We start from Pokhara to Sikles Village, and then trek to Hugu village and then trek to Kaphuche lake back to Hugu village. Trek to Sikles and then Drive to Pokhara.
Sikles Trek is an easy trek with full interaction with nature and the local villagers of Sikles. It is recommended for those who want to trek in quite an environment and willing to eat and sleep in a local tea house owned by the local community.
We provide basic tea houses for boarding/lodging. Even we have an option for camping. Tea houses are essentially small hotels found in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home-cooked meals. Rooms are typically shared with 2 trekkers in a room. Bathrooms are also shared. In some places, we use homestay also. for private rooms we must pay extra money. it is the last chance to get in a busy season of trekking.
Trekkers can choose a meal/food from the menus at the tea houses. Typical meals include omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, momo, vegetarian curries, or chow mein. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat which consists of rice, lentils, and a vegetable is all you can eat and always a good choice. Meat on the mountain is not hygienic and we suggest trekkers stick with vegetarian options.
There is not a problem with vegetarian food and in fact, we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.
Weather/Temperature in the month of Summer — June, July, and August have the hottest temperature. The temperature in the daytime in Annapurna regions is between 20 to 25 degrees centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in June and July. The nighttime temperatures in the Annapurna region during the summer are high too.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn— lasts from the end of September to November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Annapurna. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summer, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall and reach between -7 - 15 degrees in November.
Weather/Temperature in Winter — December, January, and February. The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Annapurna is severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Annapurna winters is 8 degrees centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls drastically. The nighttime temperatures are around -7 degrees but they can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring — March/April/ May is a perfect time to enjoy the Annapurna region. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in April and peaks at almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Annapurna lovers. The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May. Rhododendron forests are splendid to view at this time,
Trekking Equipment is always needed to be comfortable during trekking. It is also possible to buy/rent trekking gear at an affordable price in Kathmandu and Pokhara Nepal. Below is the recommended trekking equipment list for comfortable trekking in the Sikles Kaphuche trek.
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Jugal Himal representative will greet you and assist you to reach the hotel. You will be served with welcome dinner with a Nepali cultural show. Few discussions about the entire travel plan during dinner. Overnight stay in hotel.
Kathmandu valley comprises unique traditions and cultures with beautiful world heritage sites. Within the valley, there are seven world heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Changunarayan, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar square. You have choices among these heritage sites to visit in a day tour. Patan Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, and Bouddhanath can be visited or you can think of the organic town Bhaktapur and Pashupati one of the greatest temple of Hindu. Even Kathmandu Durbar square can be visited during the evening time or in the morning time. It is near- Thamel.
Swoyambhunath
Swoyambhunath Stupa or Monkey temple is a popular destination in Kathmandu among tourists. From the hills of Swoyambhunath, Kathmandu valley and its landmarks can be observed. This impeccably proportioned landmark ascends through a whitewashed vault to a plated tower, from where four famous countenances of the Buddha gaze out across the valley in the cardinal headings. The whole design of the stupa is profoundly representative: the white vault addresses the earth, while the 13-layered, tower-like construction at the top represents the 13 phases of nirvana. The nose-like squiggle underneath the puncturing eyes is the Nepali number Ek (one), implying solidarity, or more is a third eye meaning the omniscient knowledge of the Buddha.
Swoyambhunath is located on a hillock distance 3 km Northwest of Kathmandu, Swoyambhunath is one of the holiest places in Nepal where Hindus and Buddhists come together to give homage in their way. It is believed that Syoyambhunath emerge suddenly when Kathmandu valley was a lake. Swoyambhu in a real sense signifies "self-existent one". Trusted to trace back to 460 A.D., it was constructed by King Manadeva, and by the thirteenth hundred years, it had turned into a significant focus of Buddhism. Rumors from far and wide suggest that Swayambhu was conceived out of a lotus blossom that sprouted in a lake that once spread across the Kathmandu Valley used to be. The biggest picture of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal sits on a high platform on the western limit of Swayambhu close to the Ring Road. Behind the peak is a sanctuary devoted to Manjusri or Saraswati - the Goddess of learning. Chaityas, sculptures, and altars of Buddhist and Hindu gods fill the stupa complex. The foundation of the slope is essentially encircled by petitioning God haggles. Enthusiasts should be visible circumambulating the stupa consistently. it is one of the prime destinations if you wish to tour Kathmandu valley.
Bouddhanath
Bouddhanath has located around 11 km from the middle and northeastern part of Kathmandu, its huge mandala makes it one of the biggest round stupas in the world. The Buddhist stupa has been recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This stupa is perhaps one of the most visited places in Kathmandu, Nepal. The stupa is on the old shipping lane from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the town of Sankhu in the upper east corner and proceeds to the old and more modest stupa of Chabahil named Charumati Stupa (frequently called "Little Boudhanath"). It then, at that point, turns straightforwardly south, heading over the Bagmati River to Lalitpur, bypassing the principal city of Kathmandu (which was assembled later). Tibetan traders have rested and offered supplications at Boudha Stupa for a long time. At the point when outcasts entered Nepal from Tibet during the 1950s, many chose to live around Bouddhanath. Around Bouddhanath stupa, several gompas are practicing Buddhism. Most European, and American tourists come regularly to do meditation and learn Buddhism in these gompas.
Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath is a graceful sacred destination of Hindus around the world it is located at the bank of the holy Bagmati river. Lord Shiva’s other name is Pashupati meaning lord of every individual living on this Earth. Thousands of pilgrims visit Pashupatinath each year. Around Pashupatinath, there are hundreds of temples dedicated to lord Shiva. It takes one whole day if we wish to get depth knowledge of Pashupati and the religious process that happen there. but in the main temple of Pashupatinath, only Hindus can enter to homage to lord Shiva however the wide range of various structures is accessible for outsiders to visit. Meeting sadhus in Pahsupathinath is additionally extremely normal. Sadhus are meandering parsimonious yogis, who are attempting to gain freedom from the pattern of death and resurrection by reflecting. They have an extremely novel appearance with explicit yellow artistic creations on their bodies.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the popular city tour destinations within Kathmandu valley. In 1979, UNESCO listed durbar square as World Heritage Site. Till the monarchy, it was used for Hindu rituals, holy ceremonies, royal events, and coronations of kings. there are several temples, ancient statue, several courtyards, gardens, small ponds, and many more interesting historical monuments which symbolizes history, culture, and many more. Kumari the living goddess temple is always a great attraction for foreigners. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu holds many old palaces, buildings, temples, and statues from medieval times. The destructive earthquake of 2015 destroys many monuments which are currently repairing and rebuilding to a similar look as before.
We drive early in the morning from Kathmandu to reach Pokhara. it takes around 6-8 hours to reach Pokhara. we follow the Trisuli river up to Mugling and then the Marsyangdi river up to Dumre. we will experience high hills and pristine forests during our drive. the beautiful small villages, terrace farm fields, and streams running from hills make it more enjoyable. After you reach Pokhara, we will transfer you to the hotel. Take a rest and in the evening you can stroll around Lakeside.
Early morning, you can go to the roof of the hotel to view magnificent Annapurna and fishtail mountain. you will be excited to go nearer and nearer to the mountain. Today, we’ll leave for Sikles early in the morning from Pokhara after your breakfast. Sikles is a small and well-preserved Gurung village located on a small hill at a height of 1,981 meters. The road is rough, we must use an off-road vehicle to go to Sikles. As we drive further, we will see the beautiful Himalayan range thick forest, organic farms, and meadows. the enriched culture and tradition of Sikles village make you happy. in the evening, you will have a local cultural show organized by local women's groups. the distance between Pokhara and Sikles is around 50 km which is almost 4 hour drive to reach there. Overnight stay in homestay/lodge.
Today, we will trek from Sikles to Hugu village. this is the first day of trekking we will be trekking for 6-7 hours. after breakfast, we will ascend uphill to reach Hugu village. the trekking trial is almost stone paved stone stairs. whenever we cross Sikles village we start to view mountains such as Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and many others too close. Then you’ll be walking on a narrow path at the edge of the hills which is very thrilling and adventurous. Then you’ll descend, following the same trails, and observe the Edi waterfall (64 m). Take some moments to capture such a beautiful landscape and waterfall. we can rest for a few minutes and explore the area. Then we’ll continue the trek ascending uphill which is a little bit tough than the previous trail. we‘ll climb through a steep trail covered with a big stone path that crosses through small rivers and bridges. we’ll continue trekking unless we reach Hugu village. overnight camp at 2100m or can stay in a homestay.
Today, we’ll trek from Hugu to Kaphuche lake. we explore the lake and spend time and capture beautiful moments there and then trek back to Hugu. Kaphuche Lake is the lowest glacial lake in Nepal which is located at an elevation of 2450m. comparatively the trekking trail is short and easy than other trekking in the Annapurna region. we’ll enjoy the beautiful mountain range and nature during trekking on the trail. After trekking for 2 hours, we’ll reach Kaphuche Lake. The beautiful mountains will surround you with the crystal clear blue lake upfront. The splendid landscape, and glacial lake, will make you happy. explore around the lake and trek back to Hugu village. in total, we spend 5-6 hours today trekking and exploring the lake. overnight camp in Hugu village.
We start our day early in the morning to reach Sikles. We reach Sikles to have lunch there. After lunch, we drive for 4 hours to reach Pokhara. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
Pokhara touring can be started with Gupteswor cave and the famous Davis Falls which are close to each other. People believed that Gupteswor cave has religious significance for Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. While, it is believed that because a Swiss citizen named Davis was swept away during bathing, this small fall has been named Davis Fall afterward and is a popular destination for tourists. The tour then can be followed with a peace stupa, Pumdikot or even you can enjoy Paragliding and Ziplining. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu or simply fly for 30 minutes to reach Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have Farewell Dinner.
One of our office representatives assists you to reach the international airport 2 hours before your flight schedule.