Siklish Trekking

Facts of the trip

Trip Code: SKT
Trip Duration: 10 days
Max. Altitude: 1980m.
Grade: Moderate
Program Type: Trekking
Trek Start Point: Bijayapur Khola
Trek End Point: Bijayapur khola
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner
Mode of Travel: Trekking
Transportation: Bus/Car
Minimum Pax: 5
Best season: March/April or October/November

Overview: Siklish 9-Day Trekking 

Introduction

Nestled on the northeast ridge of Pokhara Valley, Siklish Trekking is a lesser-known, culturally rich route that offers a rare combination of traditional village life, terraced hillsides, panoramic mountain views, and serene natural beauty. Unlike the popular trails of the Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp, Siklish remains untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal escape for trekkers seeking solitude, authenticity, and scenic charm. This moderate trek is perfect for families, nature lovers, cultural explorers, and first-time trekkers.

About Siklish Trekking

Siklish Trekking typically spans 5 to 7 days, offering a low-altitude route that rarely exceeds 2,000 meters. The journey begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur or Khapaundi, followed by a scenic hike through beautiful Gurung villages, forests, and ridgelines. The trek’s centerpiece is the Siklish village, one of the oldest and largest Gurung settlements in western Nepal. From here, you’ll witness sweeping views of the Annapurna range, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal.

This off-the-beaten-path route gives travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Gurung hospitality, explore ecological diversity, and enjoy serene walking trails away from crowds.

Location

Siklish lies in the Kaski District of the Gandaki Province, northeast of Pokhara. The region forms part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the first and largest conservation area in Nepal. The trail is accessible via road, requiring only a short drive from Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism hub. As the trek lies at mid-hill elevations, it remains snow-free for most of the year, making it a year-round trekking destination.

Geographically, Siklish sits on the ridge between the Mardi Khola and Seti River valleys, offering both terraced farmland and dense forests teeming with wildlife.

People of Siklish Region

The trek’s highlight is its people. Siklish is predominantly inhabited by the Gurung community, an indigenous ethnic group of the mid-hills of Nepal. Gurungs are known for their courage, honesty, and warm hospitality. Historically, many have served as brave soldiers in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. Today, they continue to preserve their distinct culture, language, and traditions.

While trekking, visitors will meet villagers dressed in traditional attire, working in fields, preparing local dishes, or participating in vibrant rituals. Festivals such as Tihar, Lhosar, and Dashain are celebrated with dancing, singing, and communal feasts. Trekkers often get invited to local homes for a cup of millet wine, known as chhyang, and enjoy traditional Rodhi Ghar dance performances.

Religious Beliefs

The majority of the people in Siklish practice a blend of Buddhism, Animism, and Hinduism. Gurung shamanic traditions, known as Pachyu or Lama, play a significant role in the spiritual lives of villagers. These spiritual leaders perform rituals for protection, healing, and festivals. You may also spot small Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags fluttering across the hillsides.

Despite their spiritual diversity, the residents of Siklish live in harmony, respecting all faiths and observing rituals passed down through generations. This spiritual tapestry adds a deeply cultural layer to the trek, connecting nature and belief in beautiful balance.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Siklish is deeply rooted in agriculture and community-based living. The majority of villagers are subsistence farmers, growing crops such as millet, maize, wheat, and potatoes on terraced fields. Animal husbandry is also common, with locals raising cattle, goats, and poultry. Women play a central role in both household duties and fieldwork.

Homes are typically constructed from stone with slate roofs and are built in clusters. Life is simple, yet culturally rich, revolving around family, festivals, and farming. Trekkers can experience traditional daily routines—grinding grain, milking cows, weaving baskets, or attending local village meetings (Samaj).

Modern influences are gradually entering the region through education and remittances from abroad, but the essence of rural life remains intact, preserving its unique charm for visitors.

Flora and Fauna

As the trek traverses the Annapurna Conservation Area, it showcases exceptional biodiversity. The forests here are thick with oak, rhododendron, alder, maple, and bamboo. During spring (March to April), rhododendrons bloom in vibrant shades of red, pink, and white, turning the trail into a natural wonder.

