How difficult is the Kori Danda Trek?

It is a moderate trek. Walking days are mostly 4–7 hours on forest and alpine trails, and the highest point is about 3,800 m, so altitude is rarely a serious problem. It suits reasonably fit first-time trekkers as well as experienced walkers wanting a short trip.

What is the maximum altitude on this trek?

The high point is Kori Danda at approximately 3,800 metres, reached on Day 3. Because the trek stays below 4,000 m, the risk of altitude sickness is low compared with treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp.

How do we get to the trailhead?

The trek starts with a 3–4 hour jeep drive (about 47 km) from Pokhara to the Gurung village of Sikles, north-east of the city. There is no flight required, which keeps the whole trip short and affordable.

What permits do I need for the Kori Danda Trek?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, plus a TIMS card (around NPR 2,000). This is not a restricted area, so no special restricted-area permit is required. Both permits are included in our package.

When is the best time to do this trek?

Spring (March–May), when rhododendrons bloom, and autumn (September–November), with the clearest mountain views, are the two best seasons. Winter is cold but possible with clear skies, while the monsoon (June–August) brings rain, leeches and clouded views.

Can we add Kapuche Glacier Lake to the trek?

Yes. A side trip to Kapuche Lake (about 2,450 m), often called the world's lowest-altitude glacier lake, is included as an optional excursion on Day 2 and is one of the trek's highlights.

Panoramic Annapurna views from Kori Danda above Sikles, Annapurna region, Nepal

TrekModerate

Kori Danda Trek — 5 Days

5 days3,800 mFrom Pokhara (drive to Sikles)Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Duration

5 days

From

$599/person

Max Altitude

3,800 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Pokhara (drive to Sikles)

Group Size

2–10 People

Stay

Tea House / Camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Trip Highlights

Reach Kori Danda (3,800 m) for a panoramic Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal and Machhapuchhre sunrise

Explore Sikles, one of Nepal's largest and most authentic traditional Gurung villages

Optional side trip to Kapuche Glacier Lake, the world's lowest-altitude glacier lake

A genuine off-the-beaten-path alternative to crowded Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill

Short, drive-in trek from Pokhara — big Himalayan views in just five days

Walk through rhododendron and bamboo forest, alpine meadows and shepherd grazing camps

Low maximum altitude makes it ideal for fit first-time trekkers

Living Gurung culture, terraced farmland and quiet trails throughout

A short, off-the-beaten-path Annapurna viewpoint trek from Pokhara to Kori (3,800 m) above the Gurung village of Sikles, with sweeping Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views.

The Gallery

Scenes from the trail

Day-by-Day Itinerary(5 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 3,800 m · Day 3

A scenic 3–4 hour drive (about 47 km) north-east from Pokhara on a rough jeep road brings you to Sikles (1,980 m), one of the largest traditional Gurung villages in Nepal. After lunch and a wander through its stone houses, you begin trekking, climbing gently through terraced fields and forest to the shepherd settlement of Hugu Goth, your first camp.

2,100 m2–4 hrs47 km drive + 3–4 kmLunch & DinnerTea House / Camp

The Kori Danda Trek is one of the Annapurna region's freshest off-the-beaten-path adventures — a short, rewarding climb from the traditional Gurung village of Sikles to the windswept ridge of Kori at around 3,800 metres. In just five days from Pokhara, you trade the busy Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill trails for quiet rhododendron forests, alpine pastures grazed by shepherds, and a panoramic finale that stares straight into Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal and the fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre.

Why trek to Kori?

Sikles is one of the largest and most authentic Gurung settlements in Nepal, still largely untouched by mass tourism. From here the trail climbs through forest to the high meadow camps of Hugu and Tasa before topping out on Kori Danda for a sunrise that lights up the entire eastern Annapurna wall. Many trekkers add a side trip to Kapuche Glacier Lake, often described as the world's lowest-altitude glacier lake, where avalanches tumble off the Annapurna massif into turquoise water.

Who is it for?

This is a moderate trek suitable for reasonably fit first-time and returning trekkers. Days are short to moderate, the highest sleeping point is comfortable, and the drive-in from Pokhara keeps the whole trip compact — ideal if you want genuine high-mountain views and living Gurung culture without committing two weeks to the trail.

What's Included

Included

All ground transport: Pokhara–Sikles–Pokhara by private jeep
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Strong porter to carry your main pack (one porter per two trekkers)
All accommodation during the trek (tea house and camp as available)
All meals on trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Guide and porter wages, insurance, food and accommodation
All government taxes and official paperwork

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal entry visa
Accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Drinks, snacks, hot showers and battery charging on trek
Tips for guide and porter
Anything not listed under the included section

Best Time to Go

Spring (Mar–May)

Excellent season. Rhododendron forests in full bloom, warm days and good visibility of the Annapurna peaks. One of the two best times for the Kori Danda Trek.

Low: 2°C High: 18°C Light snow possible near Kori in March

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Wet season. Trails are slippery with leeches on the forested lower sections and mountain views are often clouded. Not recommended except for keen botanists.

Low: 10°C High: 22°C None

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Best season. Crystal-clear skies after the monsoon, stable weather and the sharpest Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views of the year.

Low: 0°C High: 16°C Possible dustings near Kori in late November

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but quiet, with clear skies and superb views on fine days. Expect snow and freezing nights on the ridge at Kori; lower sections remain walkable.

Low: -8°C High: 9°C Snow likely above 3,000 m

Permits Required

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 23)

Required for the Annapurna region, including Sikles and Kori. SAARC nationals NPR 1,000. Included in our package.

TIMS Card

NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 15)

Trekkers' Information Management System card, required for trekking in Nepal. Included in our package.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

$599

/ person

all-inclusive · permits included

Groups save up to 30% — from $420/person for 8++ pax

Guide-only option from $420

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Guests

$540 × 2 people· 2–3 pax rate$1,080

Guide-only: $420 × 2$840

All-inclusive · permits included

Price by Group Size

per person · all-inclusive

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Travel Insurance Recommended

World Nomads covers altitude sickness, evacuation & trip cancellation.

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Duration5 days

DifficultyModerate

Max Altitude3,800 m

StartsPokhara (drive to Sikles)

Group Size2–10 People

AccommodationTea House / Camp

Best SeasonMar–May, Sep–Nov

Your Guide

NMA-Licensed Senior Guide

Travel Himalaya Nepal · Est. 1998

15+ yrs experienceEnglish speakingFirst Aid certifiedZero fatalities

All guides are NMA-certified with 10–20 years in the Himalayas. You'll be briefed personally before departure.

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NMA Certified Agency

Licensed by Nepal Mountaineering Association · Est. 1998

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