Kori Trek in Nepal, check the complete Guide to Sikles, Kori Danda & Kahphuche Lake. When people think of trekking in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit usually steal the spotlight. Yet, tucked away in the serene folds of the Annapurna region lies a trail that few outsiders know about – the Kori Trek. A journey that blends mountain wilderness with rich Gurung heritage, the Kori Trek is a secret worth uncovering.

The Kori Trek is a newly opened, off-the-beaten-path trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It’s less crowded compared to popular routes like Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, but it offers equally breathtaking mountain views and authentic cultural experiences.

Where is Kori Trek?

The Kori Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, located northeast of Pokhara in the Kaski district. The Kori Trek begins from Sikles, a picturesque Gurung village about a hour’s drive from Pokhara. From there, the trail winds through forests, alpine pastures, and ridges, eventually reaching Kori Danda (3,800m) – a natural balcony with some of the best Himalayan panoramas in Nepal.

PACKAGE DETAILS

Why Choose Kori Trek in Nepal?

Panoramic Himalayan Views

From Kori Danda, you can see Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and even distant Manaslu peaks.

Authentic Cultural Experience

The trek passes through traditional Gurung villages with stone-roofed houses, prayer flags, and a way of life that feels centuries old.

Kahphuche Lake (Optional Side Trip)

At 2,450m, Kahphuche is Nepal’s lowest glacial lake. Its turquoise-blue water surrounded by cliffs makes it one of the trek’s highlights.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Unlike the crowded Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill, the Kori Trek sees very few trekkers, making it peaceful and authentic.

The Experience on the Trail

The trek starts gently, weaving past terraced fields and traditional villages. As you gain height, rhododendron and oak forests take over, often bursting with colors in spring. Higher up, the trail opens into alpine meadows where yaks graze and the silence is broken only by the wind.

On clear mornings at Kori Danda, the first rays of sunlight paint the snow-capped peaks golden – a view that rivals Poon Hill, but without the crowds.

Overview of the Kori Trek in Nepal

Region: Annapurna region (Kaski district, Gandaki Province)
Starting Point: Sikles village (one of the largest Gurung settlements)
Highest Point: Kori Danda (~3,800m)
Duration: 6–8 days (flexible depending on route)
Difficulty: Moderate (well-suited for trekkers with average fitness)
Best Season: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Highlights of the Kori Trek in Nepal

Kori Danda Viewpoint: Panoramic views of Annapurna II, IV, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Manaslu ranges.
Sikles Village: Rich Gurung culture, traditional stone-roof houses, and warm hospitality.
Wildlife & Nature: Lush forests, rhododendron blooms, and highland pastures.
Less Crowded: A hidden gem with fewer trekkers, offering a peaceful Himalayan experience.

Outline Itinerary for Kori Trek in Nepal

Day 1: Drive Pokhara → Sikles

Day 2: Trek Sikles → Tasa

Day 3: Tasa → Kori Danda

Day 4: Excursion to Kahphuche Lake (optional)

Day 5: Kori → Sikles

Day 6: Explore Sikles Village

Day 7: Drive back to Pokhara

Detailed Itinerary for Kori Trek in Nepal

Day 1: Pokhara → Sikles (1,980m)

Drive: 4–5 hours by jeep/bus.
Explore the village of Sikles, one of the oldest Gurung settlements. Overnight in community lodge/homestay.

Day 2: Sikles → Tasa (2,500m)

Trek time: 5–6 hours.
The trail passes through terraced fields, oak and rhododendron forests. Tasa is a small settlement with basic teahouses.

Day 3: Tasa → Kori Danda (3,800m)

Trek time: 6–7 hours.
Gradual climb through alpine pastures. The viewpoint at Kori offers spectacular Himalayan panoramas.

Day 4: Kori Danda → Kahphuche Lake (2,450m) → Return to Kori

Trek time: 6–7 hours (round trip).
Descend to Kahphuche Lake for a side trip. Enjoy the glacial lake and return to Kori for an overnight.

Day 5: Kori → Sikles

Trek time: 6–7 hours downhill. Overnight in Sikles.

Day 6: Explore Sikles Village

Immerse in Gurung culture, visit traditional houses, museums, and interact with locals.

