Quick answer: The Kori Trek is a new, quiet Annapurna trail to Kori Danda (3,800 m), a meadow with a 360-degree view above the Gurung village of Sikles. It is graded moderate, rivals Poon Hill for views with far fewer people, and can add the Kapuche glacier lake.
The Kori Trek is a new, quiet trail in the Annapurna region that climbs to a high meadow with a full 360-degree mountain view. The high point is Kori Danda (3,800 m), above the large Gurung village of Sikles. Few people walk it, so the trail feels wild and peaceful. Many trekkers say the view rivals Poon Hill.
Key Takeaways
- The high point is Kori Danda (3,800 m), a wide meadow with a 360-degree view.
- It is a new, off-path trail, so it stays very quiet.
- You walk through Sikles, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal.
- It is graded moderate, with lodges and homestays on the way.
- The best time is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
This guide covers the cost, difficulty, route, and culture. For the full plan, see our Kori Trek package. For the wider picture, see our Annapurna region guide.
What is the Kori Trek?
The Kori Trek is a quiet, new route in the Annapurna region, also called the Kori Danda or Sikles Kori trek. It climbs from Pokhara to a high alpine meadow at 3,800 m.
Kori Trek 10-Days
People often call Kori Danda the “center point of Nepal”. So you stand in the middle of a huge mountain view. From the meadow, you see Annapurna II (7,937 m), Lamjung Himal, and the Fishtail peak. 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. In short, Kori gives a big view with almost no crowds.
Why trek Kori instead of Poon Hill?
Kori gives a Poon Hill-style panorama, but on a new trail with far fewer people. So it suits trekkers who want the view without the crowds.
Poon Hill is famous, so it is busy in peak season. Kori is new, so few people walk it. You get a wide 360-degree view from the meadow, plus real Gurung culture in Sikles.
The trek also visits Sikles, one of Nepal’s largest Gurung villages, with old two-storey houses and a Bon temple. You sleep in simple lodges and homestays. So your money goes straight to local families. To compare the busy classic, see Poon Hill vs Annapurna Base Camp.
What is Kapuche Glacier Lake?
Some Kori routes add Kapuche Glacier Lake, one of the lowest glacier lakes in the world. So you can stand close to a glacier at a low height.
Kapuche Lake sits at about 2,450 m, fed by ice from the Annapurna massif. From the shore, you may see avalanches tumble into the turquoise water. So it is a dramatic, rare sight.
This side trip makes the Kori Trek even more special. So if you want it, just ask Spade Himalaya, and we add it to your plan.
How difficult is the Kori Trek?
The Kori Trek is graded moderate, similar to Mardi Himal and a step up from Poon Hill. There is no climbing or technical ground. So the main effort is the daily walking and the climb to the meadow.
On the Spade Himalaya difficulty scale, Kori is Grade 2. You walk about 5 to 6 hours a day, with a mix of ups and downs. The high point, Kori Danda, sits at 3,800 m, so the air is a little thin.
The trail is new, so some sections are rough and simple. So good fitness helps, and a steady pace matters. Still, a fit beginner who trains first can do it well with a good guide.
How much does the Kori Trek cost?
A guided Kori Trek usually costs about US$500 to US$900 per person in 2026. The price depends on the route length, group size, and comfort. It needs no flight, so it stays good value.
You drive from Pokhara to Sikles, then walk. So the main costs are the guide, the lodges and homestays, the food, and the transport.
The permits are low: the ACAP permit and a TIMS card. For how the region’s costs work, see our Poon Hill Trek cost guide.
What permits do you need for the Kori Trek?
You need two permits for the Kori Trek, plus a licensed guide. So the paperwork is simple, and Spade Himalaya handles it.
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 (about US$25) for foreign trekkers (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-24). You also need a TIMS card, which costs NPR 2,000 (about US$15) for foreign trekkers (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-24).
Since 31 March 2023, foreign trekkers must use a licensed guide in the Annapurna region (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-24). So a solo, guide-free trek is not allowed. Spade Himalaya is a registered agency, so we arrange the guide and both permits.
When is the best time for the Kori Trek?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons. Both bring clear skies and stable weather. So the meadow views are at their best.
In spring, the rhododendron and oak forests bloom along the climb. In autumn, the air is crisp after the rains, so the high views are sharp. These two seasons are the safest and clearest.
Winter is cold, and snow can fall on the meadow. The summer monsoon brings rain and leeches lower down. So most trekkers pick spring or autumn.
Who should trek Kori?
Kori suits trekkers who want a big view, a quiet trail, and real Gurung culture. It is a great pick for people who want to beat the crowds.
You do not need climbing skills. You do need decent fitness for the climb and the simple, new trail. So a fit beginner who trains first can do it well with a good guide.
If you want an easier trek, try the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. For another quiet ridge, see the Khopra Danda Trek guide. For a close cousin near here, see the Mardi Himal Trek.
FAQs
How hard is the Kori Trek?
It is graded moderate, similar to Mardi Himal. You walk 5 to 6 hours a day, with ups and downs. The high point, Kori Danda, is 3,800 m. The trail is new, so some parts are rough. So good fitness helps.
How high is Kori Danda?
Kori Danda sits at 3,800 m. It is a wide alpine meadow with a full 360-degree view. People often call it the “center point of Nepal”, because peaks ring it on all sides.
Why trek Kori instead of Poon Hill?
Kori gives a similar wide panorama, but on a new trail with far fewer people. You also walk through Sikles, a large Gurung village, and sleep in local homestays. So it suits trekkers who want quiet and culture.
How much does the Kori Trek cost?
A guided trek usually costs about US$500 to US$900 per person in 2026. The price depends on length, group size, and comfort. There is no flight, so it stays good value.
What is Kapuche Glacier Lake?
Kapuche is one of the lowest glacier lakes in the world, at about 2,450 m. It is fed by ice from the Annapurna massif. Some Kori routes add it as a special side trip. So ask Spade Himalaya if you want it.
Do you need a guide for the Kori Trek?
Yes. Since 2023, foreign trekkers must use a licensed guide in the Annapurna region. You also need an ACAP permit and a TIMS card. Spade Himalaya arranges the guide and both permits for you.
Accuracy note: official fees, rules, and hard facts in this guide are cited inline from their sources; trail and price details are Spade Himalaya field research; route details reviewed by Yubaraj Katel, government-licensed trekking guide (Licence No. 19827) with 10 years of experience leading treks in the Annapurna region.
