Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake

Nepal Pyramids Trekking & Climbing
Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake
At a Glance
  • Duration11 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Places to Visit Kori Hill and Kapuche Lake
  • Max Altitude 3800 m / 12,467 ft
  • Group Size 2-20
  • Starts Pokhara
  • Ends Pokhara
  • Activity Trekking
  • Best Season Spring/Autumn/Winter

Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake Overview:

Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake is an evolving trekking destination in the Annapurna Region which is getting viral and trendy these days. There have been too many awesome videos and reels that have attracted foreign and domestic tourists to Kori Hill.

Kori Hill (Danda) stands at 3800 meters / 12,467 feet, promising travelers one of the most unique adventures of a lifetime. The Kori Danda with Kapuche Lake Trek stands out from popular and commercial trekking destinations like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.

Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake is essentially an unexplored part of the once-famous Sikles Trek in the Annapurna region. It is situated Northeast of Pokhara, the lake city, in the Gandaki province that is conserved by ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).

This beautiful Kori Hill Trek takes you through less-trodden paths into the untouched valleys. You will witness the pristine beauty in the Himalayas that still survives amid civilization and modernization. Kori Hill Trek is indeed a hidden gem that offers breathtaking scenery, magical panoramic mountain views of Annapurna, and a serene environment.

The unspoiled wilderness of both Kori Danda (Hill) and Kapuche Glacial Lake provides you with a real trekking experience and personal solitariness. Kori Hill has its own significance as a wide extended Himalayan meadow that looks magical during monsoon season with all the blooming wildflowers and alpine grass. On the other hand, we have Kapuche Glacial Lake tucked away in the hidden valley and happens to be the lowest-altitude Glacier Lake in the World.

There have been too many occasions where trekkers seek less crowded alternatives to popular trekking destinations in Nepal. This demand for less crowded alternatives gave birth to a few very scenic Trekking Routes including Tsho Rolpa, Pikey Peak, Kori Danda Trek, and many more.

Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake Highlights:

  • Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake is an emerging new trekking destination in Nepal's Annapurna region.
  • Trek into the untouched hidden valley less explored by people.
  • Experience the real Himalayan serenity with delight. 
  • Visit the most stunning Kori Hill (Danda) situated at 3800m altitude.
  • Amazing hike to Kapuche Lake which is the World's Lowest Altitude Glacier Lake at a height of 2,450m / 8,038 feet only.
  • Views of Lamjung Himal (6988m), Annapurna II (7937m), and Holy Machhapuchhare (Mt. Fishtail) (6993m).
  • Suitable for beginners and short-duration trekkers.
  • Interact with the Gurung people who have rich cultural history and legends.

Trip Profile: Kori Hill with Kapuche Lake Trek

Our Kori Hill Trek with a visit to Kapuche Glacial Lake begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This short 25-minute flight offers you the most breathtaking aerial views of Nepal’s landscape, deep gorges, farming terraces, and snowcapped mountains. The moment you take off from the bustling city of Kathmandu you will be transported into the dramatic and serene vibrant hills of Nepal. The view of the surroundings landscapes and the rolling clouds is simply magical.

As you enjoy the beauty of Nepal, you don’t realize the passing away of time and you are already at Pokhara city. Upon landing at Pokhara, the lake city you will be more amazed by yet another beauty that surrounds you. The view of the Annapurna range with Mt. Machhapuchare (Holy Fishtail mountain) dominating the horizon will make your day. We will stay overnight in this beautiful city of Pokhara and explore the famous Fewa (Phewa) Lake.

The next day we will take a 4WD vehicle that will drive us to the village of Sikles. This off-road journey to Sikles village is very exciting, it’s more like an adventure on the very first day. Sikles is one of the largest GURUNG village in the region. GURUNGS are the Mongoloid race community who mainly inhabit the western regions of Nepal. We will have lunch in our cozy local teahouse and then explore the biggest Gurung Village.

Soon we will enter the untouched valley of Annapurna with picturesque valleys that present a real taste of the adventure. We will gradually ascend into a serene landscape through dramatic forest settings of Rhododendrons, Maples, and bamboo. 

A highlight of your journey is a visit to Kapuche Lake, the world's lowest-elevation Glacier Lake. Kapuche Lake holds crystal-clear waters that amazingly mirror the surrounding peaks. Progressively we will head out to Kori Hill (Danda) @ 3,800 meters. Kori Danda (Hill) is a vast Himalayan meadow that offers stunning views of rolling hills and majestic mountains like Annapurna, Fishtail, and Lamjung Himal. Overnight at Kori Danda (Hill) is something very fascinating. 

