The Kori Himal Trek is an “off-the-beaten-path” trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region, known for its stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, cultural immersion in Gurung villages like Sikles, and passage through rhododendron forests and meadows to the Kori Danda viewpoint (3,800m). It’s a moderate-difficulty, beginner-friendly trek, often combined with a visit to the unique Kapuche Glacier Lake, offering a peaceful and authentic experience away from crowded trails.
Overview
The Kapuche Lake and Kori Danda Trek, a recently renowned gem, offers a serene journey through Central Nepal. This trek unveils the captivating beauty of the hillside region nestled between the Annapurna and Manaslu himalayan ranges. Kapuche Lake, standing at an elevation of 2480m, claims the distinction of being the world’s lowest glacier lake.
Highlights
- You will have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, including Gurung and Magar villages. This provides a chance to learn about their cultures, traditions, and way of life.
- Kapuche Lake, also known as the Kapuche Glacial Lake, is a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and the reflection of surrounding mountains on its surface.
- Kori Danda offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
- Experience the unspoiled and pristine natural beauty of the region as you trek through dense forests, alpine meadows, and remote villages, providing a sense of isolation and tranquility.
- It's an ideal choice for trekkers looking for an authentic, tranquil experience far from the popular tourist trails.
- You get to explore remote villages and learn about the vibrant local culture of the Ghale and Gurung people.
With a sign that reads Everest Alpine Trekking, our airport representative will be waiting for you outside the terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will then be driven to the accommodation of your choice in a private vehicle. When you are ready to know more about the details of the Sikles Kori Hill Trek Itinerary, you may visit our office for a pre-trip meeting.
After an early breakfast, you will take a tourist bus to begin Kori Himal Trek Itinerary, which might take 6 to 7 hours to reach Pokhara. On the way, you can see the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers along the green, Rocky Mountains, rivers connecting each other, and small springs. We can also arrange an airline ticket for you at an additional cost. This will get you to Pokhara from Kathmandu in just 25 minutes, saving you time to explore Pokhara Valley. Pokhara is a beautiful valley known for several lakes such as Begnas, Fewa, Rupa, Dipang, Maidi, Khaste, Gunde, and Nyureni. You can also get a glimpse of Annapurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal from Pokhara Valley.
You will begin your Kori Hill Trek after breakfast in Pokhara. To start, you will board a private car and go to Kaunkhola. From there, it will take around 4 to 5 hours of off-road driving to get to Sikles village in a 4WD jeep. The route is rugged and graveled and travels through hills, woods, rivers, and terraced farmlands. You will be warmly welcomed by the community that evening. The charming village of Sikles will provide you with the greatest photographic opportunities. You will be able to comprehend Gurung culture and way of life. You may learn about the Bon Po religion by going to Chili Kohinbo Temple in Sikles.
After a delectable breakfast in Sikles, you will start your Kori Kaski trek the next morning with breathtaking Himalayan vistas. The route today will meander through an oak and rhododendron woodland while becoming steeper and narrower. You can observe the River Valley and mountains such as Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Annapurna II, and Annapurna III from the trek route. Depending on your speed, it will take you 5 to 6 hours to walk to Hugu Goth. This region was utilized for farming, keeping goats, and buffalo for grazing. You will spend the night in Namaste Guest House 2 of Hugu Goth.
Nohtha may be reached in 5 to 6 hours from Hugu Goth. After crossing the Hugu Khola over a wooden bridge, your Kori Himal Trek Route will begin your ascent through fir, pine, and rhododendron woods. You will be able to see several stunning mountain peaks along the journey, including Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, Annapurna II, and Annapurna III. If you are lucky, you might be able to view a wild animal like a Himalayan Thar, a Musk Deer, or the Nepalese bird known as the Lophophorus (Danfe).
You will climb to Kori hill (Danda) this morning after breakfast; the journey will take you 3 to 4 hours. Your journey to reach the Kori Himal ends here. The Manaslu Mountains on the east and the Annapurna ranges may both be explored from the Kori Danda. In the Annapurna area, you will have access to the same excellent vantage point as Poonhill from Kori Hill. You may take a short climb up to Thulake (4115 meters/ 13,500ft), where you can spend the entire day exploring Kori Hill. A lush meadow that serves as pasture space for sheep is a treasure on Kori Hill.