Day 7: Drive Sikles → Pokhara

Return by jeep/bus.

Itinerary can be extended to 8–9 days with camping at higher ridges.

KORI TREK PACAKAGE DETAILS

Accommodation for Kori Trek in Nepal

The trek is perfect if you want something less commercial, rich in culture, and naturally stunning.

Sikles: Community-run homestays and guesthouses.

Tasa & Kori: Limited teahouses, sometimes camping required.

Kori Danda: Few community lodges, so booking in advance or carrying tents is recommended.

Food on the Kori Trek in Nepal

Mostly local Nepali meals (Dal Bhat, noodles, potatoes, bread, tea).
Limited menu compared to commercial treks, but very organic and homely.
Carry snacks and energy bars for higher sections.

Best Time to Go to Kori Trek in Nepal

Spring (March–May): Forests filled with rhododendron blooms and clear skies.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp weather, best visibility of the mountains.
Winter (December–February): Cold but peaceful, with snow-dusted ridges.

Trek Difficulty of the Kori Trek in Nepal

Grade: Moderate
Altitude is not extreme (below 4,000m), so the risk of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) is low.
Trails involve steep climbs and long walking days (5–7 hours).
Suitable for trekkers with average fitness.

How to Reach the Trailhead of the Kori Trek in Nepal

From Pokhara (822m) → Drive to Sikles (1,980m) by local bus or private jeep (4–5 hours).
The trek begins from Sikles.

Costs & Permits Kori Trek in Nepal

Permits Required:

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
Cost Estimate: $30–40/day (basic homestays, food, permits, transport).

Who is Kori Trek For?

This trek is moderate in difficulty – perfect for trekkers who want something offbeat without going extreme. If you’re looking for solitude, cultural connection, and raw Himalayan beauty, Kori might just become your favorite trek in Nepal.

Kori Trek in Nepal vs Other Treks in Nepal

Kori Trek vs Poon Hill

Poon Hill (3,210m) is famous for its sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It’s short, accessible, and very popular among beginners.
Kori Trek (3,800m) offers an equally spectacular (and higher) viewpoint at Kori Danda, but without the large crowds. The trail is wilder, with more forest and cultural immersion.

If you want a quick trek with comfort and lots of fellow trekkers, Poon Hill is best. But if you prefer solitude, authentic Gurung villages, and fewer tourists, Kori Trek wins.

Kori Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

ABC Trek (4,130m) is one of Nepal’s most popular treks, leading into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary with dramatic glacier views. It’s busier, has better infrastructure, and takes 7–10 days.
Kori Trek (3,800m) is shorter (6–8 days), lower in altitude, and far less crowded. While you don’t walk into a glacier basin, the views of Annapurna II, IV, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre are still breathtaking.

Choose ABC if you want iconic “bucket-list” scenery and don’t mind sharing the trail. Choose Kori if you prefer peace, simplicity, and raw Himalayan landscapes.

Why Choose Kori as a Hidden Alternative

Less Crowded: Unlike Poon Hill and ABC, you might trek for hours without meeting another group.
Cultural Depth: Sikles village is one of the oldest Gurung settlements, offering a more authentic cultural stay.
Adventure Feel: Limited teahouses and optional camping make Kori feel like a true wilderness trek.
Perfect for Repeat Trekkers: If you’ve already done ABC, EBC, or Poon Hill, Kori offers something fresh and undiscovered.

In short, the Kori Trek is ideal for trekkers seeking authenticity, quiet trails, and hidden beauty, while still enjoying stunning views of Annapurna.

