Kori Danda Trek
10 Days Trip Annapurna Region Treks

Kori Danda Trek

Head off the beaten path on this 10-day camping trek to Kori Danda (3,800 m), a grassy ridge with sweeping views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Fishtail. Starting from the large Gurung village of Sikles, the trail passes the blue glacial waters of Kapuche Lake and climbs through rhododendron and pine forests, with nights spent in tents under open skies.

Grade Moderate treks involve some uphill and downhill sections, stone steps, and uneven trails. A reasonable level of fitness is needed, but previous trekking experience is not always essential. These treks may reach higher elevations and require preparation. Moderate
Transport All the necessary transports by tourist bus, car and jeeps are included. Included
Max Altitude 3,800m
Meals 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners are included throughout the trek. Included
Best Season Spring & Autumn
Starts At Kathmandu
Ends At Kathmandu
Accommodation 4 nights at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 4 nights at tented accommodations and 1 night at teahouse accommodation during the trek. Included

Trip Highlights

  • See excellent views of Lamjung, Annapurna II and numerous other peaks from the viewpoint of Kori Danda at 3800m
  • Explore authentic Gurung culture and lifestyle.
  • Experience the camping accommodations in the mountain region.
  • See amazing hilly sights with meadows where numerous domestic animals graze
  • Take an offbeat path that is little-known and not commercialized by human occupation
  • Get a chance to see the Himalayan Thar, Danfe and Musk Deer
  • Walk through lush green forests and amazing grasslands

Overview

If you are interested in going on a new trek in Nepal, that offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and surrounding hilly landscapes, then the Kori Danda Trek is suitable for you. This trek in the Annapurna region takes you to a 3,800m at Kori Danda from where you will see excellent views of the Lamjung Mountain, Annapurna II and Mt. Fishtail. Our 10-day Kori Danda trek takes you through delightful Gurung villages where you can explore the wonderful culture and hospitality of the people there.

Known also as a Sikles Trek, this trek was little known and explored in the past, but later its glory has been recognized. Sikles is a stunning village that is home to the indigenous Gurung people, and it is also one of the largest Gurung settlements. The distance from Pokhara to Sikles is around 30 miles (47 kilometers), and we will need to take a jeep ride to get there.

The Kori Danda trek is located within the inner Annapurna Conservation buffer zone, on the boundary between the Kwholasothar rural municipality and the Madi Rural Municipality. When compared with the trek to Annapurna Base Camp and the trek to Mardi Himal, this trek is completely off the beaten path and features camping tents.

Along the route, you’ll find Kapuche Lake, which is also referred to as Kahphuche Lake. This glacier lake in Nepal is one of the most beautiful ones in the country. Kapuche is one of the lowest glacial lakes in Nepal. The color of the water in the lake is a bright blue that is crystal clear up close.

Since the Kori Danda trek is a relatively new trekking route, there are no places to stay along the way, such as hotels or guesthouses. During the nighttime hours of the trip, hikers will be required to sleep in tents. Porters can be provided for you, and in addition to transporting food items, they will also be able to prepare them.

If an off-beat new trek is what you are looking forward to exploring within a short duration, Silkes, or Kori Danda Trek is definitely the trek for you!

Why Kori Danda Trek?

In this short trek, you will be accommodated at a tented camp during the trek. Lodges on this route are not available as in the other routes of the Annapurna area. Due to the virgin trail, you have to spend overnight in a tent. The Kori Danda trek is a short one that allows visitors to see the Annapurna area of Nepal from the vantage point of Kori Danda, which is located in the geographic center of Nepal while traveling from west to east.

You will be traveling along a path that is packed with the mesmerizing beauty of landscapes that constitute the rich biodiversity, and you will also come into contact with the local isolated customs and culture, particularly that of the Gurung people.

In our Kori Danda Trek, you can proceed to Nyamla Pass from Kori Danda, and Nyamla Pass is the gateway to Manang, which is one of the most popular destinations for trekkers in Nepal.  This little-known trek will keep you away from the hustle of the other trekking routes in the Annapurna region.

Best Season

While the Kori Danda Trek can be done any time of the year, monsoon and winter seasons are not recommended. During Monsoon time in the months of July-September, the skies are filled with rain clouds making the views inaccessible. Additionally, the heavy rains make the trail slippery, muddy and dangerous. During the winter around December-January, sleeping in tents and tea houses will be difficult and it’ll get to be quite cold.