After breakfast today, you will set off on an early hike to Sikles village. This will be your final night in the mountain as per your Kori Himal Trek Itinerary. You will return to Sikles using the same route you used to ascend to Kori Hill. You will go through dense rhododendron and oak forest. You will appreciate the stunning views of waterfalls and snow-capped mountain peaks as you cross multiple rivers on suspension bridges throughout your journey. You will arrive in the lovely Sikles Gurung village after a 7 to 8-hour downhill journey. You may once again visit the village while learning about Gurung culture and way of life.
You will take a 4WD Jeep back to Pokhara after eating breakfast in the Gurung village, and traveling through a number of quaint towns. The path, which is rocky and graveled, passes through hills, forests, rivers, and terraced agriculture. You will arrive at the Pokhara valley after traveling for three to four hours. After a night of rejuvenation, you may go around Phewa Lake and pick a beautiful restaurant to conclude your Kori Himal Trek Adventure in style.
This is the last day of your Kori Danda Trek. This morning, after waking up in Pokhara, you will board a tourist bus to return to Kathmandu. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 205 kilometers/ 127 miles long, which follows the captivating Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli River. Damauli bazaar, Dumre bazaar, and several other picturesque villages are all on the route from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Stunning views of snow-capped mountains, hilly terrain, and waterfalls are also provided by the drive. Our team will meet you as you arrive in the valley and lead you to your hotel so you can freshen up before spending your final evening in Nepal exploring Thamel or doing shopping.
Depending on your departure schedule, we will often set up an airport transfer service three hours before to departure. If you have additional time, we can set up some side trips for you, or you may go exploring on your own.
Cost Includes
- All airport pickups and drops and hotel transfers via private vehicle.
- 2 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu on BB Plan (1 Night before the trek and 1 night after the trek).
- Tourists Bust tickets to Pokhara from Kathmandu and vice versa.
- 2 Nights Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast (after trekking).
- 4wd jeep to Sikles (trek start point) from Pokhara.
- All the Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and accommodation (Tea House or Homestay) during the trek.
- ACAP permit and TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System) card.
- An experienced and qualified English-speaking guide.
- Guide expenses for food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment, etc.
- Government VAT and official expenses.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare, Travel insurance and visa fees.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- All drinks include hot, soft, and hard coke, beer, and mineral water.
- Personal Trekking Equipment and rescue operation in case of emergency.
- Porter to carry your luggage during the trek, if you would like to take a porter it will cost USD 180. One porter can share between two people.
- Tips for staff (it is expected after completing Kori Danda Trek).
FAQS
At 3820 meters above sea level, the Kori Trek is a remote region with a basic teahouse in Annapurna region of Nepal. It has stunning scenery, a nature eco-trail route, a dense rhododendron and oak forest, and primarily ascending routes.
The Kori Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s most underrated hikes. The existence of this magnificent trail is unknown to many hikers. Although beginner hikers consider this trip’s difficulty as moderate, it is simple in contrast to other hikes like the Everest and Manaslu Trek.
Yes, trekkers must have registered the following trekking permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System).
Yes, anyone with a reasonable level of physical and mental fitness may complete this trek. This trekking excursion will be accompanied by a professional and highly experienced guide, potters, and cook who will provide you with tremendous assistance and support.
Yes, without a doubt. Our crew of porters and expert local trekking guides are all from the same region of the Himalayas and have extensive knowledge of the range. They also speak excellent English.
You can drink water from the taps while on the hike. The water is safe to drink and is pure. Using water purification pills, however, will help you stay safe.
This trail is mostly off-the-beaten path and was just recently opened; it has not yet been well inspected. You won’t find nearly enough signs directing you to the correct way to Kori Hill. Without a guide, it could be challenging for trekkers to find a path, much alone lodging and sufficient food. Therefore, we advise that you go on the Kori trek with an experienced guide. Since our guides are knowledgeable about altitude sickness, in the event of an emergency, they will get in touch with us and the insurance provider for support.
The free storage is offered by the hotel in Kathmandu. Thus, you may leave all of your belongings that are not necessary for the walk at your hotel or in our office.
Depending on the customer’s requirements and available time, the cost of the Kori trek for a citizen of Nepal might be adjusted. We provide weekly trek departures and are willing to talk about the trip’s food and lodging costs.
Only in Kathmandu and Pokhara ATMs and credit card machines are available for usage. Above that, cash payments are required for a variety of services.
