Highlights of the Trekking

Sikles, biggest Gurung village, is known as brave Gurkha warriors.
Spectacular views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annpurna South, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Ranges, et cetera.

Are you curious about Gurkha Soldiers of Nepal? Do you want to witness their root? Visit Nepal and witness the place from where these brave soldiers came from. Sikles Village is the largest Gurkha Veterans and soldiers residing village of Nepal. It is probably the prettiest village of Annapurna region as well. Mount Annapurna II and IV along with Lamjung Himal are seen amazingly stunning from this village. During Sikles Village Trek trekkers can have the benefit of green lush forests, colorful rhododendron, multi species of birds and spectacular mountain vistas. Let’s explore to this tranquil village and relish the unique culture of Gurung people who are fierce Gurkha Soldiers as well together with splendid Himalayas.

Journey of Sikles Village Trek doesn’t require excessive physical endurance. A healthy person with very minimum of walking experience can also successfully walk in this trail. The route is also highly regarded for the bird watching activities. Presence of dense verdant forest and mountains on backdrop sets the stage as if trekkers are in fairyland. When clouds rises from Mardi River you will feel enchanted and one can be able to witness world above clouds. Once trekkers are dropped at Kalikasthan from Pokhara in an hour’s drive the walking starts. Trail consists of numerous villages, terraced farmlands and woods. The first day’s trekking takes trekkers to Lamachaur. This is grassy meadows village mainly habituated by Tamang/Tibetan Lama people along with Ghale. From this place we will reach Sikles Village. These days the concept of Home Stay has prompted people of the region to conserve their unique culture and natural attractions. Enjoy the traditional dances, folk songs, delicacies and drinks with locals. Be like locals and act like locals. Once you have experienced such a off the beaten holiday events in Sikles our trip ends at Hyamja via Ghale Gaon. The trip can be followed by amazing sightseeing tour of Pokhara Valley too.

Choose us and explore our locality. Yes, eat the local way, walk the local way and live the local way while traveling with us during Sikles Village Trek. You will be overwhelmed by stupendous delights of Mother Nature and grandeur of unique Ghale/Gurung culture.

Trip Duration: 8 days

Trip Routing:
Day 1 - Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2 - Drive Pokhara to Bijaypur, Trek to Kalikastan
Day 3 - Trek Kalikastan to Lamachour
Day 4 - Trek Lamachour to Siklish
Day 5 - Trek Siklish to Bhaisikarka
Day 6 - Trek Bhaisikarka to Ghale Gaon
Day 7 - Trek Ghale Gaon to Puranochour, Drive to Pokhara
Day 8 - Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

Trip Highlights:
- Explore Pokhara city and Fewa Lake
- Village homestay experience
- Moderate Annapurna region trekking
- Panoramic Himalayan views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri ranges
- Cultural interaction with Gurung communities
- Rhododendron and oak forests

Trekking Route: Kalikastan - Lamachour - Siklish - Bhaisikarka - Ghale Gaon - Puranochour

Maximum Altitude: Approx 2,600m

Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara, Homestays during trekking

Meals: All meals included during trekking days

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours per day on average

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best Seasons: Spring (March-May), Autumn (September-November)

Required Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)

Day 01 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, overnight at hotel

After breakfast, early in the morning you will arrive at Pokhara after a drive for nearly 6 hours. You will be able to have a breathtaking panorama of river and scenery all the way through your drive. You will be taken to your hotel and with a relaxing afternoon. You can even visit around lakeside region or you can go for boating at famous Fewa Lake. We will be staying overnight in the hotel.

Day 02 : Drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur by bus and trek to Kalikastan, overnight at homestay

From Kathmandu taking half an hour flight, we move to Pokhara and then drive to Bijaypur. Or, we can also drive through the Prithivi Highway to Bijaypur taking around 8 hours. And, we will make a short trek to Kalikastan. We climb all the way through the terraced fields of Kandane and follow the vertical stone steps, and finally reaching a plane path beneath the shade of trees. The trail is steep but the setting is unbelievable. Now we move to Kalikastan. The sight from Kalikastan is stunning, as the peak views of the Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna are clearly observable from here.

