The Kori trek or Kori Hill trek is one of the newly discovered trekking routes in the Annapurna region. This trek has emerged as one of the very exciting short trekking destinations near Pokhara- offering an excellent alternative to the very famous Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal treks. 

The Kori trek difficulty is moderately challenging and unspoiled, perfect for travelers looking for a fresh and pristine trekking adventure in Nepal. Kori trekking takes you within the Annapurna Conservation Area. This 9-day trekking program starts and ends in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

You will travel to Pokhara in a comfortable tourist bus and begin the trek with a short drive to Sikles village. Trekkers who are already in Pokhara can join us for the Kori trek 9 days directly from there. The Kori trek promises an unforgettable and immersive trekking experience.

Highlights

• Explore one of the newly discovered trekking routes in the Annapurna region, untouched by mass tourism
• An excellent alternative to the popular Poon Hill and Mardi Himal trek
• Get to see the beauty of Pokhara and Annapurna region as you travel the empty trails via lush forests and beautiful villages
• Meet with many Nepali communities, including Gurung and Ghale
• Witness the daily life of the locals and their culture
• Visit the Chili Kohinbo Temple and learn about the BonPo religion
• Enjoy beautiful nature and stunning mountain views throughout the trek
• The trek is adventurous and blissful, perfect for travelers looking for a short journey in the Himalayas

What to expect during the Kori trek 9 days in Nepal?

The Kori Himal trek is a journey through unexplored and undiscovered sections of the Annapurna region. It is a lodge trek with superb mountain views, beautiful green meadows, and picturesque villages. The trail goes through dense rhododendron forests to the top of the Koro Danda (hill) and Thulek viewpoint.

Our Kori trek itinerary is special because it also takes you to hidden Kapuche Lake at 2,450 m (8,038 ft). You will spend an acclimatization day in Hugu Goth village and hike to this lovely lake. It is an isolated turquoise lake surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains. The scenery here is to die for.

The Kori Danda is definitely the highlight of this adventurous trek. You will get to witness breathtaking mountain vistas from here. Enjoy nature and get to witness wonderful views of the Himalayan mountains such as Annapurna III (7,555 m/24,787 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m/22,910 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft), etc.

If you have 2-3 extra days, you can extend your Kori trek itinerary to the holy lake called Dudh Pokhari. It is located further northeast of Kori Danda. Moreover, the trail to this goes to Namun Bhanjyang or Namun La pass and joins the famous Annapurna Circuit at Timang village.

The locals are one of the huge charms of Kori trekking. Ghale and Gurung communities are the primary inhabitants of this region. However, you will meet with many other ethnic groups. The region has a rich cultural heritage influenced by the Buddhist and BonPon religions. The villagers are friendly, kind, and welcoming.

Who is suitable for the Kori Himal trek? How to prepare for this trek?

The Kori trek route is doable for all ages of trekkers, so we are welcoming everyone, including solo travelers, families, friends/colleagues groups, solo female travelers, student groups, etc. You do not need previous trekking expertise to do the Kori trek. If you are in decent shape, you can make the Kori Danda trek your Himalayan trek.

The Kori trek is simple and manageable for anyone physically active. Simple training to form your walking habit and improve your stamina is good enough to prepare for the Kori trek 9 days. Lastly, you will need to be determined and well-planned. Our professional and expert team will help you with trek preparation.

Kori trek packing guide

To do the Kori trek in Nepal, you will need the following things:

Clothing: Trekking t-shirt/pants, underwear, thermal layer, basic clothing, windproof/waterproof jacket/pant, fleece jacket, down jacket, leggings, socks, gloves, scarfs, beenie, dry towel, a pair of basic shoes/slipper, etc

Gear: Trekking boots, trekking poles, sleeping bag, day pack, reusable water bottle, pocket knife, map, etc

Toiletries and First aid: Wet tissue, toilet paper, comb, pocket mirror, deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, sunscreen with high SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, general medicines for stomach, headache, diarrhea, indigestions, etc, band-aid, crack bandage, Diamox, etc

Miscellaneous: Snacks, nuts, energy bars, journal and pen, traveler games, water purification tablets, map, compass, adapter, power bank, camera, mobile, zip lock bags, cash, passport, travel visa, permits, passport-sized photos, etc

Kori trek cost

The Kori trek is one of the most affordable hiking programs in Nepal. The itinerary and services included in the cost do affect the overall price of the package, however this trek does not cost much. You can expect the starting price of the package to be around USD 850 per person.

