Trip Facts
Country:
Nepal
Duration:
10 Days
Max Altitude:
3,800 m
Activities:
Trekking and driving
Region:
Annapurna region
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
Moderate
Group Size:
2 to 12 pax
Accomodation:
Lodges and homestays on the trail, 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Best Season:
Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Notice
This is a new, off-path trek. So you get big mountain views with very few other trekkers.
The high point is Kori Danda (3,800 m), a wide meadow with a full 360-degree view. Many trekkers say it rivals Poon Hill.
You walk through Sikles, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. A licensed guide is required in the Annapurna region, and Spade Himalaya sorts your guide and permits.
Overview of Kori Trek 10-Days
Quick answer: The Kori Trek is a new, quiet 10-day Annapurna trail to Kori Danda (3,800 m), a meadow above the Gurung village of Sikles. It is graded moderate, rivals Poon Hill for views, and needs an ACAP permit, a TIMS card, and a guide (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-26).
The Kori Trek is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region. People also call it the Kori Danda trek or the Sikles Kori trek. It is a new route, so few people walk it. The trail climbs from the lakeside city of Pokhara to Kori Danda (3,800 m), a high alpine meadow. People often call this spot the “center point of Nepal”. So you stand in the middle of a huge mountain view.
The scenery is the main draw. From the meadow, you look out at Annapurna II (7,937 m), Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). On a clear day, you can also see Manaslu. Grazing yaks and bright prayer flags fill the foreground. So the summit feels both wild and peaceful.
The trek also has real culture. First, you drive by jeep to Sikles, a large Gurung village at about 1,980 m. Here you can see old two-storey houses and the Bon temple on the hill. Then you climb slowly through forest and meadow to the ridge. You sleep in simple lodges and homestays along the way. So your trip supports the local families directly.
Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Nepali guides. So your guide sets a safe pace, watches the weather, and checks your health each day. Best of all, this trek is calm and gentle on the body. It is harder than the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, but it stays below 3,800 m. So altitude sickness is less likely than on higher treks. The pace is relaxed, with a night at Nohtha (3,000 m) to help you adjust. In short, the Kori Trek suits fit beginners and keen trekkers alike. It also pairs well with the Khopra Danda Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek if you want more time in the hills.
Want the details? Read our Kori Trek guide on cost, difficulty, and the route. Curious how it stacks up? Then see the famous Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, which Kori rivals for views with fewer crowds. For the wider area, see our Annapurna region guide.
Trips Highlights
- Reach Kori Danda (3,800 m) for a full 360-degree mountain view.
- See Annapurna II (7,937 m), Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu.
- Visit Sikles, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal
- Learn about the Bon faith at the Chili Kohibo temple
- Walk a new, quiet trail with very few other trekkers
- Hike through thick oak, pine, and rhododendron forest
- Sleep in local lodges and homestays with warm hospitality
- Spot Himalayan tahr, monal pheasants (danphe), and, rarely, musk deer
- Start and finish near Pokhara, so travel is easy
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → drive to Pokhara (822 m) → jeep to Sikles (1,980 m) → Hugu Goth (2,016 m) → Nohtha (3,000 m) → Kori Danda (3,800 m) → back to Sikles (1,980 m) → drive to Pokhara → drive to Kathmandu.
In short, you drive to Sikles, then climb in steps to Kori Danda. After the summit, you take the same trail down to Sikles and drive back to Pokhara.
Trips Itinerary
A Spade Himalaya representative meets you at the airport and drives you to your hotel in Thamel. So you can rest or explore the markets. In the evening, your guide holds a short briefing about the trek. Try some dal bhat or momos for dinner, and get an early night.
