Sikles Laphuche Lake Trek

Sikles Laphuche Lake Trek

Background
The Sikles with Laphuche Lake trek is one of the newly opened trekking routes so that you get to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Annapurna region. The serene Himalayan adventure will take you to the village of Sikles. One of the lesser-traveled destinations around the Annapurna region, the village offers a quiet and tranquil experience. Spiraling across the foothills of the majestic Annapurna Himalayan Range, the journey highlights the captivating natural beauty of Nepal. The Sikles trek is a perfect example if you are seeking something different from your Himalayan adventure.

The Sikles with Laphuche Lake trek begins with a pleasant journey heading towards the city of Pokhara. Marveling at its eye-catching beauty, we journey towards Lamakhet, continuing to reach Thak village. Through the lush green forests, the hilly trail takes us toward the Tara Hilltop, which offers mesmerizing views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. Journeying to Sikles next, we soak in the stunning beauty of hilly Nepal before ascending towards Hugu Kharka. A lovely morning hike brings us to the Laphuche glacial lake.

The pristine Lake reflects the captivating beauty of the Annapurna Himalayas and offers a lovely respite from the trek. Taking in the unforgettable Himalayan views, we begin our descending journey back to Hugu Kharka. Dropping down to Sikles next, we start our descending journey heading towards the banks of Kalbandi Khola. The final stretch of our trip sees us descend towards the Chansu village before continuing to reach Pokhara. The adventure ends with a scenic journey back to the capital city. It is a relatively easy trek in the Annapurna region and houses a wide variety of wildlife in the Annapurna region. Similarly, the spring and autumn seasons are the best time to enjoy the beauty of the area.

Himalaya Holiday Service has been operating trips in Nepal for many years. Each journey is treated differently, and we make sure you get the very best out of your Himalayan adventure. We believe that our satisfied client base speaks volumes about the kind of service we offer.

While you are in Nepal if you wish to Visit Mount Everest by Helicopter we have this flight on a daily basis. If you want to read about the experiences of previous travellers can read on Trip Advisor.

Trip Highlights:
An unforgettable adventure to the quaint Sikles village
Accompany the rugged hilly trails towards the Laphuche glacial lake
Discover ancient Gurung villages and learn more about their culture and way of life
Enjoy unparalleled views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range

Trip Facts:
Geography: Hills, Valleys
Location: Annapurna Region
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Duration of Trek: 11 days
Max Altitude: 2400m
Religions: Buddhism
Ethnic People: Gurung, Magar
Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge
Transportation: Private Vehicle, Tourist Bus, Flight
Minimum Pax: 02

Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our office representatives who will guide you directly to the hotel. Freshening up from the day’s journey, you will be further introduced to other members of the trek, including your guides for the trip. Following a short briefing session, we wrap up all the activities scheduled for the day, and you are free to explore the local areas.

Day 02 Drive or Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The first day of our Sikles Trek takes us to the city of Pokhara. We can either choose to fly to the city or take on the winding bends of Prithvi Highway. The 30-minute flight takes us high above the lush green valley and offers a glimpse of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. If you choose to drive to the city, the journey will take a total of 6 hours and offers stunning views of the serene hilly landscapes. Overnight at Pokhara.

Day 03 Pokhara to Thak, 45 minutes drive to Lamakhet and start the trek
An early start to the day, we begin our Himalayan journey with a pleasant drive towards Lamakhet. As we trek towards Mohoriya, the journey takes us south through dense forests. From the trailhead at Lamakhet, we descend towards Danda Gaon, continuing to reach Chhachowk. Enjoying the pleasant hilly landscapes, the final stretch of the trek brings us to Thak village for the night.

Day 04 Trek to Tara HilltopOne of the longer days of our journey, today, we head over to Tara Hilltop, which offers stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. Exiting Thak, the hilly trail guides us through Taprong village before reaching Saini Kharka. Crossing Harbu Danda en route, the final stretch of the trek brings us to Tara Hill Top for the night.

Day 05 Trek to Sikles Village
Enjoying a mesmerizing Himalayan sunrise from Tara Hilltop, we begin our descending journey heading towards Sikles village. The journey guides us through remote trails covered by dense forests. On the foothills of Mihis Danda, we head west to reach Bhunluchu village. Enjoying the serene natural beauty, we descend towards the Sikles Village.