Our Kori trek cost does not cover your arrival and departure from Kathmandu. You will get 1 night stay in Kathmandu, 2 nights stay in Pokhara, and 6 nights stay in lodges in the package cost. All the ground transportation will be provided as per our itinerary. Any additional transportation request will cost you extra money.

No. of participants Package cost Booking link

Experience this unspoiled, newly opened trekking route with Nepal Treks and Tour

Nepal Treks and Tour is one of the trusted trekking partners in Nepal for the Kori trek. We have been organizing treks in the Himalayas for many years, which makes us experts in the field. With our advanced and professional team, you can expect a smooth and satisfying trek experience.

You not only get the best Kori trek price with us but also high-quality service and safety assurance. Book the Kori trek 2024 departure now and secure the best deal. If you have any questions or confusion regarding the Kori trek, feel free to contact us. Our team will be more than glad to assist you.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 

Distance: 201 km/125 miles

Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft

Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

The Kori Danda trek starts from Pokhara, so first, we have to travel to this city from Kathmandu. We will drive to Pokhara, enjoying beautiful landscapes. The drive starts from Kathmandu early in the morning. Following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, we will drive along lush hills, overlooking terraces, waterfalls, hills, and mountains.

Upon reaching Pokhara, settle in your hotel. Spend the remaining day resting and exploring the Lakeside Market. Witness a surreal sunset at Phewa Lake. You can also go boating on the lake if you wish. The view of Mt. Fishtail is fantastic across the lake. End the day with a delicious dinner on your own.

Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Sikles and explore the huge village of Gurung community

Distance: 40 km/25 miles

Altitude: 1,980 m/6,496 ft

Duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Begin the morning with a delicious breakfast in Pokhara. After that, we will board a private vehicle and start driving to Sikles. First, we will drive to Kaunkhola. The road is smooth till this place. From here, we will change the vehicle to a local jeep and embark on a 4 to 5-hour off-road drive to Sikles villages.

The rugged route along the hills and woods presents superb views of rivers, mountains, and terraced fields. Upon reaching Sikles, we will freshen up and have some food. Later, we will explore this big Gurung village. We can see the influence of the BonPo religion here. Visit the Chili Kohinbo Temple and see the locals doing their daily chores.

Day 03: Trek from Sikles to Hugu Goth 

Distance: 7.4 km/4.5 miles

Altitude: 2,026 m/6,647 ft

Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

From Sikles, we continue trekking to Hugu Goth. The trail continues, offering stunning Himalayan mountain views. We will trek through lush forests of rhododendron and oak. As the trail progresses, the tracks get steep and narrow. The river valley views are equally enchanting along the way.

Mountains like Annapunrna II, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal, etc, are visible on this part of the trek. Hugu Goth is a beautiful village where we see farms and cattle like goats and buffaloes. It’s a lovely little village with welcoming and kind locals.

Day 04: Hike to Kapuche Lake and descend to Hugu Goth to spend the night

Altitude: 2,450 m/8,038 ft

Duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

We will spend this night in Hugu Goth as well. Today, we will go on a morning hike to Kapuche Lake. It takes around 2 to 3 hours of hiking from Hugu Goth to reach Kapuche Lake. On the way, we will see spectacular mountain views. The serenity of the area is also blissful.

Upon reaching the lake, we will see the stunning turquoise color of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. After spending some time enjoying the view, we will descend to Hugu Goth to spend the night.

Day 05: Trek from Hugu Goth to Nohtha

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Altitude: 3,050 m/10,006 ft

Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

From Hugu Goth, we will continue trekking to Nohtha. The trek starts with crossing a wooden bridge over Hugu Khola. We now ascend towards Kori Hill. The trail goes through forests of pine, rhododendron, and fir.

We will see superb views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Machhapuchhare, etc on the way. As the route mostly goes through forests, we may get to see musk deer or the national bird of Nepal- Danfe (Lophophorus).

Day 06: Trek from Nohtha to Kori Danda (3,800 m/12,467 ft) and hike to Thulek 

Distance: 5 km/3.1 miles

Altitude: 4,115 m/13,500 ft

Duration: 5 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Leaving Nohtha early in the morning, we will continue ascending to Kori Hill. The trail continues via woodlands and gradually climbs to Kori Danda. We will leave our heavy luggage here and hike to Thulek. The mountain views are much more clear and fantastic from here.