Day 03 : Trek from Kalikastan to Lamachour, overnight at homestay

We today, head off from Kalikasthan passing through several waterfalls. Then our path moves downhill to the lush green river vale, prior to climbing towards Lamachaur. Overnight we have a home stay in Lamachaur.

Day 04 : Trek from Lamachour to Siklish, overnight at homestay

Today, after we leave Lamachaur, the track ascends to Siklish all the way through dense rhododendron forest and Nepal's one of the largest Gurung villages. We reach at the best spot after climbing about 500m above the village from where you will see the stunning Himalayan scenery and close up views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. We will have a home stay in Siklish tonight.

Day 05 : Trek from Siklish to Bhaisikarka, overnight at homestay

We today climb uphill all the way through the rhododendron and oak forest to the ridge for eye-catching views of Himchuli, Dhaulagiri range and Annapurna South. The track is narrow and goes along the ridgeline before moving down through the rhododendron forest. We have a home stay in Bhaisikarka.

Day 06 : Trek from Bhaisikarka to Ghale Gaon, overnight at homestay

We today, move down through the thick rhododendron forest and reach to the amusing village, Ghale Gaun. From here, we will enjoy the wonderful views of Annapurna and Fishtail.

Day 07 : Trek from Ghale Gaon to Puranochour and by drive to Pokhara, overnight at hotel

We will be trekking back to Puranochour from Ghale Gaon. After a short hike we will drive back to pokhara, enjoy the evening vibe of lakeside and sorrounding.

Day 08 : Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu, overnight at hotel

Leaving behind the wonderful countryside early in the morning and travelling for 6 hours we go back back to Kathmandu. We can either take a vehicle for a drive or fly back from the stunning city Pokhara. On arrival at Kathmandu you will be shifted to the hotel. You can then relax for rest of the day and stay overnight at hotel.

What is included?

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the programme.
Airport / Hotel transfers.
Three meals in a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with hot beverage and snacks whilst on trekking.
Cosy guesthouse or Tented camp accommodation whilst on trekking.
Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and Trekker's Information Management System fees.
All necessary staff with an experienced fluent English speakinglicenced trekking guide, cook and assistant guide (as per the group size).
Highly experienced trekking porters to carry luggage (1porter per 2 trekkers).
Staff food, accommodation, clothing, salary & insurance.
All necessary ground transportation.
All governmental paperworks and procedures.
All government and local taxes.
Satellite phones and Gamow bag.
Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at typical Nepali restaurant.

What is not included?

Visa fee for Nepal.
International airfares, extra baggage and cargo charges
Meals and extra night (more than stated in itinerary) accomodation in Kathmandu.
Personal expenses
Bar and beverage bills.
Your Travel and rescue Insurance.
Rescue & Evacuation costs.
Your optional and extended trips e.g. sightseeing, rafting etc. (other than the negotiated)
Gratitude (tip) for staff.

Why us? Is a conscientious question that requires an honest answer of integrity and devotion of the highest standards.

We are what we were from the very beginning: Read on to know us the way we are…

At Unique Adventure International, We do not pretend to be what we are not, ours is a simple ethic, hospitality straight from the heart. When doing trips with us, you will soon find out excellence with us is not just a norm, it’s more a habit.

We have walked the length and breadth of the Himalaya across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for over two decades…and still counting, we have enjoyed all of it so much; right to the hilt. We love our mountains and enjoy it so much when we tread its trails with our trekking guests, who also love these mountains as much as us or maybe even more. We have much knowledge of the land and meticulously plan things so our guests get the utmost from their sojourns with us; we know how chaotic it can be for our guests when they organise holidays so far from home…keeping this in mind, we sort out for the long haul and ensure our guests do not only have fun on the way but also get value for money with purposeful journeys. We know and understand that this may probably be a once in a lifetime holiday where you will explore a world not too familiar and its binding for us to make doubly sure you are completely safe throughout the whole course of your expedition when you are in Nepal. With each trip we do with you, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our services so that your expectations of us are met beyond what you could have ever expected on all fronts. We want that you go home with a happy heart and unforgettable memories of an odyssey well done. With Unique Adventure, this is central to all our thoughts when we meet you.

