Pokhara Sikles Trek
About this trip
Kaphuche Glacier Lake (2450m) Tour through jeep starting from Pokhara is very exciting and short in duration to reach and explore the glacier. It lies inside the small village of Sikles in the Annapurna region. This trek is a newly opened route and less crowded. Sikles, Hugu, Idi waterfall, Madhuri Bhir, Madi river, Kaupche glacier lake are covered in this trek. In this trek, you will be able to experience stunning views and rich vegetation on the way.
We pass through several villages and hills. The Kapuche Lake lies to the north-east of Kaski. Kapuche trek offers some extraordinary views of the snow-capped mountains, verdant hills, and Nepali village culture among others. This lake has been declared as the lowest altitude glacier lake in the world where the temperature falls below minus in winter season and sometimes the surface of water modifies into the stiff icy ground. The lake with 1200 square meters in the area is a peaceful glacier lake indeed. The trip ends and starts from Lakeside, Pokhara.
Itinerary
Food/Meals: Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation: Tea House
Max Elevation: 1981m
Pick you up from your place and drive from Pokhara to Sikles which takes four hours. On the way, we will explore Harihar Cave. After reaching Sikles, we will continue our trek to Hugu, 2100m. We will reach Hugu in five hours. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Hugu.
Altitude profile
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- Accommodation 2 nights at mountaion standard guest house
- Meals ( 2 lunch, 2 breakfast , 3 dinner)
- Entry permission of koupche lake
- Guide
- Entry permit/ TIMS card
- Pick up & drop
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
Important information
The Sikles Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering breathtaking Himalayan views, traditional Gurung culture, and lush forests. This off-the-beaten-path trek is perfect for those seeking a short yet rewarding adventure near Pokhara. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
From Pokhara: Drive to Hemja or Taprang (2-3 hours) and start trekking.
From Kathmandu: Take a tourist bus (6-8 hours) or a 30-minute flight to Pokhara, then drive to the trailhead.
The trek typically takes 3 to 5 days, depending on your route:
Standard 4-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive to Hemja (1,000m) and trek to Huwu (1,300m)
- Day 2: Trek to Sikles Village (1,981m)
- Day 3: Explore Sikles and trek to Ghale Kharka (1,800m)
- Day 4: Trek down to Taprang and drive back to Pokhara
Alternative routes include Ghale Gaun or Kapuche Glacier Lake for extended trekking options.
The best trekking seasons are:
✅ Spring (March-May): Blooming rhododendrons, mild temperatures.
✅ Autumn (September-November): Best visibility, clear skies.
❌ Monsoon (June-August): Rainy, slippery trails, leeches.
❌ Winter (December-February): Cold but possible with proper gear.
Pokhara: 822m
Hemja (Starting Point): 1,000m
Huwu Village: 1,300m
Sikles Village: 1,981m (Highest Point)
Ghale Kharka (Optional): 1,800m
Since the trek remains under 2,000m, altitude sickness is not a concern.
You need two permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
Permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Tea houses and homestays in villages.
Basic rooms with shared bathrooms.
Meals include: Dal Bhat, noodles, momos, Tibetan bread, and Gurung cuisine.
Wi-Fi: Available in some homestays, but slow.
Mobile network: NTC & Ncell work in most areas.
Charging: Available in lodges, but may have extra charges (~USD 1-2).
Yes, it is one of the safest short treks in Nepal. However:
✔ Stick to the main trails.
✔ Inform someone about your itinerary.
✔ Carry a map or GPS.
Warm layers & a lightweight jacket
Comfortable trekking shoes
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Water bottle & purification tablets
First-aid kit & personal medications
- Permits (ACAP & TIMS): USD 38
- Accommodation & Meals: USD 10-20 per day
- Guide & Porter (Optional): USD 25-40 per day
- Transport (Pokhara to trailhead): USD 10-30
💰 Budget travelers can complete the trek for USD 150-250, while guided treks cost USD 300-500.
✅ Less crowded than Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill.
✅ Short and scenic – perfect for beginners and nature lovers.
✅ Rich Gurung culture & traditional villages.
✅ Panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal.
🌿 Looking for an authentic Himalayan trekking experience near Pokhara? The Sikles Trek is a perfect choice! 🚶♂️🏔️
👉 Need help planning your Sikles Trek? Contact us today! 😊
FAQs
The Sikles Trek is a moderate trek, suitable for beginners and families. The trails include gentle ascents, stone-paved paths, and forest trails, with some steep sections near Sikles village.
The trek usually takes 3 to 5 days, depending on your route and pace. A standard itinerary includes trekking through Kahu, Ghale Gaun, Sikles, and back to Pokhara.
A guide is optional but recommended for first-time trekkers. The trails are well-marked, and solo trekkers can complete it independently with a good map or GPS.
You need two permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – NPR 3,000 (~USD 23)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
Permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The best seasons are:
✅ Spring (March-May): Rhododendron forests in bloom, mild temperatures.
✅ Autumn (September-November): Best visibility, clear skies.
❌ Monsoon (June-August): Rainy, slippery trails, leeches.
❌ Winter (December-February): Cold but possible with proper gear.
The highest point is Sikles Village at 1,981 meters (6,499 feet). Unlike high-altitude treks, altitude sickness is not a major concern.
Tea houses & homestays in Sikles and surrounding villages.
Basic rooms with shared bathrooms.
Local meals like Dal Bhat, noodles, and momos.
Essentials include:
- Light warm layers (cold mornings & evenings)
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Rain jacket & sun protection
- Water bottle & purification tablets
- Snacks & first-aid kit
Wi-Fi is limited and available in some lodges.
NTC and Ncell networks work in most areas, but connectivity may be weak.
The total cost depends on your trekking style:
- Budget trek: USD 150-250 (independent trek, basic lodges).
- Guided trek: USD 300-500 (includes guide, porter, meals, accommodation).
Plan Your Sikles Trek with Confidence!
The Sikles Trek is perfect for those looking for a short, cultural trek near Pokhara with stunning Himalayan views and a peaceful atmosphere.
👉 Need help with itinerary planning or bookings? Let us know! 😊
Reviews
Jistin Rennald
t was a wonderful time I spent in pokhara with my family, full of fun, beautiful places, well-kept village. It was an outstanding adventure with Baburam and his team. I really appr…
Jistin Rennald Pokhara, NepalSimilar trips
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