SIKLES VILLAGE HD

The Gurung village of Sikles has been established by the ACA project as a model trekking village and is an internal part of their eco-route. It is located to the north east of Pokhara, at about 2000 meters elevation, in the shadow of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. It is a large village, possibly the second largest Gurung village in Nepal, and is a well-preserved example of traditional Gurung culture. While here, the trekker can easily spend several days experiencing local life-style of the people, seeing handicraft production and sight-seeing. Of particular interest are the local cloth weaving and the ancient water driven flourmills. Above the village is Rishing Danda, from where a marvelous panoramic view of the peaks of Annapurna II and Lamjung can be seen. This place is also famous as a point from which to see avalanches thundering down off the mountain sides. Folk songs and dances are an important part of Gurung life and cultural performances are common occurrences in Sikles. Of particular interest here is the Ghantu dance, traditionally performed by three young girls. Accommodation in Sikles can be either in teahouses or, by prior arrangement with ACAP Pokhara office, in village homes. To get to Sikles it is best to do the round trip, starting in Pokhara and taking a taxi to Kabhre Danda. From here it takes two days t trek to Sikles via Chansu. To return, follow the eco-route through the Ghalekhaeka and Diprang and back into Pokhara in a further three days easy trekking.