Kori Danda Trek — 5 Days

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.

An optional morning excursion drops to Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,450 m) — often called the world's lowest-altitude glacier lake — sitting beneath sheer Annapurna walls. Returning, you climb steadily through rhododendron and bamboo forest and alpine pasture to the high grazing camp of Tasa, gaining altitude in preparation for the ridge above.

The big day. The trail leaves the treeline behind and ascends open alpine meadows to Kori Danda at roughly 3,800 m, the high point of the trek. The reward is a vast Himalayan panorama — Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal and Machhapuchhre rising directly ahead. Overnight at the simple lodge and camp on the ridge.

Wake before dawn for sunrise over the eastern Annapurna wall, with light flooding the snow peaks and the valleys far below. After breakfast and plenty of photographs, begin the long descent through forest and pasture all the way back to Sikles village, where you spend the night among the Gurung community.

After a relaxed breakfast and a final look at the village and mountains, drive roughly 3 hours back down the jeep road to Pokhara, arriving by midday with time to rest by Phewa Lake. Trip concludes on arrival in Pokhara.