After Kori Danda, we will retrace your trail back to Sikles, and finally drive to Pokhara waving goodbye to the hidden gem. This trip concludes with another scenic flight to Kathmandu. 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrive in Kathmandu City (1400 m/4593 feet) and Transfer to the Hotel
  • Day 02:Fly to Pokhara - the Lake City (820 m/2690 feet)
  • Day 03:Drive to Sikles (1980 m / 6496 feet) - explore the biggest GURUNG VILLAGE.
  • Day 04:Trek to Hugu Goth (2026 m / 6649 feet)
  • Day 05:Hike to Kapuche Lake (2450m / 8038 feet) and trek back to Hugu Goth
  • Day 06:Trek to Nohtha (3050 m / 10,006 feet)
  • Day 07:Trek to Kori Danda (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet)
  • Day 08:Retrace our trail back Sikles
  • Day 09:Drive Back to Pokhara and Explore the Lake City.
  • Day 10:Fly back to the capital city of Kathmandu
  • Day 11:Departure Day - tranfer to international airport.

Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake Detailed Itinerary

Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport your trek leader will receive you and transfer you to the hotel at Thamel. In the afternoon Trek briefing will be organized and after the trek briefing you will going out for a welcome dinner. 

  • Altitude: 1400 m/4593 feet
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome Dinner

Today depending on your flight schedule your trek leader will meet you and drive to the domestic airport. This will be a scenic flight to the most beautiful city of Pokhara. If you fly on time to Pokhara without any delays, you will have enough time to explore the city and visit the famous Fewa Lake. The panoramic view of the mountain from Pokhara is noteworthy. 

  • Altitude: 820 m/2690 feet
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Walking Hour: 25 minutes FLIGHT
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance: 200 km
  • Transport: Domestic Flight

After breakfast, we will leave the beautiful city of Pokhara in a 4WD jeep and drive to Sikles. The initial drive is smooth on the established roadway but shortly we will be taking the most amazing offroad section which is thrilling. This 4/5 hours drive is yet another scenic drive that goes through multiple GURUNG villages. As you drive you will pass through traditional villages, terraced farming fields, gorges, and stunning mountain views. This drive will enlighten you with the knowledge of rustic life in Nepal which is more lively and vibrant. 

Once we get to Sikles, the biggest GURUNG village, we will explore the village. We will visit the local community, the temple, and the nearby hills that gives you the most amazing view of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. 

  • Altitude: 1980 m / 6496 fee
  • Accommodation: Local Teahouse
  • Walking Hour: 4/5 Hours Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance: 45 km
  • Transport: Private 4 Wheel Drive

Today you will receive a wake-up call from your assistant guide or from one of your local team members. After breakfast, we will take a trail that ascends through the steeply narrow trail. It is more like a ridge walk, but the magnificent views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal it offers are awe-inspiring. The view of a waterfall along the trail is stunning and as you proceed further to the Hugu Goth you will be crossing a few suspension bridges which is yet another adventure.

  • Altitude: 2026 m / 6649 feet
  • Accommodation: Local Teahouse
  • Walking Hour: 5/6 Hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance: 8km

Soon after we are done with our breakfast we will get prepared to leave for our amazing hike to Kapuche Lake. This hike takes 2/3  hours and will eventually lead you to the lowest-altitude glacier lake in the world situated at 2,450 meters. The view of the mountains from the lake is remarkable but the most significant thing is the feeling of tranquility and mindful environment. After the visit to this most stunning lake, we will head back to Hugu Goth.

  • Altitude: 2450m / 8038 feet
  • Accommodation: Local Teahouse
  • Walking Hour: 2.5 hours to the Lake one way
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance: 5 km

Today your trek will start with the crossing of Hugu River and ascending through the most dramatic woodland setting of Rhododendron and pine. The mountain view along the way including the Holy Fishtail, Annapurna, and Lamjung Himal is breathtaking. The most significant beauty is the mountain getting closer to you. Maintain silence on the way as you may spot musk deer, Himalayan Tahr and other wild animals. 

  • Altitude: 3050 m / 10,006 feet
  • Accommodation: Local Teahouse
  • Walking Hour: 5/6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance: 8.5 km

After a hearty breakfast, we will start ascending to our destination Kori Danda or Kori Hill. Shortly we will enter into the extended Himalayan meadow where you can simply run, walk, roll, and explore as if it were a No Man's Land. Now you are more into an alpine region with alpine herbs and flowers. The view is interestingly fabulous and many say that the view is far more beautiful than that of Poon Hill or Mohare Danda. Most trekkers will walk further to Thulake Hill which is a ridge at an elevation of 4115 meters that offers you the most remarkable view of the surrounding landscapes and mountains. 

