Overview
Siklis Trekking is one the picturesque moderate graded trekking which unfolds the natural beauty of Nepal. The trekking trail passes thru charming mountain settlements, alluring patterns of terraced fields, rhododendron forest, high alpine meadows and spectacular views of towering mountains like Annapurna II & IV. The trek is also known as Royal Trek due to Prince Charles trekking in these areas during the 80’s to visit the villages for the Gurkha recruits. It’s one of the alternatives of the other short treks done in the Annapurna region. Basically, it goes off the main trails passing thru Gurung villages alongside rice terraces and cornfields then cuts over a ridge clad in lush green forest witnessing views of Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) and other snow-capped mountains.
No wonder, Siklis trekking is a camping trek starting from Bijaypur after driving from Pokhara then en-route passing villages like Kalikasthan, Lamakhet to ultimately arrive at Siklis. All of the villages on the trekking trail have their own role in the local community. The trek also offers enough time to study the local flora & fauna of the region.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03 : Kathmandu to Pokhara 6-7 hours bus ride
Day 04 : Drive to Bijayapur Khola & trek to Kalikasthan(1370m) 4-5 hrs
Day 05 : Kalikasthan to Lamakhet (1680m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06 : Lamakhet to Siklis (1980m) 6 hrs
Day 07 : Siklis to Forest Camp (2200m) 5-6 hrs
Day 08 : Forest Camp to Ghale Gaon(2000m) 6-7 hrs
Day 09 : Ghale Gaon to Hyamgja (1070m) & drive to Pokhara 3 hrs
Day 10 : Pokhara to Kathmandu (25 Minutes Flight)
Day 11 : Transfer to the Airport for your onward destination
Trip Highlights
- -Enjoy sightseeing at the major UNESCO World Heritage site in Kathmandu city
- -Explore Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside town of Nepal
- -Enjoy views of Annapurna II & IV, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) & other snow-capped peaks
- -Hike past gushing rivers, green countryside, alpine meadows, valleys, glaciers
- -Discover the ethnic local culture & traditions
- -Board scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- -Witness variety of floras and faunas
Itinerary
After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your designated destinations, you will be received by a representative of the travel company at the arrival gate who will then transfer you to you allotted hotels. If the time persists, you can either visit the city or relax at the hotel to overcome your jet lag. O/N at Hotel.
The Kathmandu sightseeing trip will begin in the morning. After breakfast, you will be taken towards Kathmandu Durbar (Palace) Square, one of the heritage sites where you can view many historical and cultural monuments. Later, you will visit another heritage site known as Pashupatinath Temple. This is a sacred Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva named which is always crowded by Hindu pilgrims. After lunch, visit to Buddhist pilgrimage Swoyambhunath (famous by the name of Monkey temple among tourists) will be carried forward. Likewise, Boudhanath Shrine will be covered by the evening. After concluding the sightseeing, there will be seminar for you to attend to discuss about the upcoming trekking plans. O/N at Hotel.
After exploring the historic Kathmandu Valley, on the day, you will board a tourist bus which will take you towards Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. During this 6-7 hours bus ride, you can see Trishuli River along the way. You will reach Pokhara during the early afternoon hours. After lunch, you can wander around the beautiful lake city known for enthralling spectators with its superb mountain views. O/N at Hotel.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola (Bijayapur Army Camp) which take about 5 hours. Upon reaching, trek starts with the trail passing thru rice fields near the army camp then ascends thru Rakhi Gaon to Chautara – a resting place under a large pipal tree. From onwards, you will have to climb gently along a ridge top crossing Brahmin & Chettri villages towards Kalikasthan. The route climbs a short distance to the campsite located above the village which offers some panoramic views. O/N Camp.
Begin trek following a gently path passing thru local villages of mixed ethnic communities alongside rice terraces up to Modi Khola. Now the trek becomes easier walking along the riverbank. En-route cross Bhaise, Nawal danda to finally reach Lama Khet. Lama Khet is a small village surround by green hills. O/N Camp.
At first the trail stretches at flat level alongside the river bank until reaching Khilan Gaon. Afterwards, the trail goes gently up at some distance then steeply up for some hours. En-route cross the village of Parju. Then you will have to climb till reaching Siklis village. The village of Siklis is one of the oldest and big Gurung villages. Most of the locals here serve in the Indian or British Armies. O/N Camp.
After breakfast, continue the trek passing thru a rhododendron & oak forests. The trail then follows a gentle path ascending in the beginning. After some distance, the routes become a flat land and reaches Forest Camp. Forest Camp is surrounded by forests. O/N at Lodge.
The trial crosses thru forest covered with rhododendron. En-route you will have to cross the highest pass of the trek. After the pass, the trail descends steeply until reaching Ghale Goan. Ghale Gaon is a small village of Gurung and Magar communities. O/N Camp.
The last day of the trek and you will have to descend down today gently up till reaching Hyamgja (1070m). From here drive to Pokhara & check-in hotel. The rest of the time in Pokhara can be spent exploring this beautiful lakeside town. O/N at Hotel.
After a brisk sightseeing in Pokhara during morning hours, you will have to pack your bags to leave for Kathmandu. For the return trip, you will be fly back to Kathmandu. The day will give you the last chance to add up to your shopping list. In the evening, we shall take you for a farewell dinner at one of the authentic Nepali restaurant. O/N at Hotel.