Day 06 Trek to Hugu Kharka
Following the banks of the Modi Khola River, we begin our ascending journey from Sikles. Heading north, we arrive at the quaint Gurung villages of Gyauche and Lauyu. Learning more about the traditional Gurung culture and way of life, we head over towards Doyo Kharka. The final stretch of the trek takes us through the foothills of Saiya Danda to reach Hugu Kharka.

Day 07 Hiking around and enjoy Laphuche glacial lake (2400m)
A stunning day of adventure awaits as we begin our ascending journey towards Laphuche Glacial Lake. Fed by the Annapurna Glacier, the Lake offers mesmerizing views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. Enjoying the mesmerizing display of Himalayan beauty, we begin our descending journey back to High Kharka for the night.

Day 08 Trek to Sikles
On the first day of our descending journey, we head back towards Sikles village for the night. Exiting Hugu Kharka, the trail follows the banks of the Modi Khola River past Lauyu and Gyauche villages. Dropping down to Sikles, we take a brief rest before exploring the quaint village. One of the lesser-known areas of the Annapurna region, Sikles, offers a first-hand experience of the local Gurung culture and way of life.

Day 09 Trek to Chansu and then drive to Pokhara
Exiting Sickles, we begin our descending journey heading towards the village of Parche. Crossing the Kalbandi Khola, we journey through Tauneswarna and Tanting villages. The trail guides us to Bagaletha before crossing the Seti Kholagaon to reach Chansu in the west. After a brief rest at the Gurung village, we head back to Pokhara for the night.

Day 10 Drive to Kathmandu
Another early start to our day, today, we make our way back to the capital city. Bidding goodbye to the majestic Himalayas, we follow the winding bends of Prithvi Highway through pleasant natural scenery. Accompanied by the Trishuli River midway through the journey, the trail takes us through several towns and villages to reach Kathmandu. Upon arriving at the capital city, we make our way directly to the hotel, where a lovely farewell dinner awaits us.

Day 11 Departure
Our representatives will drop you back to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.

Key Information
This trek crosses a variety of terrain from beautiful villages where a large group of Gurung people lives. They are friendly and very welcoming so you can interact with them.
It is advised to bring water-purifying tablets or other suitable forms of water purification. You can refill water in your own bottle instead of continually buying bottled water.
You can carry an NTC or Ncell SIM card for the trek. You will be able to get network services in most of the places during the trek. You can also enjoy surfing 3G/4G internet services.
Do not forget to carry your medications if you are suffering from any illness that requires you to have medications daily. You may not be able to buy your medicines in Sikles.
Sikles Trek is suitable for beginner trekkers as well. You do not need to have any prior trekking experience.
Carry medicines for minor illnesses. Besides, your guide will be carrying the first aid kit and will be providing you with medical assistance if needed.
Carry light snacks and chocolates with you for the trek.
Extra costs for refreshments are not included in the package.

FAQ:

Can you make provisions for Homestay during the journey?
Yes, Sikles Trek offers homestay facilities to trekkers. Prior information is required for the kind of accommodation you would like, i.e., Tea house or Homestay. Teahouses are small and cozy. You can always ask for a spare blanket. Staying in a homestay offers the chance to interact with the locals as well as experience their unique lifestyle.

What facilities do homestays offer in Sikles?
These days, a higher number of visitors prefer Homestay over lodges. This has encouraged people of the Gurung community in Sikles to conserve their unique culture. You will get the necessary facilities for accommodation in homestays; however, the local people will make you feel comfortable and at home. Enjoy the traditional dances, folk songs, delicacies, and drinks with locals.

I heard that it gets pretty cold in Sikles. What should I pack for the Sikles trek?
Packing for any trip depends on the season you are traveling. In Sikles, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer warm temperatures, and the climate is favorable for trekking. Be sure to pack raincoats or umbrellas for monsoon (June to August) treks, and woolen clothes are a must for winter (December to February).

What unique culture do the Gurungs follow? Will I get the chance to see any of the individual practices of the Gurungs?
One of the unique practices of the Gurungs includes shamanism. The priests of the Gurung tribes are called Jhakris. They are involved in many ceremonies and events, e.g., in marriage ceremonies or events of demise. Also, when someone gets sick, they are taken to the Jhakris for a cure. If you want to see a ritual being practiced by a shaman, you can ask your guide to take you for a visit.