The Annapurna Region is famous for a variety of treks. Most people choose the Annapurna Base Camp or the Tilicho Lake trek; however, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path treks in this region. If you are looking for a less-crowded trek with equally majestic views of the Annapurna region, look no further than the Kori Danda Trek.

This newly opened trek in the foothills of the Annapurna Region is gaining popularity very quickly. This freshly discovered viewpoint is getting eyeballs all over the internet. Due to its beautiful mountain scenery, this trek should be on your bucket list.

This article features some of the best highlights of this trek and itinerary and a brief overview of this amazing trek.

Some Facts About This Trek

  • Maximum Altitude: 3800 meters at Kori Hill
  • Duration: 5 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best Times: Spring

Highlights of this trek:

  1. Excellent Mountain Views: This trek gives excellent views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal. In a short time, you will be able to see various snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna region.
  2. Less-crowded Trail: As this trek is fairly new, there are comparatively fewer people on the trail. Unlike the more popular treks, this trek is ideal for people looking for solitude and a peaceful environment.
  3. Diverse Landscapes: You will find numerous changing landscapes on this trek. As you ascend, the landscape changes from dry open grasslands to high alpine meadows and snowy terrains. If you trek during the winter, then you will be able to witness snowfall too.
  4. Witness Authentic Culture: You can witness authentic Gurung culture during this trek. Villages like Sikles represent authentic Gurung culture, where outsiders can fully immerse themselves within the tradition of the locals.

 

Kori Hill
Kori Hill (Source: Facebook)

 

 Detailed Itinerary of the Trek

Day 1 (Pokhara to Sikles)

On the first day, drive from Pokhara and walk a short distance to Sikles, which is a beautiful Gurung village. Known for its beautiful houses and amazing mountain views, Sikles is one of the best attractions throughout this trek. You can stay here overnight at a homestay or a teahouse. The trek from Pokhara to Sikles is another beautiful option if you’d like to try.

Day 2 (Sikles To Hugu Goth)

On day 2, travel from Sikles towards Hugu Goth. From Sikles, your actual trek starts as you will be walking through dense rhododendron forests. Hugu Goth is an open grazing area where you can see many animals grazing in the field. It has a basic level of accommodation. On day 2, you will reach a maximum elevation of 2200 meters.

Day 3 (Hugu Goth to Kori Hill)

This is a challenging yet rewarding day of trekking. You will encounter some steep climbs and stunning mountain views. This is by far the most challenging part of the hike, where you will be walking through some tough terrain. However, the rewards are worthwhile, with the viewpoint providing a 360-degree view of the Annapurna Region.

You can either camp at Kori Hill or stay at a lodge/teahouse with normal accommodation.

Day 4 (Kori Hill to Sikles)

On the fourth day, descend back to Sikles from Kori Hill. Retracing your steps, you will encounter how the landscape quickly changes. The return trip will be a lot easier than ascending, and you can cover the distance pretty quickly.

Day 5 (Sikles To Pokhara)

On the last day of your trek, return from Sikles to Pokhara. You can walk a short distance and eventually drive back to Pokhara, ending your short yet rewarding trek to Kori Danda.

Why Choose This Trek?

  • This short trek can be completed in less than a week, making it accessible and a great option for people with a busy lifestyle. Completed in around 5 days, you will get mesmerizing views and less-crowded trails on this trek.
  • From Kori Hill, you will get beautiful sunrise and sunset views. Wake up early in the morning to capture the perfect pictures of the sun rising over the Annapurna range.
  • As an outsider, you will have numerous opportunities to explore and understand the Gurung culture, their lifestyle, food items, and cultural events. Various villages are mostly inhabited by the Gurung people.
  • This hidden gem is relatively less known to people. So, if you are looking for a perfect, isolated trek with very few people, don’t wait; embark on this majestic trek in the Annapurna Region.

 

Sikles Village
Sikles Village (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Practical Tips For Trekkers

  1. Wear warm clothing, as nights at Kori Hill can be very cold, especially during winter. If possible, bring extra layers of clothes in case your clothes get wet.
  2. Be prepared for a very basic level of accommodation at Hugu Goth and Kori Danda, as there are few teahouses and homestays.
  3. Hiring a guide can be pretty helpful, as the trails are fairly new and can be harder to navigate at times.
  4. Bring enough food and water, as resources get pretty scarce as you ascend towards Kori.

Overall, this is a great trek with relatively moderate trekking difficulty and equally beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. So, if you’re around Pokhara and looking for a fun adventure, then take on the trails to Kori Danda Trek.

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