Wildlife in the region includes langurs, musk deer, mountain goats, and occasionally leopards. Bird watchers will enjoy sightings of Himalayan pheasants, eagles, magpies, bulbuls, and the elusive Danphe—Nepal’s national bird.

The area is also known for its butterfly population and medicinal plants, which locals use in traditional remedies.

Vegetation

The lower sections of the trail pass through subtropical forests filled with sal trees and ferns, while mid-hill sections feature temperate vegetation, including rhododendron and oak. High ridgelines and fields around Siklish host alpine grasslands and medicinal shrubs.

These changes in vegetation not only provide ecological interest but also enhance the trekking experience with shade, fragrance, and changing landscapes. The local knowledge of medicinal plants is still widely practiced by village elders and shamans.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere on the Siklish trek is one of peace, simplicity, and authenticity. Far from busy tourist trails, it offers quiet walking paths with stunning Himalayan backdrops and the soothing sounds of nature. Each day brings a combination of cultural encounters and panoramic views, all in a relaxed pace that allows deep appreciation.

The early mornings often begin with views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) glowing in pink and orange hues, while evenings bring chilly mountain air, crackling fires, and stories under starry skies. Villagers welcome guests with genuine warmth, and accommodations—though basic—are comfortable and cozy.

In short, the atmosphere of the Siklish trek is ideal for travelers seeking calm, culture, and connection with nature and people.

Company and Nepal Freelance Guide Services

At The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd., we specialize in organizing culturally immersive and environmentally responsible treks to hidden gems like Siklish. Our professional team handles all logistics including permits, transportation, and accommodations while ensuring your experience remains personalized and safe.

For those who prefer a more customized and flexible experience, we also work with Nepal freelance guides, many of whom are from the local area. These certified, English-speaking guides offer deep insights into the culture, flora, fauna, and history of the region. By choosing a freelance guide, you support local employment and benefit from authentic knowledge that enriches your journey.

Whether you choose a group trek or a private guide, we ensure every traveler experiences the soul of Siklish with comfort, care, and cultural respect.

Similar Trekking Routes in the Annapurna Region

If you’re interested in other culturally rich and scenic low-altitude treks, consider the following alternatives:

1. Royal Trek

The Royal trek named was after Prince Charles, this short and scenic trek near Pokhara offers views of Annapurna and Fishtail, combined with traditional village life. It shares a similar vibe of solitude and cultural immersion like Siklish.

2. Panchase Trek

Panchase Trek is An excellent alternative for beginners or those short on time. The trek includes sacred forests, cultural villages, and panoramic views from Panchase Hill.

3. Ghale Gaun Trek

The Ghale Gaun trek introduces you to the traditional Gurung lifestyle in Ghale Gaun and Bhujung villages, promoting community-based tourism and homestays.

4. Mardi Himal Trek

The The Mardi Himal Trek is for those seeking slightly more elevation and spectacular ridge walks; the Mardi Himal route ascends to nearly 4,500 meters and offers close-up views of Machhapuchhre.

5. Dhampus-Australian Camp Trek

The Dhampus-Australian Camp trek is a shorter trek ideal for families and seniors. It offers stunning sunrise views, traditional houses, and easy trails through rhododendron forests.

All these treks complement Siklish with similar cultural depth and scenic beauty, yet each has its own uniqueness.

Conclusion

Siklish Trekking is a perfect blend of natural splendor, cultural richness, and peaceful walking trails, making it a unique experience in the Annapurna region. As one of the few treks that remains untouched by mass tourism, it invites travelers to slow down and discover the genuine heart of rural Nepal.

With its welcoming Gurung people, lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and spiritual traditions, Siklish offers a journey of both external discovery and inner reflection. Whether you’re a cultural explorer, a nature enthusiast, or a family seeking meaningful travel, this trek consistently delivers beyond expectations. Furthermore, the region’s untouched charm provides a refreshing contrast to more commercialized trekking routes. Besides its natural beauty, Siklish allows visitors to connect deeply with local traditions and village life. Consequently, the experience feels authentic and transformative. In the end, trekking through Siklish is not just about scenic views; instead, it’s about embracing simplicity, celebrating culture, and finding peace in nature’s rhythms.

