Accommodation:
Teahouses or Lodges are accommodation types during the Sikles trek that provide basic facilities but are comfortable to stay in. Generally, bathrooms are inside the teahouses. Pay additional costs for facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot bucket water, and charging devices. Internet and phone networks are mostly stable in the lower regions.
Meals:
3-course full board meals are served during the Sikles trek which are healthy and hygienic. Breakfast and dinner are served from the teahouses and lunch is served at the stopovers during the trek.
Drinking water:
Drinking water during the Sikles trek is easily available. Trekkers can buy Mineral Water, fill tap water, or boiled water at teahouses as their preference. Always carry a water bottle to minimize plastic pollution. Travelers can also use a water purification solution or buy mineral water which costs USD 1-2 per bottle.
Public vehicles or airways are the means of transportation during the Sikles Trek. Private vehicle options are also there.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus.
- Transfer from Pokhara to Bijayapur Khola and return to Pokhara by private transport.
- Flight options and Private vehicles from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu are available at an applicable cost.
Sikles trek can be done throughout the year in all four seasons: Spring (Mar-May), Autumn (Sep-Nov), Monsoon (Jun-Aug), and Winter (Dec-Feb) Seasons. But, the ideal seasons for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek are Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) as the weather and temperature are stable and offer incredible vistas.
The winter and rainy seasons are riskier to trek due to the unstable weather and temperature, slippery trails, and limited availability of accommodation and services. Still, it is possible to trek with proper planning and preparation.
Sikles Trek requires compulsory two permits i.e. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Foreigners- NPR 3000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
- Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
Documents required
- Scanned copies of passport-sized photos and passports of each participant
- Travel Insurance
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS
Difficulty:
Sikles is an easy trek suitable for all age-group trekkers as it does not involve any technicality. For first-time trekkers, the trek difficulty is a medium-level. The maximum elevation gain during this trek is 2,200 m. Walking daily long hours on the steep ascending and descending rough trails can be tough for some trekkers. Previous experience is a plus point. Our support is always there throughout your journey from the start to the end.
Fitness:
Sikles trek is easy. Thus, trekkers having good fitness levels can easily accomplish this trek. Trekkers should be physically and mentally sound to join this trek. Consult with a doctor before undertaking the trek, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Some physical exercises and mental exercises to carry out before the treks are as follows:
Physical Exercises
Cardiovascular Exercises, Leg Strength Exercises, Core Strength Exercises, Upper Body Strengthening, Foot and ankle Strengthening, Flexibility and Stability Exercises, and Hiking Specific Training.
Mental Exercises
Meditation, Breathing Exercises, Stress Management, Solo Reflection, Focus and Concentration Improvement, Setting a goal, Practicing problem-solving skills, Staying Calm and Positive, Enjoying every activity, etc.
The maximum elevation during the Sikles trek is 2,200 m (Nyauli Kharka). Altitude sickness is common above 2500 m. Although getting altitude sickness chance is less it is wise to get acclimatization rest at stopovers to prevent it. Take an acclimatization rest as suggested in the itinerary during the trek.
Common symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite, and sleep loss, and on extreme some can experience unconsciousness and hallucination.
Preventions for Altitude Sickness
- Take an acclimatization rest
- Inform the guide
- Climb slowly and gradually
- Keep yourself Hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and salty foods
- Know your body limit
- Take a complete rest and sleep
- Take medicine consulting a guide
It acts as a safety net and is essential for trekking. We recommend getting travel insurance from a reputed company.
- Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage, and personal effects.
- In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment, and aftercare for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.
Sikles is an easy-level trek. Thus, it requires basic equipment and gear that trekkers can hire or bring on their own.
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Insulating Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks, Raincoat, Balaclava, Bandana, Gaiters
Shoes: Camp shoes, Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Essential Documents: Passport, Travel Permits, Visa Photocopy, Passport size photos
Food: Light snacks, Energy bars, and drink mix
Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Solar chargers, Batteries, Head Lamps, Torch, Umbrella, Sewing kit, Water Purifying solution kits, reusable bags to deposit waste, separate clean/dirty clothes
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
