Kori Danda Trek

Annapurna

Kori Danda Trek

An off-the-beaten-path trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area combining Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,450m) with the panoramic summit of Kori Danda (3,800m). Passes through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and authentic Gurung villages with views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and the Pokhara Valley.

Moderate7 days3,800 mMar - May, Sep - Dec
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Duration
7 days
Max altitude
3,800 m
Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
Accommodation
Teahouses and local lodges
Network
Variable by village and carrier
Drinking water
Available at lodges; purification recommended
Budget
USD 350-900

Overview

Trek overview

Long-form route context for planning, pacing, and realistic expectations.

Key Highlights & Takeaways
  • Kori Danda viewpoint (3,800m)
  • Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,450m)
  • Annapurna II & Lamjung Himal panorama
  • Sikles - largest Gurung village

An off-the-beaten-path trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area combining Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,450m) with the panoramic summit of Kori Danda (3,800m). Passes through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and authentic Gurung villages with views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and the Pokhara Valley.

This itinerary is synced from TrekGuard mobile app data and includes 7 planned days, 54 km of walking, and 3,100 m of total elevation gain.

Highlights include Kori Danda viewpoint (3,800m), Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,450m), Annapurna II & Lamjung Himal panorama, Sikles - largest Gurung village.

Itinerary

Daily route plan

Day 1

Pokhara to Hugu Goth

5 hrs / 12 km / sleep 2,050 m

Drive from Pokhara to Sikles (2 hours by jeep) through terraced farmlands, hills, and rivers. Trek from Sikles with stunning views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal to Hugu Goth.

Day 2

Hugu Goth to Hugu Goth

6 hrs / 9 km / sleep 2,050 m

Day hike to Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,450m) - the world's lowest-altitude glacier lake. The turquoise waters sit beneath Annapurna II with floating icebergs. Return to Hugu Goth for the night.

Day 3

Hugu Goth to Nohtha

5 hrs / 10 km / sleep 3,050 m

Cross Hugu Khola and ascend through rhododendron, fir, and pine forests. The mountains appear closer as you climb. Nohtha offers basic teahouse accommodation.

Day 4

Nohtha to Kori Danda

7 hrs / 10 km / sleep 3,800 m

The summit day. Climb steep hills, leaving the tree line behind as the landscape opens to alpine meadows. Kori Danda (3,800m) rewards with 360° views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and the Pokhara Valley below. Camp at the summit.

Day 5

Kori Danda to Sikles

6 hrs / 13 km / sleep 1,980 m

Descend from the summit through forests and grasslands back to Sikles village. Spend time with locals and learn about Gurung culture and traditions.

Day 6

Sikles to Pokhara

0 hrs / 0 km / sleep 820 m

Drive from Sikles back to Pokhara (2 hours by jeep). Enjoy boating on Fewa Lake and explore Lakeside.

Day 7

Pokhara to Kathmandu

0 hrs / 0 km / sleep 1,338 m

Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The scenic 25-minute flight offers Himalayan views.

Altitude profile

How high you sleep, night by night

The single biggest safety factor on a high trek is how fast your sleeping altitude rises. Here's the shape of this itinerary.

820 m

Start

3,800 m

Highest sleep

3,800 m

Max altitude

7

Nights

3,000 m - acclimatization zone above

See which days climb too fast and add rest days to build a safer schedule.

Check acclimatization →

Map

Interactive route preview

Leaflet route rendering with checkpoints, altitude markers, and GPX geometry where published.

Route preview

Route map not published yet

Day-by-day itinerary is available below. GPX/KML for this trek will appear here when published - always verify the trail locally before walking.

GPX and KML downloads

Static route references for offline planning.

GPX/KML files are not published for this route yet. Itinerary data is available now.

Duration
7 days
Altitude
3,800 m
Updated
2026

Route files are planning references only. Always follow current trail conditions, local notices, and guide advice.

Packing checklist

Use a mobile-friendly checklist for clothing, electronics, medicine, documents, and trail gear.

Altitude and safety

Prepare before pushing higher.

Climb gradually and take acclimatization seriously.

Check weather, wind, and daylight before long days.

Descend and seek help if altitude symptoms worsen.

Kori Danda Trek FAQ

Straight answers on length, altitude, permits, season and cost for the Kori Danda Trek, generated from the same route data the TrekGuard app uses.

How many days does the Kori Danda Trek take?

The TrekGuard planning itinerary for the Kori Danda Trek runs 7 days and covers 54 km of walking. Treat it as a baseline: weather, flight delays and how you acclimatize can add days, so build slack into your schedule.

How high does the Kori Danda Trek go?

The Kori Danda Trek tops out at 3,800 m. The highest place you sleep on this itinerary is about 3,800 m, which matters more for altitude illness than the daytime high point.

What permits do you need for the Kori Danda Trek?

The Kori Danda Trek normally requires: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card. Permit rules, fees and issuing offices change between seasons - confirm the current requirements with the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered agency before you travel.

When is the best time to trek the Kori Danda Trek?

Mar - May, Sep - Dec is the usual window for the Kori Danda Trek. Outside it you are trading stable weather for either monsoon cloud and leeches or deep winter cold and snow-blocked passes.

How difficult is the Kori Danda Trek?

The Kori Danda Trek is rated moderate, with 3,100 m of total ascent over 54 km. Walking days are roughly 5-7 hours. No technical climbing skills are required on the standard route.

Can you get altitude sickness on the Kori Danda Trek?

Yes. The Kori Danda Trek reaches 3,800 m, well above the 2,500 m mark where acute mountain sickness (AMS) becomes possible for anyone, regardless of fitness or age. Keep sleeping-altitude gains gradual, take the built-in rest days, and descend if headache, nausea or breathlessness get worse rather than better. This is general information, not medical advice - see a travel-medicine clinician before the trip.

Where does the Kori Danda Trek start and finish?

The Kori Danda Trek starts and finishes at Sikles, in the Annapurna region.

Is there phone signal on the Kori Danda Trek?

Coverage on the Kori Danda Trek is: variable by village and carrier. Assume you will lose data for long stretches - download map packs, the GPX track and the forecast before you leave the last town, and carry a power bank.

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