Excellent mountain views
We wanted a trek that could enjoy the magnificent views afforded by the Annapurna, yet less busy and suitable for a wider range of fitness levels. The less traveled trails of Siklis offered the perfect answer, with Ghalegaon village a particular highlight.
Suitable for children.
Day 1 : Drive to Pokhara, or you may choose to fly. USD 68 one-way.
Days 2-3 : Trek through the land of the Gurung people, following the Mardi Khola. The people here are friendly and welcoming and it is they who have paved so many trails with precicely fitted stone blocks. From there terraced fields climb through alpine meadows and forests to the village of Siklish. Take a short walk beyond the village and the many giants of the Annapurna are revealed with a dozen peaks over 6500meters and massive glaciers visible.
Days 4-5 : Heading west snow-capped peaks fill the view to the right as the trail makes a steep climb to Tara Top, a grassy wooded knoll that marks the highest point of the trek (3025m). From here there is a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Annapurnas, central Nepal and the foothills dropping towards the plains of India - sunset and sunrise are unforgettable. With its slate-roofed houses huddled against the hillside Siklish is the largest Gurung village in Nepal and you have a full day here to explore the surrounding villages and countryside.
Days 6-7 : The seldom-visited village of Ghalegaon is a definite highlight of this trek. Passing through a shady rhododendron forest filled with orchids, lichen and moss the trail descends steeply to Bhurjung Khola village. A small stream leads down into the Pokhara Valley where transport to Pokhara awaits.
Day 8 : Return to Kathmandu.