Therefore, partner with The Himalayan Realms Treks and Expedition Nepal Pvt. Ltd. or explore with an experienced Nepal freelance guide to make the most of this hidden treasure. Ultimately, come walk the paths less traveled and discover the true magic of the Himalayas—one village, one smile, and one story at a time.


Day 1: Drive to Pokhara. O/N camping.

Day 2: Pokhara to Kalikasthan

Day 3: Kalikasthan to Lamachaur (near Thak)

Day 4: Lamachaur to Siklis

Day 5: Siklish to Nauli Kharka or forest Camp.

Days 6:-Forest Camp  to Ghale Gaon

Day 7: Ghale Gaon to Pokhara

Day 8: Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Day 09: Final departure from Kathmandu to international airport.

 

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.):-Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) which takes about six hours. You depart early morning at 7 o’clock for the six hours drive by tourist deluxe bus to Pokhara (915m,), 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Having pleasant weather, Pokhara is tourist’s paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This drive will take most of the morning, leaving much of the afternoon to fall in love with its beauty. You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes.

Day 02: Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola (Bijayapur Army Camp)-Kalikasthan (1370m.) 
Drive from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola (Bijayapur Army Camp)-Kalikasthan (1370m.) which takes about five hours. A broad trail starts through rice fields near the Army Camp, and then ascends through Rakhigaon to a Chautara, a resting place under a large pipal tree. En route, you can enjoy the views in panorama. Now the trails climb gently along a ridge top through the Brahmin and Chhetris villages towards Kalikasthan at (1370m.). At the end, you should climb a short distance to the campsite which is situated above the village with panoramic view of mountain, Begnas Tal and Pokhara city.

Day 03: Kalikasthan to Lamachaur (1680m.):-Trek from Kalikasthan to LamaKhet (1680m.) which takes about six hours. You begin following gently path passing through local villages of mixed ethnic groups, rice terraces up to Mardi Khola. Now the trek is easy as you walk along the riverbank. En route you cross Bhaise, Nawaldanda, to reach Lama Khet. It is a small village where stay overnight. This place is surrounded by green hills which exhilarates you.

Day 04: Lamachaur to Siklis (1980m.):-Trek from Lamachaur to Siklis (1980m.) and it takes approximately six hours.

The trail stretches at flat level along the river bank until you reach Khilan Gaon. After this, you follow path which is gently up at some distance and steeply up for some hours. En route you pass Parju village. The trail again climbs till Siklis village. It is one of the oldest and big Gurung village. Most of the people serve in Indian and British Army.

Day 05: Siklis to Neuli Kharka or Forest camp (2200m.):-Trek from Siklis to Neuli Kharka or Forest camp (2200m.) which takes about five hours. This trek goes through rhododendron and oak forests following gently ascent path in the beginning. After some distance, you walk over the flat land. Forest Camp is surrounded by forests.

Day 06: Forest Camp to Ghale Gaon (2000m.):-Trek from Forest Camp to Ghale Gaon (2000m.) and it takes about five hours. You trek through forests covered with rhododendron. While walking you cross the highest pass of this trek. After pass, you descend steeply to reach Ghale Gaon. It is a small village which is mainly inhabited by Gurung and Magar community.

Day 07: Ghale Gaon to Pokhara:-Trek from Ghale Gaon to Pokhara which takes about three hours. The supposed trek descends gently upto Hyamgja (1070m.). You board vehicle here to go to Pokhara.

Day 08: Pokhara to Kathmandu:-Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu and it takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You are then directly taken to the hotel

Day 09: Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We will drop you off at the International airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. Your own way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Start Date End Date Price In US Dollar($) AVAILABILITY Booking
A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail info@nepalfreelanceguide.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 10 days Days
All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.