Spring season (March-May) is amazing as the rhododendron blossoms and the overall natural vibrance is beautiful. More wildlife can be seen during the spring season. The autumn season (October-November) is the most popular trekking season in Nepal due to the clear skies. However, during these times the trails will be quite a bit busier but for a newly discovered trek like Kori Danda, it should not be a problem.

Kori Danda Trek Detailed Itinerary

01 DAY

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel (1400m)

Altitude 1400 m
Accommodation Hotel

After completing the formalities at the airport, when you exit, you will be greeted by a representative from Glorious Himalaya. We will welcome you into your hotel and help you get checked in. After a few moments of rest, you can visit the nearby areas around your hotel to get more acquainted with the surroundings. Depending on the time you visit, a short walk around popular areas like Thamel can be in order or you can retire to bed early and rest up for the day.

02 DAY

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m) - 7 hrs bus drive

Altitude 822 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation Hotel

After our breakfast in the hotel, we will be heading towards Pokhara. Tourist buses leave every day, or you may request for a flight or private vehicle with additional charges. The drive to Pokhara follows the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu and on clear days you can see amazing views of the mid-hills of Kathmandu.

We will most likely have lunch in Malekhu, a town known for its fish. Pokhara is still around 3-4 hours away from here. As we reach Pokhara, we will be checked in a hotel and can spend the night preparing for our trek and exploring the nearby Fewa Lakeside.

03 DAY

Drive to Sikles village - 2 hrs jeep drive & Trek to Hugu Goth (2,050m) - 5 hrs trek

Altitude 2050 m
Trek Duration 5 hrs
Meals B L D
Accommodation Camping
Drive Time 2 hrs

Following breakfast, we will get on the road and head to Hugu Goth via Sikless village. From Pokhara, we will travel to Sikles in the Jeep that we have rented. Traveling by Jeep to Sikles will take approximately 2 hours of your time. The road is graveled and has some bumps in it.

The exceptional beauty of the surrounding area, on the other hand, more than makes up for the annoyances of the commute on the rough trail. Along the way, you can stop and take in the breathtaking scenery, which may include terraced farmlands, hills, forests, or rivers.

Once reached Sikles, we begin our trek. The path ascends and descends and is occasionally steep and narrow. The trail, on the other hand, is well-defined and serves its purpose well. The trail provides views of the River Valley and numerous mountains. Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal all appear spectacular from the trail.

A famous waterfall also lies on the trail which can be visited. We’ll arrive in Hugu Goth toward the late afternoon after hiking, where we’ll have to stay the night at a Teahouse or Camp. The Goth in Hutu Goth literally means “shed”, named probably after a famous place for cattle to be kept in older times. This place is also called Goth Ghar.

04 DAY

Day hike to Kapuche Lake (2,450m)

Altitude 2450 m
Meals B L D
Accommodation Camping

This is going to be one of the most exciting days of our hike, and we are going to get an early start. We are going to travel to the breathtaking Kapuche Lake, which can be found at an elevation of 2450 meters. After a hike of about two to three hours, you will arrive at Kapuche Lake.

The lake is the glacial lake in Nepal that is located at the lowest altitude. When we are standing on the shores of the lake, it is easy for us to imagine that we are in a magical land. The location is absolutely breathtaking. The location doesn’t see a lot of foot traffic. Because of this, there is peace and quiet there. Huge Goth will once more serve as our lodging for the night as we make our way back there.

05 DAY

Trek to Nohtha (3,050m) - 5 hrs trek

Altitude 3050 m
Trek Duration 5 hrs
Meals B L D
Accommodation Camping

On our second morning at Hugu, we get a head start on the day by waking up early and having breakfast there. The distance between Hugu Goth and Nohtha can be covered on foot in approximately four to five hours. We will have to make our way across the Hugu Khola, after which we will begin our ascent through forests of rhododendron, fir, and pine.

The view of the mountains on this day is identical to the views of the mountains on the previous days; however, as we walk, the mountains appear to be getting closer. Nohtha is equipped with a few simple conveniences, including households in which we can spend the night.