Enjoy bas pastures and a serene environment. We will see outstanding views of the Annapurna range & Mt. Manaslu along with many other snow-capped peaks. After enjoying some time, descend to Kori Danda to spend the night.

Day 07: Trek from Kori Danda to Sikles 

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Altitude: 1,980 m/6,496 ft

Duration: 7 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

On this day, we will trek back to Sikles. Start trekking early in the morning after a delicious breakfast. We will follow the same route from Kori Danda and slowly descend via lush forests and small villages. The trail goes through dense rhododendron and oak forests. We will see beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and mountain views on the way.

Day 08: Drive from Sikles to Pokhara and explore around Pokhara

Distance: 40 km/25 miles

Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft

Duration: 3 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

After a delicious breakfast, drive back to Pokhara. We will reach Pokhara in three hours of driving, enjoying beautiful countryside views. Upon reaching Pokhara, settle in the hotel. We will spend some time resting and later explore the city. We may visit some nearby tourist areas and buy souvenirs at Lakeside Market.

Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu

Distance: 201 km/125 miles

Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft

Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner

Today, we will drive back to Kathmandu. The road is smooth and follows beautiful rivers. We will see lush hills, terraces, and waterfalls on the way. It will be a comfortable ride back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at the hotel upon reaching Thamel.

Take your time to rest and unpack. The remaining day is free in the city. Explore Thamel and its bustling streets. Do window shopping and visit nearby tourist areas like Garden Of Dreams and Kathmandu Durbar Square on your own. In the late evening, we will meet for a farewell dinner.

Useful Information

Kori trek difficulty

The Kori trek difficulty level is marked moderate as per the Himalayan hiking standards. This trek is suitable for beginner trekkers. The trekking route obviously has uphill and downhill walkins, however the trail is comparatively less overpowering. All ages of trekkers can do Kori Himal trek. The terrain gets rugged and steep in some sections as you get close to Kori Hill.

There are many beautiful rest stops along the Kori trek route, where trekkers can stop for quick snacks and drinks. Likewise, the trekking route is very scenic, so the day passes quicker than you may think. You will travel via different climatic zones, so the terrain and the overall environment will differ throughout the way. It is also the essence of trekking in Nepal because you will not get bored.

Altitude sickness on Kori trek

The altitude sickness risk is very low on the Kori trek because this trek does not go above 4,115 meters. You will not spend a night over 3,800 meters. If we compare this elevation to the classic famous trekking programs in Nepal, the Kori trek is definitely not that high. So, if you are worried about high altitude and altitude sickness, you may consider the Kori trek 9 days.

To be on the safe side, make sure you keep yourself hydrated during trekking. Drink 2 liters of water at least a day and have lots of soups, teas, etc. Limit your caffeine intake and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Do not consume anything that may dehydrate you. And lastly, if you see symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, etc, inform your guide.

When to do the Kori trek in Nepal?

Autumn (September, October, November) and spring (March, April, May) are the top trekking times if you want to explore Kori Hill. These months have better weather and climate conditions to enjoy the Himalayan environment and beauty. On the other hand, summer/monsoon (June, July, August) and winter (December, January, February) are not a great time to do the Kori trek because of adverse weather and unclear views.

September to November is one of the busiest times of the year to trek in Nepal. All regions are bustling with trekkers from around the world. This is also the time of the year with the best mountain views and fresh air. The climate is just chilly enough to let you enjoy the trip. The whole lower part of the Himalayas sees the burst of rustic colors of fall, which makes the landscapes surreal.

Likewise, March to May is the time to enjoy the gorgeous rhododendron blooms and lush meadows. This is the time of the year when you will see diverse vegetation and gushing rivers and waterfalls. The entire lower part of the trek route teems with flowers and its soothing aroma. The mountain views are excellent, too. The region begins to warm after a long winter.

Do I need travel insurance for the 9 days Kori trek?

Even though the risk of altitude sickness is low on the Kori trek, you are still traveling in a remote area with very little infrastructure and no transportation and health facilities. So, we highly suggest you get travel insurance for the Kori trek.

There are risks of illness, accidents, injuries, drastic climate change, and natural disasters. We cannot predict these events, but we can be well-prepared and ready to face any adverse situation. While our guide and porter will make sure you trek safely in the remote mountains, you need to be financially protected by yourself.

