Pokhara, November 8
Tourist arrivals have risen significantly in Sikles, a popular tourist village in Kaski, as the tourism season begins. More than 3,000 tourists have visited the village in the past six days.
According to Devi Jung Gurung, chair of Ward 1 of Madi Rural Municipality, 3,146 tourists reached Sikles between November 1 and 6. That works out to an average of 524 visitors per day, he said.
Most of the tourists plan to trek to Kori and the Kaphuche glacial lake, both well-known destinations, after staying in Sikles, Gurung said.
The village received the most tourists on November 4 when 719 people arrived in a single day. The lowest number was on November 1, with 254 visitors, he said.
Gurung added that the encouraging flow of tourists has brought fresh enthusiasm to local hotel and homestay operators.
Sikles lies about 38 km from Pokhara, the district headquarters of Kaski. The village has around 400 households and a majority Gurung population.
