Kori Danda Trek via Kapuche Lake

Annapurna Region 9 Days GJTKACA106

Kori Danda Trek via Kapuche Lake is a hidden Himalayan gem where untouched landscapes meet raw adventure. This journey takes you through traditional Gurung villages, deep rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys leading to the breathtaking Kori Danda (3800m). From crystal-clear Kapuche Lake to the wild ridge of Thulek Danda, every step feels like walking inside a postcard of the Annapurna region.

Trip Highlights

  • Stunning panoramic views of Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu ranges from Kori Danda (3850m)
  • Adventure camping experience at remote high-altitude landscapes up to Thulek Danda (4115m)
  • Visit Kapuche Lake, Nepal’s lowest glacial lake with crystal-clear turquoise water
  • Rich biodiversity including Danfe (Himalayan Monal), musk deer, and Himalayan Thar
  • Walk through oak forests, rhododendron trails, riverside paths, and alpine grasslands
  • Explore traditional Gurung villages like Sikles with authentic mountain lifestyle
  • Off-the-beaten trekking experience combining nature, culture, and wilderness

Trip Facts

Overview

Kori Danda Trek via Kapuche Lake is one of the most spectacular offbeat treks in the Annapurna region. The trail begins from the scenic village of Sikles and gradually ascends through dense forests, waterfalls, and remote settlements before opening into vast alpine meadows.

 

The trek passes through the pristine Kapuche Glacier Lake area, where icy blue waters reflect surrounding snow peaks. As you ascend higher, the landscape becomes more dramatic—wide ridges, grazing lands for yaks and sheep, and untouched wilderness dominate the view.

 

At Kori Danda (3800m), trekkers are rewarded with 360-degree Himalayan panoramas including Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu range. The trail is peaceful, less crowded, and deeply connected with nature and traditional Gurung culture.


Why Choose This Trek?

  • Less crowded alternative to Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal
  • Unique combination of glacier lake + high ridge trekking
  • Authentic village lifestyle experience in Sikles region
  • Ideal mix of adventure camping and teahouse trekking
  • Rich wildlife and untouched biodiversity zones
  • Perfect for trekkers seeking raw Himalayan wilderness

Route Overview 

Day 01: Kathmandu (1400m) → Pokhara (822m) | Drive 200km / 6 hrs
Day 02: Pokhara → Sikles (1980m) | Jeep 45km / 3–5 hrs
Day 03: Sikles → Hugu Goth (2100m) | Trek 6–7 hrs
Day 04: Hugu Goth → Nohtha (3050m) | Trek 6–7 hrs | Camping
Day 05: Nohtha → Kori Danda (3800m) | Trek 4–5 hrs | Camping
Day 06: Exploration Day → Thulek Danda (4115m) | Hike & Return
Day 07: Kori → Sikles (1980m) | Trek 7–9 hrs
Day 08: Sikles → Pokhara → Departure | Drive 3–6 hrs


Best Time to Visit

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best visibility, clear skies, stable weather, ideal for mountain views
Spring (Feb–Jun): Rhododendron bloom, green landscapes, pleasant trekking conditions
Winter (Dec–Jan): Snow-covered trails, cold but magical scenery (advanced trekkers)
Monsoon (Jul–Aug): Not recommended due to slippery trails and heavy rainfall


Difficulty Level

This trek is easy to moderate, suitable for beginners with basic fitness.

  • Daily walking: 4–8 hours
  • Maximum altitude: 4115m (Thulek Danda)
  • Moderate uphill sections with forest and rocky trails
  • No technical climbing required

Good stamina and regular walking practice recommended.


Accommodation & Meals

  • Hotels in Pokhara (3-star twin sharing)
  • Tea houses & local homestays in villages
  • Camping in high-altitude remote sections
  • Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Simple Nepali & basic continental meals available
  • Limited electricity in remote areas
  • Wi-Fi available in lower villages (Sikles/Pokhara)

Culture & Local Experience

The trek passes through Gurung communities, known for their warm hospitality and rich Himalayan traditions. Sikles village offers a deep cultural experience with stone houses, terraced farming, and traditional lifestyles.

