Sikles and Tara Top Trek
This fabulous trek takes you off the beaten path and through the Gurung villages of Ghale Gaun and Parje, giving an extraordinary cultural treat. Tara Hill Top at 3,056m provides breathtaking, close-up views of the entire Annapurna Range.
The ridge above the village of Sikles offers amazing views of the eastern Annapurnas. En route you will pass through friendly villages, terraced fields, alpine pastures and rhododendron forests hung heavy with lichen and moss, wild flowers and orchids as well as enjoy home cooked meals throughout.
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Grade:
- Comfort: Mixed
- Start/Finish: Kathmandu
- Distance:
- Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Availability: Please call for details
- Altitude: 3,056m
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening. Altitude: 1,350m
Day 2: Pokhara. Drive out of the Kathmandu valley following the Prithvi highway, which descends to the scenic and tranquil town of Pokhara. En route you will have outstanding views of the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas, along with river valleys, terraced fields and local villages. Pokhara is set on the banks of Phewa Tal (lake) beneath the Annapurna range that create a spectacular backdrop for this serene town. On arriving you are free to explore the town, take a boat out on to the lake, walk up to the peace pagoda, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere by the lake. Altitude: 820m
Day 3: Ghale Gaun. After breakfast, depart for the Trek to Ghale Gaun. Drive to Bhurjung Khola the start of the trek and from here trek alongside the Bhurjung Khola (river) into this high, pastoral world - a world of friendly villages, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forests to Ghale Gaun for the first night camp, with a backdrop of snow-clad peaks. Altitude: 1,940m Trek: 5 hrs
Day 4: Tara Top. A steep walk through the rainforest of Annapurna takes you to Tara Top (Starlight Top) at 3,056m. From this vantage point you are surrounded by Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m) and the massive peak of Lamjung Himal (6,983m), along with a dozen or more summits. The huge icefall and glacier tumble down from the peak of Annapurna II, is the source of the Mardi Khola.Clear skies at dusk and dawn leave unforgettable memories of sunset and sunrise. The 6 hour trek is truly rewarded. Altitude: 3,056m Trek: 6 hrs
Day 5: Parje. From the campsite, descend through rhododendron forests to Parje village. The descent is made in 5 hours of trekking, enjoying spectacular views of the Eastern Annapurna massif and Manaslu an 8,000m giant. On reaching the village time is available to explore Parje’s culture and hospitality. Altitude: 980m Trek: 5 hrs
Day 6: Lamakhet. The return journey follows a totally different route. The trail is mainly used by locals following the 2,000m contour through the farming fields and shady forests of rhododendron. Wild flowers inhabit the sunnier banks and wild orchids cling to the branches above. Finally, descend steeply to Lamakhet on the Madi Khola (River) bank. Camp near the little school with distant views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Altitude: 980m Trek: 5 1/2 hrs
Day 7: Pokhara. After a short climb, follow a tumbling stream to the edge of the Pokhara valley where you are met by private transport for our return to Pokhara. Altitude: 820m Trek: 3 hrs
Day 8: Kathmandu. In the morning enjoy a drive back to Kathmandu. In the afternoon you will have free time to further explore Kathmandu and shops. Altitude: 1,350m
Day 9: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport.
Key Details:
- This tour has a 9 day, 8 night itinerary.
- This trekking tour starts and finishes in Kathmandu
- The maximum altitude on this trekking tour will be approximately 3,056m / 10,023ft
During this fantastic trekking tour you will enjoy:
- Spectacular views of the eastern Annapurna range from an unobstructed vantage point
- Trek less travelled local trails through picturesque villages
- Experience well preserved traditional Gurung culture
- Traverse through alpine pastures and rhododendron forests stocked with exquisite flora
By Air:
Regular flights are available to Kathmandu International Airport.