Cost Include

Cost Is Included

  • 2 Night accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B basie plan
    • Kathmandu to Pokhara transfer by bus or Car
    • 1 Night accommodation in Pokhra with B/B basic plan
    • All airport and hotel transfers
    • Conservation permit
    • Accommodation, food and Tea/coffee during the trek
    • Guide:- including salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
    • Porter:- including salary, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
    • For guest:-Down jacket, Good sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
    • All government and local taxes

Cost Exclude

Cost Is Not Included
• Food in Kathmandu (Lunch & Dinner)
• Food in Pokhara (Lunch & Dinner)
• Bakery food during the trek. When you eat in the bakery that you need to pay by yourself
• Nepal Visa fee
• International airfare from your country to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
• Travel and rescue insurance if guest get mountain sickness and need to rescue helicopter.
• Personal expenses example (phone calls, laundry service , bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Tips for guide and porters

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our testimonials

  • Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then…

    Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group  Australia
    • Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group Australia
  • Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…

    Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Australia
  • Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…

    Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Japan
  • I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…

    Philip Pomeroy  Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • Philip Pomeroy Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • British
  • My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…

    Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie  South Australia
    • Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie South Australia
    • Australia
view all testimonials
  • Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then as a support person in Nepal before, during and after. He completed the following tasks with the utmost professionalism and patience. Arranged transfer of a large number of funds from Australian bank account to Nepalese bank account. Communications with the village before we arrived to ensure the walls were built. Organized our itinerary and necessary bookings for the trekking part of our journey for 8 adults. Once we arrived in Nepal he then assisted us in purchasing all the gear we needed for the finishing of the hothouse. e.g. Polycarbonate roof sheeting and the many other bits of hardware necessary. Transport of the roofing etc to Phortse village via helicopter, plane, yak, and porter. As well as being a part of the project Dammaru also was our trekking guide for the duration of our trip of 5 weeks. He organized everything for us from the hotel, in Kathmandu and everything in between our trek to base camp. He is honest, reliable and always puts the customer first. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dammaru to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal.
    Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group  Australia
    • Testimonial from Bell Howse with hothouse group Australia
  • Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years later. This trip was the culmination of a long term project to build hothouses in a village deep into the Solu Khumbu region. www.himalyanhothouse.org To complete this project Dammaru had a pivotal role in developing contacts, sourcing materials helping to manage the project finances. During the preparations for the Hothouse project, we found Dammaru to be honest, prompt and very hardworking. He also showed a great understanding of our requests and needs for the project to be successful. During the trek, itself Dammaru co-ordinated seven of our group and six porters as well as an extra climbing guide. He also acted as a very effective interpreter and liaison with the people of the village of Phortse. On a personal level, Dammaru is the most genuine man with a big heart. He shared the passion for our project and its humanitarian ideals. Once again our safety during the whole trek was his main concern. A phrase often used by Dammaru sums up his professional work ethic. Service is most important. I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Dammaru Niraula if you plan to undertake a trek or similar activity in Nepal.
    Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Ian Thwaity with hothouse group Australia
    • Australia
  • Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I would recommend you as one choice. His personality and professional guide skill makes me fun of Trekking and Nepal. so I am planning to go to Nepal again this August. He may meet all demand of you request on your trekking trip even though you join in the big group.  Because he has more over 10 years experience of  trekking guide for Many English and Japanese speaker. Actually, I have never met such a good Japanese speaker guide and I had no chance to speak in English with him. I can recommend him to all people who need great experience guide with English or Japanese. so you can get satisfaction for a great guide. Very Thanks,
    Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Testimonial from Hajime / Tokyo.
    • Japan
  • I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). Our group was led by Dammaru Niraula and we were most impressed by his leadership qualities. He introduced us gently to the lower altitudes and gradually encouraged us on longer and more arduous days of trekking. At Manang, he encouraged us to take a day trek up the lower slopes of Gangapurna and Annapurna III (see my photo below) and afterward to attend an altitude safety lecture in Manang. We are all convinced that, without his careful attention to altitude safety, we would not all have completed the trek over Thorong La and some of us at least would have joined the many trekkers who are forced to descend suffering from altitude sickness. We will always be eternally grateful to Dammaru and his team of Sherpas. Like many Nepalese, Dammaru has a very quiet and gentle nature with a keen sense of humor and fun. At first, he appears to be shy and reserved but is constantly attending to the needs of his guests, assessing their temperaments and abilities and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. After a few days in his care, you come to realize that you are in the hands of an experienced, competent and understanding mountain guide. I can recommend him too highly and know that he will continue to offer excellent trekking facilities in the Himalayas.
    Philip Pomeroy  Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • Philip Pomeroy Holcot, Northamptonshire, UK.
    • British
  • My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.

    Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie  South Australia
    • Peter Smith & Jane Fairlie South Australia
    • Australia
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