You may witness local festivals, Buddhist-influenced rituals, monasteries, and daily mountain farming life. The region is deeply spiritual, where nature and culture exist in harmony.


Transportation Details

  • Kathmandu to Pokhara: Tourist bus/private vehicle (200km / 6 hrs)
  • Pokhara to Sikles: Private jeep (45km / 3–5 hrs off-road)
  • Return: Same route back to Pokhara
  • Optional: Flight Kathmandu–Pokhara available on request

⚠️ Safety & Travel Tips

  • Acclimatize properly above 3000m
  • Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
  • Carry warm layered clothing (temperatures drop at altitude)
  • Trek with licensed guide recommended
  • Travel insurance covering high altitude rescue required
  • Check weather forecast before starting trek
  • Use trekking poles for steep and rocky sections
  • Carry personal first aid & basic medicines

Why Book With Ghumnajaau?

  • Experienced local trekking guides from Annapurna region
  • Safe, organized and well-managed group departures
  • Responsible and eco-friendly tourism approach
  • 24/7 customer support during the entire journey
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

Step into the untouched beauty of the Annapurna wilderness with the Kori Danda Trek via Kapuche Lake. Whether you seek adventure, culture, or pure Himalayan serenity this journey offers it all.

👉 Contact Ghumnajaau today to book your seat or customize your trekking experience.

Itinerary

This day will be marked the beginning of the trip. Our representative/guide will pick you up from Hotel/Place and drop to Tourist Bus Stand. And leave Kathmandu and continue our drive to Pokhara today. The total duration of drive will be about 6-7 hours and we expect to reach Pokhara by 2 pm giving you time to explore. Upon arriving Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the evening is free to explore.

Note! For trekkers starting from Kathmandu, we provide complimentary airport–hotel transfers for foreign guests (whether you’ve booked your hotel independently or through us). If you are joining from other cities or border points, the meeting point will be Pokhara, where our representative will receive you at the airport or bus station and assist with hotel check-in (after 12:00 noon). On request, we can also arrange your domestic flight or private vehicle to Pokhara. In the evening, your trekking guide will meet you at the hotel lobby for a detailed trip briefing, followed by a short orientation walk to explore the local surroundings.
Location: Pokhara (822M)
Duration: 5-6 hours' drive (25mins flight)
Meal: N/A
Altitude Different: -578m/1895.84ft.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel

After breakfast drive to Sikles village by private jeep. It takes 4-5 hour. Bumpy dirt track goes to Sikles village north from Pokhara. While travelling to Sikles with crossing many beautiful villages on the way. Taprang village comes before Siklesh where vehicle will be stop for the tea and snacks. Similarly we will be crossing other villages like Chipli Gaun and Khilang on the way which are also beautiful as Sikles but small settlement comparing to Sikles which also have homestay facilities with good accommodation. Finally we reach in Sikles Village. After breakfast go for village tour & surroundings.  Overnight at Lodge. 

Location: Sikles village (1980m)
Duration: 4 hours drive
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +1158m/3798.24ft.
Accommodation: Home stay

Early in the morning short hike to Siklesh Park & rising Danda which will takes around 30 minutes for average hikers from where we can see the mesmerizing view of the Annapurna-II, Lamnjung Himal. And after breakfast we head towards Hugu (Goth Ghar).It is about 6 hours of hike for the average hikers which is not much difficult route but little technical than other route. On the way to the Hugu, we will be witnessing amazing waterfall which is on the half way to Hugu. We can take some rest and water break nearby waterfall area and enjoy the moments. The route in between Sikles to Hugu is greenery, forest way, river bank side walk and amazing overall. We will stay night at next tea house point which is a few minutes across the suspension bridge. 

