4 Day Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek

Duration

4 Day

Country

Nepal

Activity

Trekking

Accomodation

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Best Season

Spring, Autumn

Cost

------

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trip Highlight:

  • A newly opened, less-traveled trekking path, offers breathtaking natural beauty and a unique experience.
  • Explore Kapuche Glacier Lake, the lowest glacier lake in Nepal (2546 m).
  • Magnificent views of Fishtail, Manaslu, Mount Annapurna, and Mount Lamjung.
  • Pass through lush forests, serene meadows, rhododendron forests, and quaint villages.
  • Stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and colorful flora along the way.
  • Low altitude trek with minimal risk of altitude sickness.

Overview:

The Kapuche Lake Trek is a popular and rewarding trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you through beautiful landscapes, diverse flora, and fauna, and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The main attraction of this trekking is its exceptional setting, unspoiled natural beauty, charming mountain villages, and lush valleys hidden beneath the majestic Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and the glacier lake.

Sikles Kapuche Lake trek in Nepal is a newly discovered trekking route. The Lowest Glacier Lake lies to the northeast of Sikles Kaski. The short hike starts in Pokhara and travels through a number of villages and hills. Although the hiking path was only recently found and made accessible to tourists, it has been steadily gaining popularity because of its stunning natural surroundings and unique trekking experience.

The Kapuche Glacier Lake is situated at a height of 2546 meters above sea level. It is located inside the Gurung Village of Sikles in the Annapurna region’s Kaski district. So, this walk and the Sikles Village walk can be combined. According to some, Kapuche Glacier Lake is the glacier lake with the lowest elevation in the entire world. During the winter, the lake’s temperature can drop below zero, and its surface can freeze over. The lake’s 0.12 km2 surface area is 40 meters deep.

The name Kapuche is a combination of “Ka,” which denotes snow or ice, “Pu,” which denotes collapsing and sliding, and “Che,” which denotes landing on level ground. In essence, “Kapuche” refers to ice that has fallen and settled over a valley, creating the glacial lake

The Sikles Kapuche Glacier Lake treks begin with a scenic drive from the Pokhara. From Pokhara you’ll drive up to Phedi, then your trek starts toward the Skiles from Phedi. From Skiles, you head towards the Kapuche Glacier Lake crossing streams and ascending through forests. Then you’ll explore the Kapuche Glacier Lake and back to the Skiles following the same trail. Then you’ll drive back to the Pokhara.

Kapuche Lake trekking route

The Skiles Kapuche Lake trekking route is a scenic and adventurous trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It combines the beauty of traditional villages, lush forests, and stunning mountain views. The trek usually starts from Pokhara, a popular city and gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, you’ll drive to Phedi which is the starting point of the trek.

The first leg of the trek takes you from Phedi to Skiles, a Gurung village. The trail passes through terraced fields, and rhododendron forests, and offers beautiful views of the Annapurna and Manaslu Mountain range. From Skiles, you’ll continue the trek to Kapuche Lake. This part of the route involves ascending through forests and crossing streams. Kapuche Lake is a hidden gem located at an altitude of around 2400 meters.

The serene lake is surrounded by lush greenery and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. After spending some time at Kapuche Lake, you’ll retrace your steps back to Sikles. The return trek allows you to enjoy the scenic landscapes once again. Once you reach Sikles, you’ll back to the Pokhara following the same route.

Best time to visit Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek

Spring 

Trekking the Kapuche Glacier Lake trail during spring can be fantastic. Spring offers mild and pleasant weather conditions in the region, The temperature is generally comfortable during the day, making it enjoyable for trekking. One of the most captivating aspects of trekking in this region during spring is the vibrant rhododendron blooms.

The trails are adorned with a variety of rhododendron species, creating a colorful and enchanting atmosphere. While the weather is generally clear during spring, there might be occasional showers or cloud cover. However, when the skies are clear, you can still expect breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Spring is a great time for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. You might spot Himalayan pheasants, musk deer, langurs, and other wildlife during your trek.

Autumn

Trekking the Sikles Kapuche Lake trail during autumn is a highly recommended time to visit. Autumn is considered the peak trekking season in Nepal and for good reason. The weather during this time is generally stable with clear skies and mild temperatures. You can expect pleasant daytime temperatures for trekking, making it comfortable for you to walk long distances.

This season offers the best visibility and stunning mountain views in the region. The skies are often clear, allowing you to witness the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. Autumn brings a delightful transformation to the landscape. The forests and hillsides are often covered in shades of gold and amber as the leaves change color. The weather is ideal for comfortable trekking, and you can enjoy the beauty of nature at its best.