06 DAY

Trek to Kori Danda (3,800m) - 5 hrs trek

Altitude 3800 m
Trek Duration 5 hrs
Meals B L D
Accommodation Camping

The sixth day of the trek is going to be the most important because we are going to reach our goal, Kori Danda, which is the center of Nepal from east to west and is 3800 m above sea level. About four to five hours of our journey to Kori Danda will be spent climbing steeper and steeper hills.

We will leave the tree lines behind as we make our way towards the grasslands. When you get to the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the mountains mentioned above. We are able to take in the beautiful views of the rolling hills. It is also possible for us to have a view of the Pokhara Valley. Since there are no fixed accommodations here, we will have to stay over in a tent and camp on top enjoying the evening view.

07 DAY

Trek to Sikles village (1,981m) - 6/7 hrs trek

Altitude 1981 m
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
Meals B L D
Accommodation Teahouse

Following breakfast, our day will consist of more of the same downward hiking. As soon as we make it to the Sikles Village, we are going to spend some quality time with the inhabitants there and discuss about our trip.

You may take a walk around the hamlet and get a better understanding of Gurung culture right there in their own backyard. Since Sikles village is rather large, we will be able to visit the surrounding places, including those that we were unable to access during our previous excursion.

08 DAY

Drive back to Pokhara (822m)- 2 hrs jeep drive

Altitude 822 m
Meals B L
Accommodation Hotel
Drive Time 2 hrs

This morning, after breakfast, collect your belongings, bid farewell to the villagers of Silkies Village, and board the jeep for the two-hour trip to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city, and the area surrounding the lakeside has an incredible nightlife. You have the option of going boating on Fewa lake in the evening and stopping in the middle to pay a visit to the Tal Barahi shrine. Spend an enjoyable night in Pokhara celebrating the successful conclusion of your journey.

09 DAY

Drive back to Kathmandu - 7 hrs bus drive

Altitude 1400 m
Meals Breakfast
Accommodation Hotel

As we head towards Kathmandu from Pokhara, we are filled with a sense of accomplishment. We follow the same route back as we took earlier following the Prithvi Highway. We can make a stop at the Manakamana Temple at Kurintar. We take a cable car ride to the top of the hill in Gorkha where the temple to the “Wish Fulfilling Goddess” sits here.

Stopping at either Muglin or Malekhu we grab lunch and return to Kathmandu. We can celebrate the successful completion of our trek and retire into our hotel beds after preparing for departure the next day. You can also extend your stay in Nepal if you wish.

10 DAY

Departure from Nepal

Meals Breakfast

A representative from our office will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your planned international flight.  You will take along an abundance of images and memories from the Kori Danda trip. We hope you like our services and anticipate organizing many more treks and trips with us in the near future. Glorious Himalaya wishes you a safe flight!

Trip Includes

  • All airport and hotel shuttles are by private vehicles as per the itinerary.
  • 2 nights of 3-star standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive of bed and breakfast.
  • 4 nights of twin-sharing tented accommodation during the trek.
  • 1 night at teahouse accommodation during the trek.
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast.
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the trek in the mountain region.
  • Both way Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu surface transportation by tourist bus.
  • Both-way jeep transports from and to Pokhara. (Pokhara to Sikles and Sikles to Pokhara)
  • Certified local trekking guide for the trek.
  • Supporting local porters to carry your belongings during the trek. (1 porter for 2 people)
  • All the essential trekking permits and paperwork for the trek.
  • Rain protection duffel bag and sleeping bag to use for the trek.
  • First aid medicine with an oximeter (which is very useful to check your pulse at high altitudes) for the trek
  • An emergency helicopter rescue and treatment in case of your health issues while on the trek.  (Should have your travel insurance)
  • Trip achievement certificate after trip completion.
  • All government taxes and company service charges.
  • At the end of the tour, Nepali food farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a cultural dance program.

Trip Exclude

  • International airfares and Nepal entry visa.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Tips to the trip supporter. (Guide & Porters)

Kindly Note:
If you returned Kathmandu or Pokhara earlier than the scheduled itinerary due to your own problem or interest, no refunds will be issued for pre-arranged services in the mountains, such as meals, accommodation, transports and staff salaries. And you will be responsible for your hotel accommodations, meals and transports expenses in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

Check Our Available Dates

Go with the right number of like-minded travellers

Our fixed departures for the Kori Danda Trek welcome solo travelers and small groups who’d like to share the trail with others. Choose your date below to reserve your place.