Location: Hugu Goth
Duration: 5-6 hours trekkking
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne
Altitude Different: +120m/393.6ft.
Accommodation: Tea House/Camping

On the five day, we continued our trek to Nho-ta where we arrange packed/dried/readymade meals and accommodation in the tent. Trail passes through dense rhodedendron forest and goes upwards trail to Nohtha. Overnigth at Tent Camping. 

Location: Nohtha (3050m)
Duration: 7-8 hours trekking
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +350m/1148ft./ +600m/1968ft.
Accommodation: Camping

We trek to Kori hill (Dada), which is about a 4-5 hour hike. Since there is no facility for accommodation, where we arrange packed/dried/readymade meals and accommodation in the tent.

 

 

Note! Kori Dand trek can be planed through Tasha Khark trail which is direct trail to Kori Danda (3850m) without going Hugu goth-Kapuche Lake.
Location: Kori Danda (3850m)
Duration: 5 hours trekking
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +800m/2624ft.
Accommodation: Camping tent.

On the sixth day, we will short hike up to Thulake and explore Kori hill for the whole day. Kori hill is bejeweled with a verdant meadow that is also a grazing land for sheep. where we arrange packed/dried/readymade meals and accommodation in the camping tent.

 

 

Location: Thulek (4115m)
Duration: 4-5 hours trekking.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Altitude Different: +265m/869.2ft.
Accommodation: Camping

On the last day, we begin early and hike down towards Tangting village for about 6-7 hours.

 

 

Location: Tangting Village (1565m)
Duration: 6-7 hours trekking
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Altitude Different: -2450m/8036ft.
Accommodation: Home Stay

 After breakfast explore village and surronding and drive to Pokhara. 

 

 

Location: Pokhara
Duration: 3.5 hours' drive
Meal: Breakfast & lunch
Altitude Different: -843m/2765.04ft.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel

We head out for Kathmandu in a tourist bus. The journey will be about 6 hours. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, our representative will meet and transfer you back to the hotel.

In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).

Location: Kathmandu (1350m)
Duration: 5-6 hours drive
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: +578m/1895.84ft.
Accommodation: N/A

Trip Information

What's Include?

  • Accommodation: 2 nights' accommodation at Standard Hotel in Pokhara & 6 nights' accommodation at home stay/camping during Trek (Twin sharing room).
  • Transportation: Two way transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara on Luxury Tourist Bus & Private transportation for Pokhara to Sikles/Tangting & return.
  • Meal: Bed and breakfast in Pokhara and All meal Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with tea/coffee during Trek.
  • Support Crew: Experience licensed trek guide and 1 porter for 2 clients including his/her allowances & insurance.
  • All Camping equipment (Tents, Mattresses and kitchen utensils) for semi-camping purpose
  • Permits: All required permits for trek (TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation area.).
  • Complimentary Gear: Duffel bag, sleeping bag & trekking poles (return after trek)
  • Additional Services: Airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle, First-Aid & essential kit, emergency rescue arrangements and All taxes & service charges

What's Exclude?

  • Personal expenses: Snacks, drinks, laundry, and other personal items.
  • Accommodation in Kathamndu is available on request (Standard Hotel 3*) - US$ 30-40/per night
  • Personal trekking gear & clothing: All necessary gear, clothing, and hygiene items.
  • Travel insurance: Must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa).
  • Optional/add-on services: Extra assistant guide, personal porter, horse rental, or additional porters.
  • Emergency and unforeseen costs: Helicopter evacuation, additional expenses caused by strikes, weather, natural disasters, or itinerary changes.

Map

FAQ's

Yes, it is an easy to moderate trek suitable for beginners with basic fitness.

The highest point is Thulek Danda at 4115 meters.

Yes, a licensed guide is highly recommended for safety and navigation.

Yes, camping is required in higher sections like Nohtha and Kori.

Tea houses, homestays, and camping depending on the location.

Limited Wi-Fi is available in lower villages like Sikles.

You may see Danfe, Himalayan Thar, and musk deer.

Spring (Feb–Jun) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) are best.

It is moderately easy with some steep and remote sections.

Yes, Ghumnajaau offers fully customizable trekking packages.

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