Monsoon

Trekking the Kapuche Glacier Lake trail during the monsoon season, which typically occurs from June to August, can be challenging due to heavy rainfall and potential hazard. The monsoon season brings significant rainfall to Nepal, including the Kapuche Glacier Lake region. You can expect frequent rain showers and cloudy weather throughout the day.

The trail becomes muddy and slippery, making trekking more challenging. Continuous rainfall often results in cloudy and misty conditions, limiting the visibility of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The monsoon season brings an increase in leeches and insects along the trekking trail. The heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and avalanches in certain areas, posing risks to trekkers.

Winter

Trekking the Sikles Kapuche Lake trail during winter can be challenging due to harsh weather conditions and increased difficulty in accessing the region. Winter in the region, which typically spans from December to February, brings cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations.

The temperatures can drop well below freezing. Snowfall in the higher elevations can make the trekking routes slippery and difficult to navigate. The foggy and cloudy weather can reduce the visibility of the surrounding mountains which can limit the scenic views and the mountain vistas that are highlights of the trek.

Itinerary:

You’ll depart from Pokhara towards Sikles after breakfast. There is an off-road path of 36.7 kilometers from Pokhara to Sikles. It takes about 3 hours to drive there. You will pass through a number of lovely villages on the way to Sikles. Although they are smaller towns than Sikles, the nearby villages of Taprang, Chipli Gaun, and Khilang are just as picturesque as Sikles.  You may see lovely mountains and lush hills welcoming you on the road to Sikles village. A stunning Gurung Community village called Sikles is situated at an elevation of 1980 meters on a tiny hill. When you arrive at Sikles, you will be astounded by the village’s traditional and cultural splendor.   Explore and village tour and observe culture, village architecture, and tradition. You can also visit Eco-Museum. You can also ascend the viewing tower to get a panoramic view of the entire village. Similarly, you may climb up to Sikles Park and Rising Dada, which will require an average hiker of 30 minutes to complete, from where you can witness the stunning views of the Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and another mountain.

Overnight in Sikles

After breakfast, you’ll be walking upward along a stone path and staircase toward Hugu. You’ll get a close-up view of some of the stunning mountains, like Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II when you pass through Sikles village. At the edge of the hills, you will then be traveling on a narrow route, which is exciting. Following the same routes, you will then descend and see the Edi Jharna (64 m), a stunning waterfall. You’ll get back to your trek after taking a few pictures and taking a quick break. You’ll climb upward. You will ascend a long, steep stone trail that crosses several bridges and minor creeks before arriving at Huwu village. The trip from Sikles to Hugu is beautiful overall, with vegetation, a forest path, and a riverfront path. You will walk for six hours. There are no villages or rest stops along the route to Hugu. You will stay in a tiny tea house at Hugu and sleep on a mat while using a sleeping bag.

Overnight at Hugu.

On the 3rd day of the trek, you will hike from Hugu to Kahphuche Lake in the morning. Kapuche Lake is the lowest glacial lake in Nepal and is located at a height of 2,450 meters above sea level. In comparison to other trails on your trek, this one is straightforward and quick. You will delight in the stunning mountain range and the peaceful nature along the trail. You will arrive at the sparkling Kahphuche Lake after a two-hour hike. You will be surrounded by lovely mountains, with a lake in front of you that has an intense shade of blue. You will be astounded by Kahphuche Lake’s breathtaking surroundings. The lake is so stunning that neither words nor your cameras are capable of capturing its splendor. If you’re lucky, Annapurna II will let you see the avalanche. You’ll head back to Hugu village after spending some time. Then go back to Sikles following the same previous trial.

Today is the last day of your trip. So, after having breakfast at the lodge you’ll get ready to drive back the Pokhara following the same route.

Essential Info:

Equipment Required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

General

  • Down sleeping bag (you can borrow with us)
  • Down Jacket (according to the Season)
  • Fleece liner
  • Walking Poles
  • Water bottles and water purification tablets
  • Sun block cream
  • Lip Guard
  • Hand wash liquid
  • Toiletries Kit

Upper Body

  • Sun hat
  • Glacier glass
  • Head torch
  • Ear-muffler and neck warmer

Body

  • T-shirt
  • Light Jacket
  • Water and Windproof Jacket
  • Shirts
  • Light and Warm thermal tops

Hands

  • Hand gloves

Lower Body

  • Long and Short trekking pants
  • Water and Windproof trekking trousers

Feet

  • Thin and Thick Shock
  • Trekking Boot, Light Boot, and Slipper

Medicine and First Aid Kits

(Our guide will carry a first aid kit bag during the trek. We will recommend carrying your personal first aid kit bag if necessary)

  • Headache and fever medicine
  • Burnt cream
  • Antibiotics
  • Ibuprofen for general ache and pain
  • Blister treatment such as hand plants and aids, some waterproof tape, and anti-infection.

