8-Day Kori Danda Trek in Annapurna with Kapuche Lake and Sikles

1

Day 01

Kathmandu to Pokhara and Lakeside Evening

• Activity: Scenic drive (approx. 6-7 hours) or flight (25 minutes).
• Altitude: 1,400 m (Pokhara).
• Narrative: Leaving the chaotic valley of Kathmandu, the road winds along the Trishuli River. As you descend into the Pokhara Valley, the peaks of the Annapurna range begin to peek through the haze on the horizon.
• Evening: Spend the evening by Phewa Lake, preparing your gear and mentally detaching from the digital world.
• Permits: Ensure you have your ACAP and TIMS permits sorted here, or arrange for your guide to handle them.

2

Day 02

Pokhara to Sikles Village, the Gateway

• Activity: Jeep ride (3-5 hours).
• Narrative: The drive to Sikles is an adventure in itself. Leaving the highway at Hemja, the road climbs steeply into the Madi Khola valley. The landscape transforms from subtropical jungle to terraced farmland. Sikles sits on a ridge, a sprawling, organized village with traditional stone houses.
• Stay: Arriving at Namaste Guest House, you are greeted with warm tea. Spend the afternoon exploring the alleys of Sikles. Visit the old monastery and the hydropower centre, which is a source of local pride.
• Sunset: The sunset view from the village outskirts is spectacular.

3

Day 03

Sikles Village to Hugu via Edi Jharna

• Trek Time: 5-6 hours.
• Key Stop: Edi Jharna (waterfall).
• Stay: Namaste Guest House 2 (Hugu).
• Narrative: Today, we leave civilization. The trail descends from Sikles, passing through rich farmland where you might see locals harvesting millet. You cross the river and begin a gradual ascent. The sound of crashing water signals your arrival at Edi Jharna, a stunning waterfall. It's the perfect place to cool down and enjoy a Dal Bhat lunch.
• Climb: After lunch, the trail climbs steadily toward Hugu. The forest here is dense with oak and rhododendrons. Keep an eye out for the colorful Danphe pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Hugu is a small settlement with a few basic shelters. The air is cooler here, and the silence deeper.

4

Day 04

Kapuche Lake Excursion from Hugu

• Trek Time: 5-6 hours.
• Breakfast: At New Saila Cottage.
• Narrative: Today is dedicated to Kapuche Lake, famous for being the lowest-altitude glacier lake in Nepal. The trail to the lake is rough and rocky, often following moraines.
• Experience: When the lake appears, it is startlingly turquoise, nestled between jagged peaks. In spring, the surrounding hills are alive with flowers. In winter, the surface is frozen solid. You can spend hours absorbing the energy.
• Return: We return to Hugu for the night, enjoying a hearty breakfast at Bipin's New Saila Cottage before heading out or upon return. Note: Check with Bipin about the exact breakfast timing based on the day's plan.

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Day 05

Hugu to Nhutaa via Naula Kharka

• Trek Time: 5-6 hours.
• Narrative: The real altitude gain begins today. We trek from Hugu to Naula Kharka, a high pasture.

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Day 06

The Push to Kori, Summit Day

• Trek Time: 6-7 hours.
• Route: Nhutaa -> Tandre Lhi (3,250 m) -> Toya Kharka (3,450 m) -> Red Bull Danda (3,630 m) -> Taasa Lhi (3,670 m) -> Deurali (3,830 m) -> Kori (3,850 m).
• Narrative: This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Kori Trek. The terrain is rugged and alpine. You will pass several ridges with confusing names; locals have nicknamed one ridge

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Day 07

Kori to Tasa to Sikles Village

• Trek Time: 6-7 hours.
• Narrative: Waking up at 3,800 m is special. After sunrise, begin the descent. Going down is easier on the lungs but hard on the knees. Retrace your steps down the ridges, bypassing previous camps.
• Shift: As altitude decreases, the air warms and the trees return. The transition from the high alpine zone to temperate forests is abrupt. Arriving back in Sikles Village feels like returning to civilisation. Enjoy a hot shower and celebratory dinner with the Gurung hosts.

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Day 08

Sikles Village to Kathmandu Return

• Activity: Drive to Pokhara, then flight or drive to Kathmandu.
• Narrative: As you drive back to Pokhara, the mountains disappear behind you but remain in your mind. The Kori Trek is not just a walk; it is a memory etched in your soul.