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A 12-day circuit from Pokhara to the traditional Gurung village of Siklis, this trek combines steady hillwalking, village stays and a hilltop camp at Kalika. Expect terraced fields, forest ridges, and close cultural encounters with a community of Tibetan-origin Gurungs.
A 12-day circuit from Pokhara to the traditional Gurung village of Siklis, this trek combines steady hillwalking, village stays and a hilltop camp at Kalika. Expect terraced fields, forest ridges, and close cultural encounters with a community of Tibetan-origin Gurungs.
You step off the bus in Pokhara with mountain air sharpening your lungs; by the second day you’re trading town streets for terraced rice paddies and a mercifully slow rhythm of village life. The trail climbs and falls across ridgelines, through rhododendron and oak forest, and finally deposits you at Siklis—a compact Gurung village perched just below treeline where prayer flags and stone houses keep the old rhythms alive.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Green Horizon Tours & Travels - Thamel · Pokhara, Gandaki Province
You step off the bus in Pokhara with mountain air sharpening your lungs; by the second day you’re trading town streets for terraced rice paddies and a mercifully slow rhythm of village life. The trail climbs and falls across ridgelines, through rhododendron and oak forest, and finally deposits you at Siklis—a compact Gurung village perched just below treeline where prayer flags and stone houses keep the old rhythms alive.
The route threads close to Annapurna’s eastern flanks: Machapuchare and Annapurna IV appear and disappear through breaks in the canopy. Geologically, you walk on uplifted, weathered foothills carved by the Mardi Khola; soils are loamy, trails can be narrow and slippered after rain. Culturally, Siklis is a Buddhist Gurung settlement; local shamanic and lama practices remain part of daily life and village festivals are a meaningful window into indigenous customs.
Practical guidance: this is a gentle multi-day circuit rather than a high-altitude crossing—most nights are in simple guesthouses with one scheduled hilltop camp at Kalika. Expect daily walking of 3–6 hours, steady but not technical trails, and basic services in larger stops like Pokhara and Thak. Bring sturdy waterproof boots, layered clothing for cool nights, a reliable water filter, and modest gifts (tea, salt) if staying with families. Plan for variable weather—spring and autumn offer the clearest views; monsoon turns paths to mud and winter brings icy mornings. Respect village customs: ask before photographing people, pack out litter, and support local homestays. This trek is as much about the people and hillside fields as it is about mountains—walk slowly and the place will tell you its story.
Siklis village sits around 1,980 m and the Kalika hilltop camp is slightly higher; the trek stays below typical high-altitude thresholds, reducing severe altitude risk.
National park fees are listed in the tour inclusions—confirm with your operator which permits they handle before departure.
Accommodation is basic guesthouses and tea-houses in villages, with one planned camp at Kalika; expect shared facilities and simple meals.
Minimum age is 10 years per the operator; families should consider daily walking durations and comfort with rustic lodging.
Green Horizon Tours & Travels - Thamel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the bus in Pokhara with mountain air sharpening your lungs; by the second day you’re trading town streets for terraced rice paddies and a mercifully slow rhythm of village life. The trail climbs and falls across ridgelines, through rhododendron and oak forest, and finally deposits you at Siklis—a compact Gurung village perched just below treeline where prayer flags and stone houses keep the old rhythms alive.
You step off the bus in Pokhara with mountain air sharpening your lungs; by the second day you’re trading town streets for terraced rice paddies and a mercifully slow rhythm of village life. The trail climbs and falls across ridgelines, through rhododendron and oak forest, and finally deposits you at Siklis—a compact Gurung village perched just below treeline where prayer flags and stone houses keep the old rhythms alive.
The route threads close to Annapurna’s eastern flanks: Machapuchare and Annapurna IV appear and disappear through breaks in the canopy. Geologically, you walk on uplifted, weathered foothills carved by the Mardi Khola; soils are loamy, trails can be narrow and slippered after rain. Culturally, Siklis is a Buddhist Gurung settlement; local shamanic and lama practices remain part of daily life and village festivals are a meaningful window into indigenous customs.
Practical guidance: this is a gentle multi-day circuit rather than a high-altitude crossing—most nights are in simple guesthouses with one scheduled hilltop camp at Kalika. Expect daily walking of 3–6 hours, steady but not technical trails, and basic services in larger stops like Pokhara and Thak. Bring sturdy waterproof boots, layered clothing for cool nights, a reliable water filter, and modest gifts (tea, salt) if staying with families. Plan for variable weather—spring and autumn offer the clearest views; monsoon turns paths to mud and winter brings icy mornings. Respect village customs: ask before photographing people, pack out litter, and support local homestays. This trek is as much about the people and hillside fields as it is about mountains—walk slowly and the place will tell you its story.