Sikles & Kori Danda – 5 Days from Pokhara, to Nepal's Lowest Glacier Lake
Glacier lakes are usually the reward at the end of days of brutal altitude gain, sitting somewhere past 4,500m where the air is thin and every step costs something. Kapuche Lake breaks that rule. It's Nepal's lowest-elevation glacier lake, sitting at just 2,450m, glacier-blue water without the extreme altitude usually attached to seeing one.
You start with a drive from Pokhara to Sikles, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal, then walk into forest and pasture towards Hugu Goth. The next morning is a shorter push to Kapuche Lake itself, calm water fed straight from the glaciers above, before continuing higher to Nho-ta for the night.
From there the trail climbs to Kori Danda at 3,800m, a wide ridge with the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges spread out in front of you, quieter than the main Annapurna trails most people default to. An optional push to Thulek at 4,115m adds one more layer of view for anyone who wants it, before the descent back through Sikles and the drive home to Pokhara.
Every night on this trek is spent in a Gurung homestay, fresh organic meals cooked by the families you're staying with rather than a trekking company kitchen. It's a slower, more personal version of trekking than the main circuits offer.
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Sikles and Trek to Hugu Goth
Drive from Pokhara to Sikles (around 3 hours). Begin your trek towards Hugu Goth (approx. 2,000 m), walking through traditional Gurung villages and terraced landscapes. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Hugu Goth.
Day 2: Hugu Goth to Kapuche Glacier Lake to Nho-ta
Start early for the hike to Kapuche Glacier Lake (approx. 2,450 m), one of Nepal’s lowest glacier lakes. Return to Hugu Goth for lunch, then continue your ascent to Nho-ta (approx. 3,050 m) for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Nho-ta to Kori Danda
Trek steadily to Kori Danda (approx. 3,800 m), a stunning ridge offering wide-open views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges. Spend the afternoon exploring and enjoying the peaceful highland scenery.
Day 4: Explore Kori and Trek Down to Sikles
Spend the morning exploring Kori. Take an optional hike to Thulek (approx. 4,115 m) for even wider Himalayan views. After lunch, begin your descent back to Sikles for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Sikles to Pokhara
Enjoy a relaxed morning in the cultural Gurung village of Sikles. After breakfast, drive back to Pokhara, completing your 5-day adventure.