- Duration: 30 min Drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Accommodation: Shared 3 Star Hotel
After breakfast, you drive west to Pokhara. The road follows the rivers past green valleys and farm terraces. By late afternoon, you reach the calm lakeside city. So you can relax by Phewa Lake or take a short boat ride. Spend the night in Pokhara.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hrs Drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel(twin shared)
Today you swap the highway for a rough mountain road. A 4WD jeep carries you up to Sikles, a large Gurung village. The ride is bumpy, but the views are great. After lunch, you walk around the old stone houses. You can also visit the Bon temple on the hill. Stay the night in Sikles.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hrs driving
- Max Altitude: 1,980 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Now the real trekking begins. You follow a narrow trail through oak and rhododendron forest. Annapurna II and Machhapuchhre show up along the way. Watch for monkeys and birds in the trees. After a few hours, you reach the sunny clearing of Hugu Goth. Rest at the small lodge and watch the sunset.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 2,016 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is summit day. You start early and climb the steep trail above the trees. As the forest ends, the meadows open up. Then you reach Kori Danda, the top of the trek. The view is huge: Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre, and more. Yaks graze beside the prayer flags. So take your time, enjoy a hot drink, and soak it in.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,800 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
This is summit day. You start early and climb the steep trail above the trees. As the forest ends, the meadows open up. Then you reach Kori Danda, the top of the trek. The view is huge: Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre, and more. Yaks graze beside the prayer flags. So take your time, enjoy a hot drink, and soak it in.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,800 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
Today is the long descent. You retrace the trail down through Nohtha and Hugu Goth. First, you cross open grassland with wide views. Then you drop into cool forest with waterfalls and birdsong. You lose a lot of height, so trekking poles help. By late afternoon, you are back in warm, friendly Sikles.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 3,800 m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Accommodation: Guest House
After breakfast, you say goodbye to the mountains. The jeep drives you back down the rugged road to Pokhara. You arrive around midday. So the afternoon is free. You can shop in Lakeside, get a massage, or watch the sunset over Phewa Lake.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hrs
- Max Altitude: 1,980 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Star Hotel(twin shared)
Today you drive back to Kathmandu on the tourist bus. The road follows the river past terraces and small towns. You get final glimpses of the mountain ridges. By late afternoon, you reach Kathmandu. So the evening is free for one last Nepali dinner or some shopping.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hrs hike
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Accommodation: Shared 3 Star Hotel
Meals: breakfast After breakfast, you have free time until your flight. Then a Spade Himalaya representative drives you to the airport. So you leave with great photos and warm memories of the Kori Trek.
- Duration: 30 to 60 min drive
- Max Altitude: 1,400 m
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Trips Include
Your package covers hotels, transport, permits, a licensed guide, and most meals. So the planning is done for you.
- 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara, with breakfast.
- Simple lodges and homestays during the trek (about 5 nights).
- All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), plus a farewell dinner.
- Safe drinking water using a filter or purification tablets.
- All airport pickups, drop-offs, and city transfers by private vehicle.
- Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara, both ways.
- A 4WD jeep from Pokhara to Sikles and back.
- A licensed, English-speaking Spade Himalaya guide for the whole trip.
- Support staff if the group size needs it.
- Pay, food, lodging, and insurance for all staff.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
- A first-aid kit with an oximeter to check oxygen levels.
- All local taxes and office costs.
Trips Exclude
A few things sit outside the package. So please budget for these too.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Optional Kathmandu to Pokhara flight (the tourist bus is included).
- Nepal entry visa (US30 for 15 days, US50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days).
- Travel and medical insurance with helicopter rescue cover (this is a must).
- All drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and snacks.
- A porter, if you want one (about US$160, shared by two trekkers).
- Tips for your guide, porter, and driver.
- Personal gear and any personal expenses.
Trips Altitude
Trips Gallery
Packing List
General
- Daypack (25 to 35 litres) with a rain cover.
- Sleeping bag rated to about 0°C (we lend you one if needed).
- Reusable water bottle with purification tablets.
Upper Body
- Warm hat or beanie.
- Buff or neck warmer.
- Sunglasses and a sun hat.
- T-shirts and base layer tops.
- A warm fleece and a light down jacket.
- A waterproof, windproof rain jacket.
Lower Body
- Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
- Thermal base layer for cold mornings
- Light trousers for the lodges
Hands
- Light gloves for cold mornings on the ridge
Feet
- Trekking boots that you have worn in
- Warm socks (3 to 4 pairs)
- Sandals or light shoes for the evenings
Undergarments
- Quick-dry underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Sleeping clothes
First Aid Kits
(Your guide carries a full kit and an oximeter. Still, a small personal kit helps.)
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Blister plasters and basic painkillers.
- Altitude medicine if your doctor advises it.
- Any personal medicine you take.
Others
- Passport and a few passport photos
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Power bank, because charging is limited and costs extra
- Toiletries, a quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
- Snacks like nuts and energy bars
- Trekking poles (very useful on the long descent)
Optional
- Camera or phone for photos
- Binoculars for peaks and birds
- A book or cards for the evenings
Good to Know
Kori gives you big views with no crowds. You stand at 3,800 m with peaks all around, yet you may have the ridge to yourself. You also sleep in village lodges, so your money helps local families. In short, it is one of the best new treks near Pokhara.