- All transfers to and from the airport accompanied by an English speaking representative
- Accommodation based on twin sharing. Twin rooms are provided for non-couples as well as couples
- Meals throughout the tour
- When camping we provide two-person expedition tents and all the necessary equipment
- Activities as shown in the itinerary (Note: This may vary from day to day)
- Sterilised drinking water during the trek
- All necessary transportation whether private or public
- All trekking related permits and fees
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Assistant guides and porters to support the group size
- Flights, airport taxes, visa fees, passport costs, insurance premiums and excess baggage charges
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Personal clothing and footwear such as down jackets, waterproofs, hats, gloves and hiking boots
- Personal equipment for example rucksack, day backpack, torch, water bottle
- Personal medical supplies and vaccinations
- Optional Single accommodation supplement
- Personal expenses such as phone bills, room service, charges, alcoholic drinks and tips
- Expenses incurred during emergency evacuation due to any reason
- Any items not detailed as included
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening. Altitude: 1,350m
Day 2: Pokhara. Drive out of the Kathmandu valley following the Prithvi highway, which descends to the scenic and tranquil town of Pokhara. En route you will have outstanding views of the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas, along with river valleys, terraced fields and local villages. Pokhara is set on the banks of Phewa Tal (lake) beneath the Annapurna range that create a spectacular backdrop for this serene town. On arriving you are free to explore the town, take a boat out on to the lake, walk up to the peace pagoda, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere by the lake. Altitude: 820m
Day 3: Ghale Gaun. After breakfast, depart for the Trek to Ghale Gaun. Drive to Bhurjung Khola the start of the trek and from here trek alongside the Bhurjung Khola (river) into this high, pastoral world - a world of friendly villages, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forests to Ghale Gaun for the first night camp, with a backdrop of snow-clad peaks. Altitude: 1,940m Trek: 5 hrs
Day 4: Tara Top. A steep walk through the rainforest of Annapurna takes you to Tara Top (Starlight Top) at 3,056m. From this vantage point you are surrounded by Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m) and the massive peak of Lamjung Himal (6,983m), along with a dozen or more summits. The huge icefall and glacier tumble down from the peak of Annapurna II, is the source of the Mardi Khola.Clear skies at dusk and dawn leave unforgettable memories of sunset and sunrise. The 6 hour trek is truly rewarded. Altitude: 3,056m Trek: 6 hrs
Day 5: Parje. From the campsite, descend through rhododendron forests to Parje village. The descent is made in 5 hours of trekking, enjoying spectacular views of the Eastern Annapurna massif and Manaslu an 8,000m giant. On reaching the village time is available to explore Parje’s culture and hospitality. Altitude: 980m Trek: 5 hrs
Day 6: Lamakhet. The return journey follows a totally different route. The trail is mainly used by locals following the 2,000m contour through the farming fields and shady forests of rhododendron. Wild flowers inhabit the sunnier banks and wild orchids cling to the branches above. Finally, descend steeply to Lamakhet on the Madi Khola (River) bank. Camp near the little school with distant views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Altitude: 980m Trek: 5 1/2 hrs
Day 7: Pokhara. After a short climb, follow a tumbling stream to the edge of the Pokhara valley where you are met by private transport for our return to Pokhara. Altitude: 820m Trek: 3 hrs
Day 8: Kathmandu. In the morning enjoy a drive back to Kathmandu. In the afternoon you will have free time to further explore Kathmandu and shops. Altitude: 1,350m
Day 9: Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport.
Key Details:
- This tour has a 9 day, 8 night itinerary.
- This trekking tour starts and finishes in Kathmandu
- The maximum altitude on this trekking tour will be approximately 3,056m / 10,023ft
During this fantastic trekking tour you will enjoy:
- Spectacular views of the eastern Annapurna range from an unobstructed vantage point
- Trek less travelled local trails through picturesque villages
- Experience well preserved traditional Gurung culture
- Traverse through alpine pastures and rhododendron forests stocked with exquisite flora
By Air:
Regular flights are available to Kathmandu International Airport.
- All transfers to and from the airport accompanied by an English speaking representative
- Accommodation based on twin sharing. Twin rooms are provided for non-couples as well as couples
- Meals throughout the tour
- When camping we provide two-person expedition tents and all the necessary equipment
- Activities as shown in the itinerary (Note: This may vary from day to day)
- Sterilised drinking water during the trek
- All necessary transportation whether private or public
- All trekking related permits and fees
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Assistant guides and porters to support the group size
- Flights, airport taxes, visa fees, passport costs, insurance premiums and excess baggage charges
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Personal clothing and footwear such as down jackets, waterproofs, hats, gloves and hiking boots
- Personal equipment for example rucksack, day backpack, torch, water bottle
- Personal medical supplies and vaccinations
- Optional Single accommodation supplement
- Personal expenses such as phone bills, room service, charges, alcoholic drinks and tips
- Expenses incurred during emergency evacuation due to any reason
- Any items not detailed as included
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