Sikles and Kori Trek Overview
| Duration: 15 days |
Country: Nepal |
| Max. Altitude: 3,800 m . |
Walking Per Day: 5-6 hrs |
| Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge |
 Grade: Easy
|
| Best Season: Spring and Autumn |
Group Size: Min. 1 Pax |
| Mode: Tea-House/Lodge |
Culture: Gurung people |
The Sikles trek is a culturally rich and scenic trek nestled in the heart of the Annapurna region. Sikles is a small village located at the top of a small hill with an altitude of 2200m. This trek takes us to the oldest and biggest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region. This trek is ideal for nature lovers, culture explorers, time-bound people, and photographers.
Introduction: Sikles, Kapuche & Kori Trek
The Sikles trek is a culturally rich and scenic trek nestled in the heart of the Annapurna region. Sikles is a small village located at the top of a small hill with an altitude of 2200m. This trek takes us to the oldest and biggest Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region. This trek is ideal for nature lovers, culture explorers, time-bound people, and photographers. Nepal Mountain Trekkers has combined the Sikles, Kapuche, and Kori Treks to explore the best of this least-explored trekking trail in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
Sikles village lies northeast of Pokhara, far from the city's noise and pollution. It is one of the easiest and shortest treks near Pokhara. Sikles village is a traditional Gurung village having its own unique culture and ancient heritage. This village lets us enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views of stunning snowcapped mountains, i.e., Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre. Excellent sunrise and sunset views from viewpoints are one of the key tourist attractions. Sikles is a side trek for many trekkers; accordingly, you can add or customize your itinerary while visiting the Annapurna region.
Why Sikles for the new trekkers?
Sikles Trek can be the best alternative for beginners looking for a complete package of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and comfort. In this trek, there is no worry about altitude sickness and challenging walks. With the highest point of the trek being Forest Camp (2200m), there’s very little chance of altitude sickness.
Although Sikles has fewer explored trekking trails in the Annapurna region, it offers stone-paved paths, making it ideal for new trekkers. Sikles Village Trek is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region. This trek can be considered the shortest trek near Pokhara. Any trekker with little or no experience can complete this trek within a time period of 3 to 5 days, depending on your pace and itinerary.
People and their Culture
The highlight of the Sikles Trek lies not just in the scenic beauty but in the warmth of its people and their diverse culture. Sikles village is one of the oldest and best-preserved Gurung ethnic settlements in Nepal. This is a village having rich traditions, colorful attire, and unique dances, i.e., Ghatu and Sorathi. The Sikles trek is a wonderful opportunity to explore the history in a short duration of time frame.
This village takes you to the primitive and indigenous lifestyle of the Gurung people. Many trekkers prefer this trek because of the local and warm hospitality of the people. They welcome their guest with the greeting of "Namaste"—a respectful gesture made by joining two hands. The local people always open their homes to visitors, offer homemade meals, share their cultural stories, and even invite them to their community gatherings and festivals.
Annapurna Conservation Area: Wildlife, Vegetation and Natural Beauty
The Sikles Trek offers a close insight into Nepal’s diverse ecological zones, especially within the Annapurna Conservation Area. As Sikles lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, the trekkers are required to have a permit. The beauty of this place makes it a paradise for researchers and botanists. The forest along the Sikles Trek, such as oak and pine trees, is dense, lush, and cool, especially early in the morning when the fog covers the trails.
If anyone is planning a Rhododendron trek in Nepal, then the Sikles trek with Kapuche and Kori can be a great option. The rhododendron forests burst into red, white, and pink during the spring season. Surrounding Sikles village are beautiful terrace farms where the local Gurung people grow maize, barley, millet, and seasonal vegetables.
Home to over 400 bird species, like the Danphe (national bird of Nepal), sunbirds, and woodpeckers, it is a major attraction for photographers and bird lovers. The Annapurna Conservation Area trek is known for the range of flora and fauna, including wildlife like leopards, musk deer, and red pandas.
Highlights of the Sikles Trek with Kapuche and Kori
- Stay at the oldest and well-preserved Gurung community houses.
- Stunning Mountain view of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre.
- Rhododendron Forests with rich vegetation
- A peaceful and less-crowded trail in the Annapurna region.
- Short and time-bound trek.
- Local festivals and cultural performances.
- Indigenous way of making handicraft products.
- Warm Hospitality of Gurung people.
- Low risk of Altitude sickness.
Best time to visit Sikles, Kapuche & Kori Trek
Nepal has four main seasons: spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Generally, spring and autumn seasons are always preferred for any trek, but for the Sikles, Kapuche & Kori Trek, you can consider the winter season as well. The altitude of Sikles is 2200 m, comparatively less than the other places, so there is no worry for snowfall, but the early mornings and nights are very cold.
Spring and autumn seasons are recommended due to favorable weather, mild temperatures, and clear vistas. The nature is at its best at this time of year; consequently, this place will be crowded. If you want your trek to have fewer crowds, then you can consider the winter season. The winter season is often very hard for the trekkers to trek due to the cold and the uncertainties in the weather.
The monsoon season is not suggested by many trekkers because of the uncertainties in the weather. This season carries the chances of natural disasters like landslides along the way. Usually, photographers, researchers, and botanists consider this season since unique vegetation blooms during this season. However, if you are planning to trek in Nepal during monsoon and wondering which treks to embark on, check out our blog about the Top 6 Monsoon Treks in Nepal.