Spring and autumn are the prime seasons. In spring, the forests bloom red and pink. In autumn, the air is clear after the rains. Winter works too, but Kori Danda can get snow, and nights drop below 0°C. The monsoon is wet and slippery, so it is the least popular time.
This trek is moderate. You walk 5 to 7 hours a day on uneven trails. Summit day is steep, and the descent to Sikles is long. So train before you come. Walking, jogging, and stair climbing for a few weeks will help a lot. Trekking poles and good boots also make a real difference.
Sikles is a highlight in itself. It is one of Nepal’s largest Gurung villages. Many Gurung families have a long link to the Gurkha soldiers. So take time to walk the stone lanes, try local food, and visit the Bon temple. A simple “Namaste” and a smile go a long way here.
You sleep in simple lodges and homestays. The rooms have twin beds, with shared bathrooms. The food is fresh and local. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables) is the best value, and refills are often free. You can also get noodles, soup, momos, and eggs. Vegetarian meals are easy to find.
Go slow, drink plenty of water, and rest when you need to. The night at Nohtha helps your body adjust. Also, skip alcohol up high and eat light, energy-rich meals. Your guide carries a first-aid kit and an oximeter. If anyone feels unwell, the guide acts fast and, if needed, arranges a descent.
You need two permits: the ACAP and the TIMS card. Both are checked along the way. Also, foreigners must use a licensed guide in the Annapurna region. So Spade Himalaya handles your guide and permits. You only need your passport and photos.
You reach Pokhara by tourist bus or a short flight from Kathmandu. Then a 4WD jeep takes you up to Sikles. The mountain road is rough, so the ride is bumpy. But it saves a long walk and starts you higher up. Only sturdy jeeps can handle this road.
he trail runs on cash, so carry Nepalese rupees from Pokhara. Drinks, hot showers, charging, and Wi-Fi all cost a small fee. Tips are normal too. As a rough guide, plan about US250 to US350 for personal costs and tips. So bring small notes for the villages.
You can shape this trek to fit your time. For example, you can link Kori with Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill, or the quiet Mohare Danda trail. The nearby Kapuche Glacier Lake also makes a popular add-on. So just tell Spade Himalaya your dates and ideas, and we plan the right route for you.
Trips Reviews
A Peaceful Trek with Beautiful Villages and Amazing Mountain Scenery
Trips FAQs
Permits, Cost, Guide & Insurance
Yes. You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Also, foreigners must trek with a licensed guide in the Annapurna region. So Spade Himalaya arranges your guide and both permits before you start.
The Kori trek cost starts from about US$450 per person. This is the budget rate, based on a small group, the tourist bus, twin-share rooms, and no porter. The final price changes with the season, your transport choice, the room class, and the group size. So ask Spade Himalaya for a quote for your dates.
Although not mentioned above, comprehensive trekking insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover:
- Trekking up to at least 3,800 m
- Emergency medical treatment
- Helicopter evacuation (if needed)
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
Trek Difficulty & Altitude
The trek is graded moderate. The top point is Kori Danda at 3,800 m. You walk about 5 to 7 hours a day on hilly trails. Summit day is short but steep, and the day back to Sikles is long. There is no climbing skill needed. But good fitness makes it much more fun.
It is unlikely, but still possible at Nohtha (3,000 m) and Kori Danda (3,800 m). So the trek climbs slowly and adds a night at Nohtha to help. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day and walk at a steady pace. If you feel unwell, tell your guide right away.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. In spring, the rhododendrons bloom. In autumn, the skies are clear and the views are sharp. Winter is cold but quiet, with snow up high. The monsoon (June to August) is wet, so most people skip it.
Sikles is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. It sits at about 1,980 m, with old stone houses and terraced fields. The Gurung people are warm and proud of their culture. So you can meet locals, try local food, and see the Bon temple on the hill.
Accommodation & Facilities
The trek typically uses simple mountain lodges and teahouses. Pricing can vary depending on room type and season.
There are no ATMs past Pokhara, so carry enough cash. Sikles usually has a mobile signal, but above it you are mostly offline. Some lodges offer charging for a small fee. So bring a power bank, and enjoy the quiet, unplugged days.
Pack warm layers, a rain jacket, trekking boots, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Add sunscreen, a water bottle with purification tablets, and a headlamp. We lend sleeping bags and down jackets if you need them. Keep your total bag weight under about 15 kg.