8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Max Elevation

3,800m (Kori Danda)

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Group Size

Min. 2 Pax

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Duration

8 Days

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Difficulty

Moderate

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Accommodation

Teahouses/Lodges

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Meals

B.L.D

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Best Season

March–May & Sept–Nov

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Transportation

Private Vehicle and Bus

8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake

Region

Annapurna Region

The 8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake combines two of the Annapurna region’s distinctive offbeat destinations: Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,546m) and Kori Danda (3,800m).

 

Starting from Sikles, a traditional Gurung village in the Madi Valley, the trek follows quiet forest and mountain trails toward Hugu Goth before making a dedicated excursion to Kapuche Lake.

 

After returning from the lake, the route continues toward the remote Kori Himal area, climbing through forest and alpine landscapes to Kori Danda. From the open ridge, trekkers can enjoy expansive views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges, particularly around sunrise and sunset.

 

This extended itinerary is ideal for travelers who want more than a single viewpoint or short lake trek. By combining Kapuche Lake, Kori Danda, and the cultural experience of Sikles in one journey, the 8-day route offers a more complete exploration of this quieter corner of the Annapurna region.

 

Trek Highlights

  • Visit Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,546m), a glacier-fed lake beneath the Annapurna IV range
  • Reach Kori Danda (3,800m) for panoramic views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges
  • Explore Sikles, a traditional Gurung village in the scenic Madi Valley
  • Combine a glacial lake excursion and high-altitude ridge viewpoint in one trekking itinerary
  • Trek through peaceful forests, alpine pasture, and remote mountain landscapes
  • Experience a quieter alternative to the more heavily traveled trails of the Annapurna region
  • Enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset views from the Kori Danda ridge
  • Experience local Gurung culture alongside the natural landscapes of the Annapurna region

 

Why Choose the Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake?

The Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake is designed for trekkers who want to experience both the glacial landscape of Kapuche Lake and the panoramic mountain views from Kori Danda in a single journey.

 

Compared with the shorter Kapuche Lake Trek, this itinerary continues beyond the lake toward the higher Kori Himal region. It also provides more time to explore the forests, alpine landscapes, and mountain communities along the route.

 

For travelers interested in an offbeat alternative to the busier Annapurna trekking routes, this extended itinerary combines Kapuche Lake, Kori Danda, and the cultural experience of Sikles into one rewarding Himalayan adventure.

 

What to Expect

Expect a combination of forest trails, alpine pasture, mountain ridges, and relatively quiet trekking paths. The route gradually gains elevation from Sikles and Hugu Goth toward the higher Kori Himal area, with the most demanding sections occurring around the Kapuche Lake excursion and the ascent toward Kori Danda.

 

Accommodation is simple, with local teahouses and mountain lodges providing basic facilities along the route. Trekking conditions can vary depending on the season, and some sections may be more challenging due to steep terrain or weather conditions.

 

The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,800m at Kori Danda, so trekkers should be prepared for higher-altitude conditions and be comfortable with several consecutive days of walking.

 

Ready for the Adventure?

Experience the combination of Kapuche Glacier Lake and Kori Danda on an 8-day journey through one of the quieter corners of the Annapurna region. Trek through traditional Gurung communities, forested trails, alpine landscapes, and remote mountain terrain with Save Mountain Treks & Expedition.

Itinerary

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the scenic Prithvi Highway, following rivers, hills, and rural landscapes along the way. After arriving in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Drive: 6–9 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Sikles through the scenic Madi Valley. Sikles is a traditional Gurung village known for its distinctive mountain setting and cultural heritage. Spend time exploring the village and experiencing the local atmosphere before settling in for the night.

Drive: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Sikles

Begin the trekking portion of the journey from Sikles. The trail passes through forests, terraced landscapes, and traditional settlements as it gradually follows the route toward Hugu Goth. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings before spending the night in this mountain settlement.

Walking: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse at Hugu Goth

Start early for the dedicated excursion to Kapuche Glacier Lake. Follow the trail toward the glacier-fed lake and enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery surrounding the basin. After spending time at Kapuche Lake, retrace the trail back to Hugu Goth for the night.

Walking: 4–5 hours round trip
Maximum Altitude: 2,546m
Overnight: Teahouse at Hugu Goth

After breakfast, leave Hugu Goth and continue ascending toward Nhuta, following the trail through dense forest and increasingly open mountain terrain. As the trail gains elevation, the surrounding landscape becomes more alpine, with broader views of the mountains and valleys. Continue steadily uphill to Nhuta, a remote mountain settlement and the overnight stop before the final ascent to Kori Danda.

Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Maximum Altitude: Approx. 3,050 m
Overnight: Basic teahouse/lodge at Nhuta

Begin the day’s trek from Nhuta and continue climbing toward Kori Danda. The trail gradually leaves the forest behind and enters open alpine pasture and mountain ridges. As you gain altitude, the views become increasingly expansive. Continue uphill to Kori Danda at approximately 3,800 m, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges and the surrounding highlands.

Walking: Approximately 4–6 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3,800m
Overnight: Trekking lodge at Kori Danda

Wake early to enjoy the sunrise over the surrounding Himalayan peaks before beginning the descent from Kori Danda. Continue through alpine pasture and forest, retracing sections of the route toward Sikles village.

Walking: Approximately 5–7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Sikles

After breakfast, drive from Sikles back to Pokhara, enjoying the scenic journey through the Madi Valley. Upon arrival in Pokhara, your 8 Days Kori Himal Trek with Kapuche Lake concludes.

Drive: 3–4 hours
Trip Ends: Pokhara

Cost Included

  • Complimentary pickup from airport and transfer to hotel by Save Mountain Treks & Expedition team
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara transportation by tourist bus
  • One night accommodation with attached room in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Pokhara to Sikles and Sikles to Pokhara transportation by private vehicle/sharing jeep
  • Best possible teahouse/lodge accommodation (generally twin sharing) throughout the trek
  • All standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
  • Government license holder English-speaking trek leader (8+ trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Strong, experienced porters with proper safety equipment, salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people)
  • Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit available)
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your travel insurance company)
  • Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (returned after trip completion, if you don’t have your own)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
  • All government and local taxes, and official expenses
  • Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance)
  • Save Mountain Treks & Expedition t-shirt and trekking map
  • Save Mountain Treks & Expedition certificate of appreciation after successful trek completion
  • Oxygen meter to check pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily, helping monitor for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms

Cost Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee (obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu) — $30 USD for 15 days, $50 USD for 30 days, $125 USD for 90 days
  • Personal travel and medical insurance
  • International airfare
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara (lunch and dinner)
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, mineral water, extra food, and cold/hot drinks purchased during the trek
  • All desserts and sweets (chocolate, cake, pie, pudding)
  • Hot shower, Wi-Fi, and battery charging at teahouses
  • Tips for guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)

FAQ

Kapuche Lake is a glacial lake fed by the Annapurna IV glacier, located above Sikles village in the Annapurna Conservation Area. It’s rarely included in standard trekking itineraries, making this a distinctive route.

The trek is rated moderate overall, though the Kapuche Lake and Kori Danda days involve longer walking hours and steeper terrain. Reasonable fitness is recommended.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest skies for both the glacial lake and the Kori Danda viewpoint.

Kori Danda, at 3,800 meters, is the highest point of the trek. Kapuche Lake sits at a lower elevation but requires a demanding day of walking to reach and return.