Kori Trek vs Poon Hill vs Annapurna Base Camp

Feature	Kori Trek	Poon Hill Trek	Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
Highest Point	Kori Danda – 3,800m	Poon Hill – 3,210m	Annapurna Base Camp – 4,130m
Duration	6–8 days	4–5 days	7–10 days
Difficulty	Moderate	Easy–Moderate	Moderate
Scenery	Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre	Sunrise over Annapurna & Dhaulagiri	Annapurna Sanctuary & glaciers
Crowds	Very few trekkers	Very crowded (popular short trek)	Crowded in peak seasons
Culture	Authentic Gurung village (Sikles)	Gurung & Magar villages	Mixed ethnic villages (Gurung, Magar, Chhetri)
Accommodation	Basic homestays, some camping	Well-developed teahouses	Good teahouse infrastructure
Best For	Offbeat trekkers, culture & solitude seekers	Beginners, families, short-time trekkers	Bucket-list trekkers, iconic scenery seekers

Conclusion: Kori Trek in Nepal

The Kori Trek is Nepal’s best-kept trekking secret. It offers everything — culture, landscapes, adventure, and views — but without the commercialization of popular treks. For those who dare to wander off the beaten path, Kori will reward them with memories that last a lifetime.

Contact us for more details:

Pokhara being the beautiful city of lakes that it holds many places to visit that will sweep you off your feet with their scenic beauty and calm atmosphere. As it is the second most important city in Nepal after the capital city, Kathmandu. But for tourism in Nepal, there is no other city that is popular as Pokhara. The popularity of this city is reflected in the huge number of tourists visiting every year. Pokhara houses a variety of places that confirm the richness of the culture and nature of the country. Situated in the shadow of some of the most famous Himalayan mountains, Pokhara is beautiful.

Let us help you know Pokhara better through our list of the “Top 5 Things” you can do in the city

1. A Visit To Tal Barahi Temple

A lake temple in the Kaski District of Nepal which is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga, this temple is located on a small island in Lake Phewa of Pokhara and contributes as a great source of spirituality in the Nepalese Hindu population.

Highlights: This most famous Hindu temple in Pokhara has a lot of grace added by the surrounding lake. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu to commemorate his boar incarnation in the 18th century. Over the years the temple has been comprehensively renovated and so the pigeons have decided to make it their permanent shelter. A must visit not only for the religious mind but also for a regular tourist alike.

Location: 10 minutes drive from Pokhara, located on an island in the middle of phew lake, it can be reached by a boat from Barahi ghat.

2. Visit Begnas Tal/Lake

Pokhara is the city of lakes and Begnas Tal is another beautiful and serene freshwater lake in Kaski district of Nepal that changes color depending on the season. Begnas Lake is the second largest of the eight lakes in Pokhara valley with a maximum depth of 10 meters. Since most tourists are unaware of this beautiful lake less, the original beauty is undisturbed. The lake supports irrigation and fisheries. The water level in the lake is regulated by a dam constructed in 1988 A.D as it fluctuates with season and because of use for irrigation. The pressure of increasing the human population is forcing the conversion of the swampy area into land for cultivation.

Location: It takes about 40 minutes by bus from Pokhara to reach the lake.

Highlights: Boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains.

Difficulty Level: Medium, you can easily try your hands on boating.

Best time to visit: October

3. A Visit To Sarangkot

A small village that has its own natural beauty situated on the outskirts of the Pokhara city. While you’re exploring the village, you can also get a glimpse of the beautiful sunrise that can be seen from the hilltops. And also, get a chance to view one of the most beautiful Annapurna Himalayan ranges.

Difficulty Level: Easy.

Best time to visit: October

4. A Visit To World Peace Pagoda

Also referred to as “Shanti Stupa ” which when translated in English is referred to as “World Peace Pagoda”. Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order constructed the stupa. The monument is said to depict the four prominent stages of the Buddha’s life in four directions: the place that he was born in Lumbini, the place he became enlightened in Bodhgaya, the place he taught most of his lifetime in Sarnath, and the place he reached nirvana at KushiNagar.

You can experience the joy of overlooking the southern shore of Phewa Lake after reaching the top of the monument and learning about its design to inspire harmony. The shrine except for being an impressive standpoint provides spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara.

Best time to visit: September to November.

Difficulty Level: Fairly easy

5. Boating in Phewa Lake

The second-largest freshwater lake in the country situated in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal. Many tourists frequent this place and many of them keep it in their travel list. The beauty and serenity of the lake know no bounds. As the lake has mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre in its waters. The lake is managed with the help of a Dam and is fed by a river stream, making it somewhat a mixture of a man-made and natural freshwater lake.

Location- Pokhara Valley, Nepal

Best time- October