This trek is a picturesque trek to Siklis, a beautiful largest Gurung village in Nepal ( the second largest being Ghandruk ) located northeast of Pokhara, at an elevation of 1980m/6496ft, in the shadow of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal carrying its well-preserved example of traditional Gurung culture, lifestyle, and handicraft production. The Gurung Village trek takes us to the rarely visited valley through forests, across rivers, camp near hamlets, and always there are the Annapurnas as a beacon. Traditional Gurung village away from the tourist trail offers a cultural experience that is often missed on the more popular trails and where your presence is as honored as that of a visiting God. The route from Ghalegaun-Siklis is known as the ecological trek as it is under the care of ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). The historic hill trek to Siklis still retains an aura of old times. Historically, Siklis is renowned as one of the major origin places of the Gurung Community. Here, we find the various ritual practices of Gurungs especially the works of Jhankri (shaman) and Lama (priest), who have important roles in marriage, death, and day-to-day lives. Traditional technologies like alcohol fermentation, weaving clothes and sacks from the wild nettle, weaving various bamboo products, traditional water mills and stone grinders, wooden thrashers, etc are also important features of Siklis. In this region, we spot Nepal’s birds of prey including the 9ft wingspan Lammergeyer. The region is rich in flora and fauna particularly birds and butterflies because of its pristine forested surroundings and the great mountain views add excitement. We take a route – Pokhara-Birgunj-Ghalegaun-Taratop-Parje-Sikils-Lamakhet-Kalikasthan-Begnas Lake-Pokhara.
Package Cost: USD 1399
Duration: 11 Days
Elevation Gain: 2600m
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: NO
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast, we depart the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.” We visit Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance with old glorious Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess. Afterward, we visit Swayambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. We proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later we visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity. Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner
Day 3: Drive to POKHARA (884/2900ft)
After morning breakfast in the hotel, the tour starts with the scenic view of beautiful hills, countryside lifestyle driving along the Trishuli River. Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Drive to BHURJUNG & Trek to GHALEGAUN (1500m/4922ft) 4 hours
After breakfast, we drive to Bhurjung and start the trek to Ghalegaun. We continue along the west bank of the Seti River and through several small Gurung settlements. The paths through the villages are paved with large stones and several of the ascents are stepped in the same way. We cross Sardi Khola and make a steep ascent to our campsite on a ridge high above the river. Wonderful views of Annapurna South (7273m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Machhapuchhre (6997m). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Trek to TARA TOP (2600m/8530ft) 6 hours
Early morning after breakfast we walk through the dense forest with the beauties of nature around. The trail is steep up the hill, which enables the views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, etc. Tara Top is the viewpoint for the gigantic views of the mountains touching the sky. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Trek to PARJE (2500m/8202ft) 6 hours
Today we walk along the thick forest with the panoramic beauty of nature which is easier than the previous day. Parje is at the top of the village with the big ground where we camp in mid of nature. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trek to SIKLIS (1980m/6496ft) & LAMAKHET(1200m/3938ft) 5 hours
Today we wake up in the morning with the zeal to explore the Gurung village, Siklis. After Siklis we walk down to reach to Madi River to reach Lamakhet. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Trek to KALIKASTHAN (1400m/4594ft) 5 hours
In the shiny morning, we ascend up the hill to reach Kalikasthan. Kalikasthan is popular for the viewpoint it offers to its visitors with the panoramic views of mountains. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Trek to BEGNAS LAKE (610m/2002ft) & Drive to POKHARA 4 hours
Through rice fields, fruit orchards, and friendly villages we finally make our way to the quiet banks of the Begnas Lake. Our trek ends with a boat ride across the tranquil Begnas with its waters reflecting the mountains. From Begnas we drive to Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Fly back to KATHMANDU
From Pokhara, we fly back to Kathmandu and are dropped at the hotel. This is a leisure day which can be utilized by buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening you will be invited to join FAREWELL reviewing great photos and share experiences of the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Important Note
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Accommodations:
We will be staying at Alpine Hotel Nepal in Kathmandu, Mount Kailash Resort in Pokhara, and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD350. Alpine Club of Himalaya will arrange rooms with attached washrooms. However, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Meals:
During the Gurung Village Trek, you can enjoy Nepali, Tibetan, Indian as well as more common continental cuisines. Breakfast (only) will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be available during the trek and climb. While trekking Gurung Village Trek, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be arranged for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During the climbing session, hygienic and freshly-cooked food will be provided. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Please contact us to customize this trek.
Congratulation!