Sikles

Sikles is a traditional Gurung village at 1,980 m in Kaski District, north of Pokhara. It offers a quieter alternative to the more popular Ghorepani and Ghandruk treks, with well-preserved stone houses, terraced fields, and spectacular views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. The village is the centre of the Sikles–Khangar–Thoche–Ghalegaun circuit, a less-crowded cultural trek.

The best times to visit are March–May and September–November. The village has basic tourism infrastructure.

By Plane

Pokhara Airport (PKR) is 30 km south. A taxi to the trailhead at Siling (1 hour, Rs 2000–3000) followed by a 3–4 hour trek uphill.

By Train

No train service.

By Car / Road

A rough road reaches Siling, from where the trek begins.

On foot within the village.

• Annapurna and Manaslu Views – Spectacular mountain panoramas.

• Traditional Gurung Village – Well-preserved stone architecture.

• Sikles Monastery – A Buddhist gompa.

• Waterfall – A scenic waterfall below the village.

• Sikles Trek – 4–7 day circuit through Gurung villages.

• Cultural walks – Explore Gurung culture and traditions.

• Bird-watching.

Lodges serve dal bhat, momos, and local dishes.

Tea and local raksi. Purified water available.

• Budget: Sikles Lodge – Rs 500–1000.
• Mid-range: Gurung Homestays – Rs 1000–2000 including meals.

Gurung handicrafts and local produce.

• Pokhara (30 km south) – Adventure capital.
• Ghandruk (2–3 days trek east) – Popular Gurung village.
• Ghorepani (3–4 days trek east) – Poon Hill viewpoint.
• Khung and Ghalegaun – Nearby Gurung villages on the circuit.