Kori Himal Trek — 6 Days from Pokhara (Kori Danda)

Pokhara → Sikles → Madi River → Hugu Goth

The jeep leaves Pokhara and follows the Madi River corridor north. The road narrows and the hills close in over two to three hours. We arrive at Sikles, one of Nepal's largest Gurung settlements, and stop long enough to walk its stone lanes before the trek begins.

From the village the trail drops to the river, crosses suspension and wooden bridges, then climbs through bamboo and oak forest. The shade is welcome, and the steady gradient makes a gentle first day on the legs.

Few trekkers come this way, and the trail feels remarkably quiet. River noise fades behind us as the forest closes in.

By late afternoon we reach Hugu Goth (also called Gharmi Kharka), a seasonal herding settlement. Lodging is basic, but hot food and an early night suit us well. Tomorrow's walk to the lake is a short one.

Hugu Goth → River Gorge → Kapuche Glacial Lake → Hugu Goth

With day packs on and the heavier bags left behind at Hugu Goth, we set out along a forested trail that climbs the river gorge. The pace is relaxed, and the sound of moving water stays with us all morning.

The forest opens onto Kapuche Glacial Lake, a turquoise basin often described as the world's lowest-altitude glacial lake. Avalanches spill off the ice faces of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal and feed it. On a quiet morning we may hear a distant rumble echo across the valley.

We spend time at the shore, eat lunch and watch the light shift over the water before retracing our steps downhill. The round trip is short, so the afternoon is free to rest, wash clothes and stretch tired legs before the climb ahead.

Hugu Goth → Rhododendron & Fir Forest → Nohtha

Climbing starts almost from the doorstep. We leave Hugu Goth and work our way out of the lower valley through rhododendron, fir and oak woodland, crossing mountain streams and rocky ridges as the trail gains height.

The forest thins gradually. By midday, gaps in the canopy begin to frame the first high peaks, the air cools and the undergrowth shortens.

This is the day the trek changes character, from river valley to high country. About 950 m of ascent lies ahead, so we walk slowly, drink often and make a long afternoon of it.

We arrive at Nohtha, a high pasture the local herders use for summer grazing. The lodging is simple and the evenings are cold, so we layer up, eat early and go to bed with the Kori ridge just above us.

Nohtha → Tree Line → Kori Danda → (Optional) Thulake Top → Kori Danda

The tree line is the day's dividing mark. From Nohtha we climb steadily through the last of the forest, then step out into open alpine grassland where the wind picks up and the views stretch.

The ridgeline of Kori Danda opens after four to five hours of walking. The panorama takes in Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), all spread along the horizon.

Anyone with energy to spare can take an optional afternoon hike to Thulake Top, gaining another 300 m or so for a wider outlook. We then return to Kori Danda in time for sunset.

We spend the night at the community lodge, the highest sleeping point of the trek. Sunset here fades slowly, and the cold arrives soon after.

Kori Danda → Pastureland → Tasa [VERIFY: confirm Tasa on route] → Terraced Fields → Sikles

First light over the Annapurna massif sets the tone. We linger on Kori Danda with hot tea and take a last long look before starting the descent.

The trail winds down through pastureland and rhododendron thickets, losing height steadily. Lower down, the landscape softens into terraced fields and small hamlets. We cross local bridges as the air warms and the vegetation thickens.

The drop is long, about 1,820 m over roughly 12 km, and it works the knees hard. Trekking poles and a slow, steady rhythm make the difference on the steep stretches.

We reach Sikles by evening and spend the rest of the day on the village paths. A visit to the cultural museum is a good way to wind down, followed by a homestay dinner with local cooking.

Sikles Village Walk → Madi River Valley → Pokhara

The last morning is unhurried. After breakfast, we use the hours before the drive to walk around Sikles, with nowhere to be and nothing to carry.

The village rewards a slow look: stone-roofed houses, narrow alleys, prayer flags fluttering from rooftops and small shops selling local handicrafts. It is a good last chance to take photographs and talk with the people who live here.

Then we load the jeep and wind back along the Madi River valley, dropping through terraces and forest to the lakeside warmth of Pokhara. The drive takes two and a half to three hours, and the trek ends on arrival.