Trekking Difficulties

Trekking the Skiles Kapuche Lake trial can present certain difficulties and challenges. The trek involves significant altitude gain, with the highest point reaching around 3000 meters. Altitude-related challenges such as altitude sickness, shortness of breath, and fatigue can occur, especially for those who are not acclimatized or have no prior experience trekking at higher elevations. The treks generally 4-5 days to complete, involving 6-8 hours of walking on uneven terrain. Stamina and physical fitness are crucial to tackling the daily distances and elevation gains. The trail conditions on the Kapuche Lake trek can vary, with steep ascents, descents, and narrow sections. The path can be rocky, slippery, or muddy, especially during the monsoon season. The temperatures can vary significantly, from hot and humid in lower altitudes to cold and freezing at higher elevations, especially during winter and early spring. Rainfall and snowfall can also the trail conditions and visibility.

Trekking cost 

Depending on the lodging, amenities, and accessibility you use while on the walk, the Kapuche Lake trek cost will vary. Our starting price is $000 USD. However, the cost rises in accordance with the amenities and services.

Drinking Water

To keep their bodies hydrated and avoid altitude sickness (AMS), trekkers must consume enough water. While hiking to Kapuche Lake, you should drink three to four liters of water every day.

We strongly advocate carrying one reusable water bottle that can hold hot water in place of buying bottled water. Bottled water can be expensive while trekking and add to thrashing problems in the Sikles Kapuche Glacier Lake area. You can clean water by using water purification pills. However, the flavor will change after taking the pills.

Travel Insurance

For the Kapuche Lake trekking, you must have a reliable travel insurance plan that offers enough coverage for all of your activities. Anything may occur throughout the entire journey. Although we are more focused on safety, it is impossible to entirely rule out the possibility of accidents and emergencies occurring where we are on occasion.

Trekking-related medical difficulties, physical injuries, helicopter evacuation, hospital expenditures, and other expenses should all be covered by your travel insurance package.

Electricity and Communication

Electricity and connectivity are generally available, though occasionally unstable, in the majority of the communities along the Sikles Kapuche Lake Trek. There are frequent power outages and electricity is not always accessible. The villages typically rely on hydroelectric power, and the supply may be affected by weather conditions or maintenance issues. Bring a portable charger or power bank so you can charge your electronics when there is no electricity available. In some villages, you may find that there are no telecommunication and Internet services. The availability of mobile network coverage will vary depending on the specific location and the service provider.  Due to the congested road and isolated location, even in tea houses or lodges where you choose to stay, there can be extra fees for getting electricity or internet services.

ATM and Currency Exchange

Tourists can easily buy Nepalese currency in Pokhara because it has so many convenient ATMs and money exchange services. These services might not be available in the Sikles and Kapuche region, where only Nepalese currency is accepted and contemporary financial facilities may be rare. Before beginning a journey, it is strongly advised that travelers make plans and exchange their foreign currencies for Nepalese currency to avoid potential problems. This will ensure that there is enough local currency available to purchase essentials like food, water, and other essentials while on the trip. By contacting local currency exchange services in Pokhara the entire process can be shortened and unnecessary stress removed.

Tipping

Tipping is an optional way for you to show gratitude for the services you’ve provided. For the services you value, you could wish to offer a tip, or you might just want to say “DHANYABAD” in Nepali to show your appreciation.

Tipping usually occurs on the last day of the trip. In the identical manner, trekkers are allowed to tip any hotel, lodge, or individual on their preferred day. The hotel, lodge, or any individual is always welcome to receive tips from hikers. Tipping is entirely a question of taste and perspective.

Entrance Permit and Requirement

The permits you need for the Kapuche Glacier Lake trek are:

  • TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card.
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit

Important Documents and Information to get these permit

  • 2 passport-size photos
  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Dates when your trek starts and end
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • Travel Insurance Detail

Booking process

To make a reservation for a trip to the Panchase Trekking, you can get in touch with us in a variety of ways. We acceptance:

  • Bank transfer

Both domestic and foreign travelers can use bank transfers. Our company’s banking information is as follows:

Account Name of the Company:

Name of Bank:

Account No:

Account type: Current

  • Cash-in-hand

If you are nearby our office, you are able to come by and pay cash in person for this excursion. For the Panchase trek, an initial deposit of 30% is required.

  • Electronic wallets such as e-Sewa, Khalti, or Connect Ips 

In Tour Pokhara, e-wallets like e-Sewa, Khalti, or Connect Ips are also accessible. E-wallets like e-Sewa and Khalti can be used to make payments by Indian and Nepalese nationals.

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