A small business with big ideals…

We are a small outfit with big ideas and we know how complex human nature can be; its only but human to understand your weaknesses and respect your strengths, both of which will be put to the test on the punishing trails of Nepal, but it’s always our mission to understand you and make your journey as calm as possible.

This is the whole reason why we get repeat clients who never seem to get drained with the Himalayas and enjoy the way we guide them throughout the trip…

We know how worrisome it can be when you choose to live life on the edge… so we go the mile to make sure your holidays become more purposeful, more significant…

We do not push you, no matter what the circumstances…

We know you want it slow and easy the moment your plane hits the tarmac in Kathmandu. We understand your instinctive curiosities and ensure you are left alone with enough space to do what we have planned for you – ‘your way’’. You call the shots – it’s your trip – and we provide you enough freedom to make your own decisions in harmony with your group. We help you to become friends and bridge gaps; it’s a matter of pride for us to mention here that we created some of the best friendships where some morphed into lifetime partnerships and this is how things shape out with us when you assemble in our country. And when we are out with you in the country at high elevations, we ensure that our crew leads you in ways comfortable to your body and physical needs.

Our ‘True-to-Life’ practical itineraries…

Our itineraries are meticulously planned and based on the way you see it when your trip commences. Our themes are hands-on and we take you to some difficult but extraordinary places where some would likely pass by. We know you thirst for the unknown and interesting; your search for things that will ignite your emotions and imaginations, seeking for the ‘whys’, how’s and when’s’ into the mountain culture, lifestyles and traditions that you witness in territory you have never been familiar with. We put in a lot of effort to create astonishing one-off experiences which would make great notes for memorable stories to pass down to the coming generations. Each trip we design opens up new avenues to a whole new world that you are not familiar with…and when you discover the answers, it could be a life changing experience you would have never expected.

Trips to match your time frames…

We are flexible in the way we operate our trips based on your exclusive needs. We understand the kind of pressure ridden world you hail from and know you have worked hard for your dream holidays. Our programs are typically designed to give you the most and the best based on your time limitations without any blemishes on the joys that come with your venture.

You could be planning a budget trek or a luxury tour, maybe even a trekking peak; whatever the choice, we give you an extension combo so you have a scintillating mix of history, the outdoors and even jell in a jungle safari into the potpourri so you have varied experiences within the timeframe you’ve chosen. Our website is programmed to give you a host of options to make you smile…

Accommodation: They say Home is where the Hearth is…and yes, the Pillow!!

We are extra wary when arranging your accommodation before you enter our country. We know we’ve got to give you something that’s closest to home. After consulting with you and being twice as sure about what you’re expecting when it comes down to that most important part of life: resting your body and mind at night, we make sure we give you the best accommodating facilities available at a hotel that’s not only comfortable but also a place that is spanking clean with fresh linen and staff who understand your needs and go the length in making sure you feel at home, no matter what the length of your stay with us.

This also includes the sanitized conditions of the food you are served. Even when on the trails, we go the mile to make sure you find a cosy teahouse with no dampness and enough ventilation to keep you healthy and warm with food that’s organic and clean. We know how important the hearth is wherever you stay. With us, be sure that all your personal needs are taken care of well. Ours is the kind of hospitality that comes straight from the heart…

Safety and Security: This is mandatory and imperative…

Our safety and security arrangements for all our inbound guests cross all boundaries; from the moment your jet hits the tarmac at the airport in Kathmandu. This is a process that begins prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, when we design your itinerary based on the program you have chosen. It begins with choosing the right team for you, especially if it’s a trek. We make sure your crew is primed for any contingency when at altitude. We believe in following firm standards with focus on risk assessment knowing mountain climbing is always a risky business despite the excitement it offers. All the planning is done prior to your arrival so you have a carefree, footloose and fancy free journey, without any hassles.

We always advise our guests to go through medical routines in their home countries before embarking on trips above 3000m. We also encourage our guests to get insured before coming to Nepal.