Guaranteed departure: If no other travelers join your chosen date, your trek will still go ahead as planned, even if you’re the only one in the group.

Altitude Chart

Altitude in:

Kori Danda Trek Packing Lists

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Head

  • Sun Hat / Cap: Wide-brimmed for sun protection.

  • Beanie / Warm Hat: Essential for cold mornings/nights.

  • Buff / Neck Gaiter: For dust, wind, and sun protection.

  • Sunglasses: Category 3 or 4 UV protection (essential for high altitude).

  • Headlamp: With extra batteries (for early starts/night treks).

  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm: SPF 50+ (must-have).

  • Face Mask / Balaclava: For extreme cold or dusty trails.

Upper Body

  • Base Layer (Thermal): Moisture-wicking (Merino wool or synthetic). x2

  • Fleece Jacket / Mid-layer: For warmth.

  • Down Jacket: Insulated, lightweight (essential for high altitude).

  • Raincoat/Poncho: Waterproof and windproof.

  • Trekking T-shirts: Quick-dry, breathable. x2

  • Long-sleeve Sun Shirt: For hot days.

  • Gloves: Insulated trekking gloves

Lower Body

  • Trekking Pants: Convertible (zip-off) or lightweight. x2

  • Fleece / Thermal Pants: For layering under trekking pants.

  • Shorts: For lower altitudes / warm days.

  • Underwear: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry. x2

  • Warm trekking trousers: For higher altitudes

Footwear

  • Trekking Boots: Mid to high-cut, waterproof, broken-in.

  • Camp Shoes/ Sandals /Flipflop: For relaxing in teahouses after trekking.

  • Gaiters: To keep snow/rocks out of boots.

  • Trekking Socks: 2-3 pairs of moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet comfortable.

  • Warm Wool Socks: For cold nights and higher-altitude conditions.

Toiletries Icon Toiletries & Hygiene

  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Travel-sized products are convenient.
  • Comb: To comb your hair after a bath
  • Blister Kit: For preventing and treating friction spots during long walking days.
  • Soap / Body Wash: For personal hygiene during the trek.

  • Quick-Drying Towel: Lightweight and practical for multi-day trekking.

  • Toilet Paper / Pocket Tissues: Useful because supplies may not be available everywhere.

  • Wet Wipes: Useful when shower facilities are limited.

  • Moisturizer: Helps protect your skin from dry mountain air.

  • Personal Medications: Bring sufficient supplies and follow your healthcare professional’s advice.

  • Basic First-Aid Kit: Include personal essentials and basic wound-care supplies.

  • Menstrual Hygiene Products: Carry your preferred products if needed.

Other Essential Items

  • Daypack (20–30 Liters): For carrying water, snacks, extra layers, and daily essentials.

  • Duffel Bag (40-50 Liters): For your main trekking luggage, especially if using a porter.

  • Rain Cover / Dry Bags: Protect your backpack and belongings from rain and snow.

  • Water Bottles / Hydration Bladder: Carry approximately 2–3 liters of water capacity.

  • Water Purification Tablets / Filter: For treating drinking water when needed.

  • Trekking Poles: Help improve stability and reduce strain on your knees during ascents and descents.

  • Energy Bars / Snacks: Useful for maintaining energy between meals.

  • Travel Lock: For securing your duffel bag or luggage.

  • Earplugs: Helpful for sleeping in shared teahouse rooms.

  • Notebook & Pen: Optional for recording your trekking experiences.

  • Small Binoculars: Optional for viewing distant mountain scenery and wildlife.

Electronics

  • Mobile Phone: For communication, photos, and navigation.

  • Power Bank: Useful where charging facilities are limited or expensive.

  • Phone Charger & Cables: Bring all necessary charging accessories.

  • Universal Travel Adapter: For charging electronic devices in Nepal.

  • Camera & Spare Batteries: Optional for capturing Himalayan scenery.

Documents

  • Passport: A valid passport is required for travel and trekking arrangements.
  • Passport-size photos: 2-4 copies of passport-size photos.
  • Nepal Visa: Required for eligible international visitors.
  • Travel Insurance: Must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
  • Trek Route Map: To navigate trekking trails.

Traveller’s Review

Our every review below comes from our previous trekkers who walked these trails with us. Read their honest reviews in TripAdvisor and Google, and see what your own Himalayan journey could look like.

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