westwards through the thickly forested ridge that separates the Madi and Seti Kholas’ drainage and then descend via Ghachok, another Gurung settlement, to reach Pokhara – Baglung Highway.