Your entire stay in Nepal is monitored from day one, especially when you are on the mountains. We take nothing for granted, nature can be a monster when least expected. When booking your trip through ‘Unique Adventure, you are not just a client – you are more than all that - you are a parent, a brother/sister, a close colleague – in a word – ‘family’; and all our safety precautions and personalized services are purely based on this relationship.

We Respect and Care for the local folks and Love the Environment we operate in…

We are conscious in the importance of preserving the natural beauty and culture of Nepal, so that future visitors can also enjoy the wonders of this beautiful but fragile environment. We are sensitive and devoted to responsible travel with minimum impact on the environment and local communities. The planet is large enough for everyone to explore and it’s the curiosity of human nature to explore and discover the unknown. We are always careful about the ecosystems that surround us when we are on the mountains, but we don’t let this spoil the spirit for adventure. We seek to enjoy in ways beneficial to others and wish to respect this beauty that God created for us to appreciate; and we want to keep it that way. Equally important, we instruct our crew and travellers to be aware of the values of responsible travel, by: respecting people, cultures and local environments, in creating goodwill; with cross-cultural sharing and experiences; and helping make sustainable development practical, where we put in efforts to give back more than we take.

Our Trekking crews are Principal to the Company…we’re Family…

One paramount issue for trekking companies in Nepal are employees directly connected to guests when trekking in the Himalayas and this is key to any trip conducted anywhere on the Himalayas. Our staffs in general receive fixed monthly salaries and our trekking crews get special rates as defined by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism - Government of Nepal.

This also includes the provision of Social Security for mountain workers as per government directives. In addition to this, we also provide climbing training to new comers listed on our payroll. All our seasoned guides are well trained in the use and application of First Aid in the event of any unexpected injuries that may occur in the course of the journey when at altitude.

Field Employees are constantly upgraded for personal development, delivered via courses in English, about nature, history, and ongoing training as mountain guides with techniques based on safety precautions...along with this, our mountain crews are insured and covered against any eventualities. The insurance package covers the cost of health care if injured or sick and provides a lifetime gratuity if any employee is physically disabled. We treat our employees as valuable assets. We know their security and happiness is vital to ensure yours throughout your stay in Nepal…

Innovation: We are constantly juggling new Products…

Ours is a constant search for new trails in the great wilderness. We’re always innovating new areas for travel within and around the city limits and out on the mountains. Nepal has so much to offer in her ancient heritage cities and within the vast expanse of her Himalayas. We ceaselessly research new products in order to give our old clients new thrills; this has always been part of our company’s policies for giving more value for money. We know that many of our guests rarely get time to travel and when they do, they’d sure like to make the best of it; besides Nepal, we even cut across borders giving our guests unbelievable historical and cultural highlights of Tibet, Bhutan and India. We even design divine spiritual tours for the holy who’d sure like to hike down footsteps of ancient ancestors along the Mount Kailash Mountains so that they could come face-to-face with the gods. You even get opportunities to stroll down the cobbled stone Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur and slip into the Forbidden Temple of Pashupatinath. Beyond the spiritual of Kailash in Tibet, our programs take you to the highest region on earth, at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft). Very much noted as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet is symbolic of a mesmerizing culture seeped in spirituality and nature. From superb temples and tranquil monasteries to the Yangtze River and adorable Pandas, our products are molded in a way that ensures you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells you about God’s gift of a wonderful planet we all live in.

‘Please visit our highly informative website for some of the most extensive information on some of the most stimulating holidays ever conceived’. Get friendly with us on: www.uniquetreks.com

We give you Mountain Yoga

The Mountain Yoga we offer on the trail is an earthy, friendly and unassuming space, dedicated to healing and transformation as your mind battles the vagaries of nature while on your journey in the wild. When you decide to holiday on the mountains; it’s like a calling into the high and wild to experience Mother Nature at a higher level and to explore her true beauty. But there’s another calling that wants you to find release from your inner demons. It might be seen as the feeling that there has to be more to life than our day-to-day routines in the machine of modern day society. As you go higher above the tree-lines, our certified yoga guides give you the kind of alignment helpful to your body’s needs when adjusting to the thin air at altitude. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and guide you with postures and breathing exercises that promote physical fitness at higher elevations, keeping the mind calmer, making your self-awareness more acute, and help you get more balanced, while preventing you from having any problems with altitude mountain sickness. Yoga is an ancient practice known for thousands of years to clean out even the deepest mental grooves and rigid mindsets which may hamper your trip and spoil the fun on your trek.