As per your flight timings, you will be escorted by one of the representatives of Breakfree Adventures to the international terminal at the Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your flight schedule from your hotel in Kathmandu. A day to bid farewell to the glorious country situated in the South Asia. While waiting for your flight, you can make plans to venture other destinations of the majestic country in near future.
We hope you had a lovely time with us. Breakfree Adventures would be obliged to be your travel partner during your next adventure in Nepal. Have a safe flight back home!
Cost
What is Included
- Airport pick up / drop off by private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Guided Kathmandu city tours inclusive of private vehicle and guide.
- Kathmandu - Pokhara by tourist bus.
- Accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Pokhara–Bijaypur & Hyamgja-Pokhara by private vehicle.
- Accommodation during the trek in camp/tents.
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- Experienced English speaking trekking guide and necessary porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) during the trek including their transportation, food, accommodation, salary, equipments and insurance.
- Annapurna Conservation area entrance Permit and fees.
- Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees. (Please bring 2 passport size photos for TIMS & Permit)
- First Aid medical kit.
- Duffle bag, down jacket, sleeping bag and walking pole.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight with domestic airport tax.
- Breakfree Adventures T-shirt, trekking map and trip achievement certificate.
- Farewell dinner in Authentic Nepali Restaurant.
- All government taxes, VAT and office service charges.
What is Not Included
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Monuments entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed.
- Nepal entry visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs for faster service)
- International airfare and travel insurance.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, hot shower etc.)
- Any kind of drinks (tea/coffee, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottle water, cola, beer etc.)
- Tips for guide, porter and driver.
Trip Information
We will provide you with comprehensive information on the every trek and tour we arrange. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information or have any questions, we are more than happy to assist you in anyway.
When to go:
Spring (Feb – May) and Autumn (Sept- Dec) are the best seasons for the Siklis Trekking. The weather is sunny and warm offering outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing in higher elevations. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Siklis Trekking, only issue is cold (obviously). Trekking in summer/monsoon (June, July) will be affected by rain but summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is in fact compulsory should you be going trekking, rafting, paragliding etc. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, loss of luggage, etc. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please check with your insurance company that adventure activities and trekking above 3000m are covered in your policy, as some companies do not cover such things. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time.
Meals and Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, we normally use 3 stars hotel with breakfast but can upgrade upon request. During the Siklis Trekking, we provide the best available camping equipments. These include guest’s tents, dinning tent, toilet tent, staff tent and all the supportive kitchen equipments. If you are travelling in a group, you will share a tent with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you prefer a single tent, you may indicate your preference on request and pay a supplement. Furthermore as you will be camping in the local areas you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.
We provide quality food in sufficient quantities (breakfast, lunch and dinner) prepared by our experienced cook. We make sure the food is healthy, fresh plus hygienic. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Usually the menu offers a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local shops en-route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.
Fitness and Experience Required:
Our 11 days Siklis Trekking is moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish the 11 days Siklis Trekking successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek.
The Trekking Group:
For the Siklis Trekking, there will be one Guide, assistant Guide (8 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Siklis Trekking for group of any size, but generally have a maximum of sixteen people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.
Trekking Guides and Staff:
The most significant thing that makes your Siklis Trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable is the expert, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and Guide and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional Guide. All of our Trekking Guides are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, Guiding skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Breakfree Adventures employs staffs who have plenty of knowledgeable about culture, flora and fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trekking Guide of Breakfree Adventures are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:
Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
- Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Governments Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal
- Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal)
- English Language – KEEP(Kathmandu environment education project)
- Conservation and Biodiversity TAAN
- Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (Climbing leaders) Nepal Mountaineering Association
Our Trekking Guides obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.
Climate and Weather:
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to December, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good and days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.
Himalayan weather can be unpredictable where nights are generally cooler and days warmer. It’s a bit colder during the winter season (Jan to Feb) but days can be quite warm and lovely if the sun is shining. You can expect a bit of snow in the months of January/February and December. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.
Safety and Security:
Security and safety are a high priority of our company however there are risks associated with adventure travel that you should consider before booking. Our trip operators constantly monitor their areas of operation and will cancel or re-route a trip if they feel a destination is unsafe. The decision to travel to a particular country or region is a personnel one.
Responsible Travel
Breakfree Adventures is a leading trekking and travel agency with dedicated travel Professionals who are well trained to give you the best of what Nepal has to offer. Our professional team follows a social philosophy that accepts responsibility for the local people and the environment in which we work. We respect the natural environment and the culture of our country, and we help travellers from around the world discover the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Nepal. We know that responsible travel tries to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment and maximize employment and income-generating opportunities for local communities. The whole of Nepal, including those living in remote rural areas that have very few other opportunities for development, benefits from sustainable tourism.
Breakfree Adventures is passionate about preserving the environment. As responsible tour guides in Nepal, we strive to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the local communities through which we travel. While trekking to different destinations, we choose environmentally- friendly lodges that respect the needs of their staff members. We take care of our staff as well as our valued clients. During our treks and other trips, we follow a zero garbage policy (“pack in, pack out”) and leave nothing behind in the campsites. We always welcome your feedback and comments regarding responsible travel, so please send an e-mail to let us know what you think.
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