To do so, get yourself a high-coverage helicopter evacuation and medical bill travel insurance. Give us a copy of the insurance before the trek starts that we can use to get you immediate rescue if needed.

Accommodation and meals during the Kori trek

The accommodations along the Kori trek are mountain lodges. It is a humble but comfortable accommodation service that locals provide to trekkers visiting the region. You mostly get twin shared rooms and washrooms, but single rooms may be available in some villages. Squat toilets are common in the mountains of Nepal, so be ready for them.

The services in the lodges are limited. Do understand it is not like hotels you may have experienced in the cities or towns. Things like hot showers, WiFi, and charging usually cost a few bucks. So, carry some Nepali money with you for these personal expenses. You will get a clean bed and blanket to spend the night. Some trekkers prefer to carry sleeping bags for more comfort. It is up to you.

Our Kori trek package provides three meals a day while you are in the mountains. You will get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the meals will be cooked and served by the lodge owners. The ingredients will be fresh and organic most of the time. Non veg items are limited, but you will get a good variety of veg dishes and eggs. Have big, nutritious meals during trekking to provide yourself ample energy to walk long hours.

For breakfast, you will get chapati, toast, eggs, oatmeals, cornflakes, porridge, soups, pancakes, etc. Likewise, for lunch and dinner, there are options, such as curries, stew, dal bhat, fried rice, chapati, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, mashed potatoes, thukpa, momo, noodles, etc. Similarly, you will get a good variety of tea, coffee, and other local drinks.

FAQs

How long is the Kori trek?

Kori trek is one of the short trekking programs near Pokhara. Our Kori trek itinerary takes 9 days to complete. It included arriving in Kathmandu, traveling to/from Pokhara, and departing from Kathmandu. In 9 days, you will spend 5 days trekking.

How difficult is the Kori trek?

The Kori trek is not that difficult. It is a fantastic moderate trek for first-time hikers. In the recent 1-2 years, the Kori trek has seen popularity among Nepalese. Foreign travelers still don’t know about this trekking route. The trail is rugged and remote but you will enjoy an excellent balance between adventure, experience, and nature.

Which mountain is seen from Kori?

During the Kori trek 9 days, you will see many snow-capped mountains like Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, etc. This trek offers stunning views of the western Himalayan mountains.

How tall is Kori Danda (hill)?

The Kori trek takes you to Kori Danda. Danda means hill in English. It is situated at 3,800 meters above sea level.

How long is the Kori trek from Pokhara?

If you are in Pokhara, you can complete the Kori trek in 6 to 7 days. We can even organize the Kori trek in 5 days from Pokhara. This short itinerary does not involve travel to/from Kathmandu and Pokhara, so you have to be in Pokhara city to start the trek.

Do we need any permits for the Kori trek?

Yes, you need permits for the Kori trek. The Kori trek route is within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Foreign trekkers are required to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS Card to go the Kori trek.

Can first time trekkers do Kori Danda trek?

Yes, first-time trekkers, or what we call- beginner trekkers, can do the Kori trek. This trek is not that physically or mentally tough. Likewise, trekkers do not have to worry about altitude sickness on this trek because of lower altitude gain than most of the famous treks in Nepal.

Will I be guided by a professional guide and porter during the Kori trek?

Yes, you will be guided by a professional guide and porter during the trek. You will trek with a local of the region who knows the area in depth and also has many years of expertise in the mountains. We provide an English-speaking, well-trained, friendly guide and porter to our guests.

Are there ATMs on the Kori Himal trek route?

No, there are no ATMs on the Kori trek route. You have to withdraw money in Kathmandu or Pokhara to use during the trek. Carry small denominations. Locals do not accept cards or foreign currency.

Is it possible to complete a Kori trek without a guide?

As the Kori trekking route is inside the Annapurna region, you cannot do this trek without a guide. Trekking without a guide in the Annapurna region was banned on April 1st, 2023. Nevertheless, it is better to trek with a guide for safety reasons and a satisfying trek experience. Plus, the Kori Hill trail is also a newly introduced, less explored trekking region. So, the route remains empty even in peak seasons.

Can we drink water from taps on the Kori trek?

To maintain good health during the trek, we usually recommend that foreign trekkers not drink water from the tap or stream. It’s not because the water is not clean, but they may not be able to digest it. Stick to boiled water available in lodges and use a water purification tablet for more safety.