We are the only adventure company in Nepal offering our guests mountain yoga which enhances hassle free trips and keeps our guests safe from common altitude problems.

Our Success Ratio…

We’ve been through it all – the ups and downs have been full and plenty. The series of earthquakes of 2015 affected us bitterly; however, we kept the faith. We knew this was nature at its best and worst. We do not take anything for granted when it’s a tryst with Mother Nature, especially in the wilderness above the tree-lines. We knew we would still need these mountains more than they need us...These mountains teach us so much about life. It was Almighty God that created these mountains with all its stark beauty, but then a natural calamity can be lurking somewhere around the bend, and we must always be aware of the environment - and this comes with respect, consciousness and faith.

Despite the hurdles and hiccups, our Success Ratio has been over 98%, why? Because experience has taught us the hard way to Love God, respect the mountains, to learn from our mistakes, and to always, at all times, be Honest with our Guests…and let God do the rest.

Recommended Gear Lists:

Good wind/rain jacket
Warm fleece jacket or jersey
Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
Good -20 Sleeping bag (which can be rented or buy in Kathmandu)
A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
T-shirts
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Other necessary equipment:

Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and Oxymeter)
Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
Toiletries
Small wash towel

Note

Whatever conditions the stated itinerary follow, are for the visitors who prefer full package programme. At the same time, we also serve you based on your choice. The selection of itineraries and the staff depends on your choice and financial procurement. We have options for any partial visit as per your requirement regarding your interest and financial condition.

Note

Whatever conditions the stated itinerary follow, are for the visitors who prefer full package programme. At the same time, we also serve you based on your choice. The selection of itineraries and the staff depends on your choice and financial procurement. We have options for any partial visit as per your requirement regarding your interest and financial condition.

1. What is the difficulty level of this trek?
This trek is considered moderate in difficulty, involving 5-6 hours of trekking per day over some steep and uneven terrain at altitudes between 1,200-2,600m.

2. Is previous trekking experience required?
Previous trekking experience is recommended but not mandatory if you have a reasonable level of fitness. This trek is suitable for beginners who are able to walk for 5-6 hours daily.

3. What permits are needed for this trek?
You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card which can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

4. What is the best time of year for this trek?
The best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and views are clear.

5. How fit do I need to be for this trek?
You should be able to walk 5-6 hours daily over uneven terrain at moderate altitudes up to 2,600m. Some basic training like hiking before the trek is advisable.

6. What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
You will stay in basic teahouses/lodges and homestays during the trekking days, with twin-share rooms and basic facilities.

7. Are meals included during the trek days?
Most packages include all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trekking days prepared by the teahouses.

8. What type of foods can I expect on the trek?
Typical Nepali meals like dal bhat (lentils, rice, curries), momos (dumplings), noodle soups and some continental dishes. Variety is limited at higher altitudes.

9. What should I pack for this trek?
Warm clothes for cold nights, trekking shoes, rain gear, daypack, water bottles, snacks, basic toiletries, sunscreen, hat, and trekking poles.

10. Is there an option to hire a porter or guide?
Yes, you can hire an experienced guide and/or porter to assist you during the trek for an additional cost.

11. How are heights and altitude sickness managed?
The trek is designed with proper acclimatization days. Still, you should ascend slowly, stay hydrated and inform your guide if you feel unwell.

12. What are the toilet/bathroom facilities like on the trek?
Basic toilet and bathing facilities are available at teahouses, mostly squat-style toilets and buckets of warm water for bathing.

13. Is there mobile network coverage enroute?
Network coverage is patchy, especially in the higher elevations. Purchase a local SIM card to get connectivity where possible.

14. What are the transportation arrangements to/from trek start/endpoints?
The itinerary includes private transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return, as well as transfers to/from trek start/endpoints.

15. Are there any cultural/permit considerations for this region?
Respect local cultures by dressing modestly, asking before photographing people, and purchasing permits required for the region.