  • Altitude: 3,800 meters / 12,467 feet
  • Accommodation: Basic Shelter
  • Walking Hour: 4/5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Distance: 5.5 km

We will retrace our trail back to Sikles.

  • Accommodation: Local Teahouse
  • Walking Hour: 6/7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we will simply take the 4WD back to the Lake City of Pokhara. 

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Walking Hour: 4 hours Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Distance: 45 km
  • Transport: PRIVATE JEEP

A scenic flight back to the Capital City of Nepal, Kathmandu that will take around 25 minutes.

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Walking Hour: 25 min Flight

Depending on your flight schedule airport transportation will be provided. in Nepal, your airport reporting time is usually 3 hours prior to your flight. Your leader will be there to assist you at the international airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transport: Airport Transfer
What's Included
  • PERMITS: All Essential permits.
  • PICKUP AND DROPS: Roundtrip airport pickup and drop-off facilities for both domestic and international flights are included.
  • ACCOMMODATION: Twin-sharing hotel accommodation in both KATHMANDU and POKHARA at three-star hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
  • WELCOME DINNER: A traditional Nepali-style welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Kathmandu.
  • SIGHTSEEING: A half-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s two most sacred UNESCO World Heritage sites with entrance fees included.
  • TAXES: All applicable local and national government taxes are covered.
  • GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Roundtrip PRIVATE VEHICLE ground transportation between destinations as per the itinerary.
  • STAFF TRANSPORTATION: All ground transportation for assistant guide, porter, and other trek staff as required.
  • DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Flights from POKHARA to KATHMANDU and KATHMANDU to POKHARA.
  • EQUIPMENT: Fundamental trekking gear like a sleeping bag with fleece liners, Primaloft jacket, Rain Poncho, Yak-Track, Trekking Poles, etc. are provided.
  • LODGING: Local Tea-house accommodation on a twin-sharing basis – A single supplement is provided on request OVER MINIMAL COST, however, it depends solely on the availability.
  • DRINKING WATER: Properly filtered and boiled water for drinking is provided each morning and evening. Trekkers are advised to carry reusable water bottles/bladder bags that can hold at least 3 liters.
  • GLORIOUS FOOD: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with hot beverages are provided throughout the trek duration.
  • TREK LEADER AND ASSISTANT GUIDE: An experienced trek leader holding legitimate licensing leads the group, along with assistant guides based on group size. Groups of 3 or more are typically assigned at least 1 assistant guide.
  • PORTERS: The porter to trekker ratio is 1:2 - meaning 1 porter for every 2 trekkers.
  • STAFF INSURANCE & ALLOWANCES: Insurance coverage, wages, and allowances for all trek staff are included.
  • SAFETY CONCERNS: A comprehensive medical with all medications and first aid supplies.
  • COMPLIMENTARY TAKE AWAY: Trekkers receive a duffel bag, t-shirt, multi-functional headwear, baseball hat, trekking map, and completion certificate to take home.
What's Excluded
  • NEPAL VISA: A fee of $50 that is levied on a 30-day Nepali visa.
  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: The cost of all international flights.
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES: All personal expenses that may include Nepalese SIM card, internet, battery charging, hot shower, laundry, fizzy drinks, Alcohol, etc.
  • EMERGENCY: A medical examination of any kind, High Altitude Evacuation over any circumstances, Air Evacuation and Rescues.
  • DONATIONS: Donations of any kind.
  • STAFF TIPPING: Tipping is entirely a personal matter, however, it’s a trekking culture.
  • EXTRA NIGHTS: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu on early arrival or Late departure.
  • SANCTIONS: Permits or the letter of Authorization that is required for special Filming, big Drones, and Filming Cameras.
  • INSURANCE: All-inclusive Travel or medical insurance is a must.
  • EXTRA PORTER: Over request Extra Porter or Assistant is provided that may include the cost of $25 per day.
  • OPTIONAL TOURS: Optional tours and sightseeing or any activities during free time.
Essential Trip Information

Cultural Significance of Kori Hill Trek:

The Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of Natural beauty and Cultural Experience.  Within a short period of time, you will be taken to the most magical valley of Annapurna where the peace-loving Gurung People reside.

