GURUNG VILLAGE TREK- THE SIKLIS – NEW-11 DAYS

The picturesque trek to Siklis, a beautiful largest Gurung village in Nepal ( the second largest being Ghandruk ) located north east of Pokhara, at an elevation of 1980m/6496ft, in the shadow of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal carrying its well preserved example of traditional Gurung culture, life-style and handicraft production.

The trek takes us to the rarely visited valley through forests, across rivers, camp near hamlets and always there are the Annapurnas as a beacon.

Traditional Gurung village away from the tourist trail offer a cultural experience that is often missed on the more popular trails and where your presence is as honored as that of a visiting God.

The route from Ghalegaun-Siklis is known as the ecological trek as it is under the care of ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).

The historic hill trek to Siklis still retains an aura of old times. Historically, Siklis is renowned as one of the major origin places of Gurung Community.

Here, we find the various ritual practices of Gurungs especially the works of Jhankri (shaman) and Lama (priest), who have important roles in marriage, death and day-to-day lives.

Traditional technologies like alcohol fermentation, weaving clothes and sacks from the wild nettle, weaving various bamboo products, traditional water mills and stone grinders, wooden threshers etc are also the important features of Siklis.

In this region we spot Nepal’s birds of prey including the 9ft wingspan Lammergeyer. The region is rich in flora and fauna particularly birds and butterfly because of its pristine forested surroundings and the great mountain views add an excitement.

For this trek we take a route – POKHARA-BHURJUNG-GHALEGAUN-TARATOP-PARJE-SIKLIS-LAMAKHET-KALIKASTHAN-BEGNAS LAKE-POKHARA.

Day 1 Arrival KATHMANDU (1300m/4265ft)

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: NO

Day 2 Sightseeing in KATHMANDU

After breakfast we depart the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.” We visit Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance with old glorious Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess. Afterwards we visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. We proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River.  Later we visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity. Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Day 3 Drive to POKHARA (884/2900ft)

After morning breakfast in the hotel, the tour starts with the scenic view of beautiful hills, countryside lifestyle driving along the Trishuli River. Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Drive to BHURJUNG & Trek to GHALEGAUN (1500m/4922ft) 4 hours

After breakfast we drive to Bhurjung and start the trek to Ghalegaun. We continue along the west bank of the Seti River and through several small Gurung settlements. The paths through the villages are paved with large stones and several of the ascents are stepped in the same way. We cross Sardi Khola and make a steep ascent to our campsite on a ridge high above the river. Wonderful views of Annapurna South (7273m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machhapuchare (6997m). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Trek to TARA TOP (2600m/8530ft) 6 hours

Early morning after the breakfast we walk through the dense forest with the beauties of nature around. The trial is steep up the hill, which enables the views of Machhapuchare, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri etc. Tara Top is the view point for the gigantic views of the mountains touching the sky. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Trek to PARJE (2500m/8202ft) 6 hours

Today we walk along the thick forest with the panoramic beauty of nature which is easier than the previous day. Parje is the   top of the village with the big ground where we camp in mid of nature. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Trek to SIKLIS (1980m/6496ft) & LAMAKHET(1200m/3938ft) 5 hours

Today we wake up in the morning with the zeal to explore the Gurung village, Siklis.  After Siklis we walk downward to reach to Madi River to reach Lamakhet. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Trek to KALIKASTHAN (1400m/4594ft) 5 hours

In the shiny morning we ascend up the hill to reach Kalikasthan. Kalikasthan is popular for the view point it offers to its visitors with the panoramic views of mountains. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Trek to BEGNAS LAKE (610m/2002ft) & Drive to POKHARA 4hours

Through rice fields, fruit orchards and friendly villages we finally make our way to the quiet banks of the Begnas Lake. Our trek ends with a boat ride across the tranquil Begnas with it’s waters reflecting the mountains. From Begnas we drive to Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Fly back to KATHMANDU

From Pokhara we fly back to Kathmandu and are dropped to the hotel. This is a leisure day which can be utilized buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening you will be invited to join FAREWELL reviewing great photos and share experiences of the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 11 Fly back HOME or extend your HOLIDAYS

If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India or Bhutan tours etc.  Meals: Breakfast