This beautiful trek provides an exceptional opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Gurung people. Gurung are the peace-loving people who are said to have migrated from Mongolia via Tibet 2,000 years ago. They are popularly known as ‘Tamu’ and have their own language and traditional dress. They celebrate ‘Tamu Lhosar’ which is a major festival that falls at the end of December. In Nepal, this festival is celebrated nationwide and is accompanied by cultural dance and serving traditional delicacies.

The religion of the Gurung People is a fusion of Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism, which is their own private cult.  Since Sikles is one of the largest Gurung villages, we will visit Sikles village and interact with the local Gurungs. The Gurungs have played a significant role in the British Army and have earned the title of ‘Brave Gurkhas’. In this Kori Hill Trek, trekkers can learn the history, unique customs, languages, and traditional architecture of the Gurung People.

How Difficult is Kori Danda (Hill) Trek with Kapuche Lake?

The Kori Hill Trek via Kapuche Lake is categorized as moderate in terms of difficulty. In reality, the trek is not very difficult but since the elevation gain is over 3500 meters it falls under moderately difficult grouping. Kori Hill Trek is certainly a very good choice for beginners and for those who have a limited time frame to trek in the Himalayas. The trail is a mix of gradual, gentle slopes and ascents and walking through the woodland and alpine ridgelines.

There are steeper ascents along the narrow paths while doing our excursions to Kapuche Lake and while proceeding further to Kori Hill. However, these petty difficult sections would mean nothing amid the view and the feeling of contentment it will offer at every step.

Permits Required for Kori Hill Trek:

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit): The ACAP Permit is the only permit required for this Trip. The cost of the permit for all foreign nationals is USD 25 or equivalent to NPR 3000 per person, for SAARC countries nationals it is NPR 1000 per person and for Nepali (Domestic) citizens it is NPR 100 per person.

Any risk of Altitude sickness at Kori Hill Trek with Kapuche Lake?

Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness on the Kori Hill Trek to Kapuche Lake since we get to an altitude of little over 3,800 meters. Altitude Sickness or AMS has been reported from an altitude of 2500 meters and above so going over 3800 meters does have a significant risk of AMS.

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), typically becomes a concern at elevations above 2500 meters (8200 feet). At 3800 meters (12,467 feet), the risk is considerably higher. Here are some key points:

The best way to get away with Altitude sickness or to prevent it from occurring involves acclimatization, slow pacing, maintaining the body with adequate fluid, and listening to your leaders' guidelines. Read the Preventive Measures one can take for Altitude Sickness.

Most trekkers use medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) to help prevent altitude sickness. However, we highly recommend consulting your doctor before starting with the Altitude Medication like Diamox.

What is Food and Accommodation like during Kori Hill Trekking?

Since Kori Danda Trek with Kapuche Lake is a trending destination among the newly opened treks in Nepal, both accommodation and Food are basic. After the biggest village of Sikles, the accommodation is nothing but a homestay facility. The other option after Sikles village will be camping. Depending on your priorities we can either do Camping or Homestay trek.

However, the lodging options are gradually evolving in the region. Trekkers are to keep their expectations low regarding lodging and food on this journey. The lodging and food options aren’t as advanced as in the other commercial trekking destinations like Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, or Manaslu.

Though Kori Hill Trekking offers a basic homestay facility, the hospitality, and welcoming people will make things better than other popular treks. It gives you a great opportunity to live in their local house that will let you understand their local lifestyle.  The accommodation arrangements can be straightforward but authentic with home-cooked meals living in a local style.

The food is simply phenomenal. The home-cooked meals with vegetables grown in their own garden make it more delicious than any Western food. The variety in the menu may not be that very much but what they cook for you is deliciously healthy staple food. Your food items will include rice, eggs, fresh vegetables, soup, roti, etc all locally prepared.

When is the Best time to trek to Kori Hill?

The best time to trek to Kori Danda and Kapuche Lake is the Spring Season (March to May) and Autumn Season (September to November). However, due to the effects of global warming, winter is becoming a popular season in Nepal due to its favorable conditions.

Spring and Autumn being the most favorable seasons for trekking in Nepal have been going on for ages but gradually things are becoming different due to Climate Change. Nevertheless, the Summer/Monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended for trekking in Nepal.

The reason why the Winter season (December to February) is getting popular these days is due to its favorability. Winter gives clear skies with exceptional views without hindrance. Besides, winter trekkers are blessed with no crowds that offer a serene environment and solitude. Though the temperature can be very low yet with adequate gear you will enjoy winter trekking in Nepal.

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Price per personUS$ 920US$ 1045
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2 - 5 pax
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6 - 9 pax
US$ 885
10 - 15 pax
US$ 845
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