Destination
Nepal
Accomodation
Homestay, Teahouse
Walking Distance
32 km
Duration
3 Nights 4 Days
Max. Elevation
2450 m/ 8058 ft
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
March-May August-November
Grade
Moderate
Overview
Kapuche Lake trek is one of the best emerging trekking routes in Nepal. Along with a unique location and pristine natural presence, the path is remote and less crowded than other trails. So, if you are looking for a trekking route that offers grand scenery, an isolated lifestyle, and a rarely hiked trail, then Kaphuche has much to offer. The Lowest Glacier Lake lies to the northeast of Sikles Kaski. It is a short trek that begins at Pokhara and goes through several villages and hills. Although the trekking route was recently discovered and opened for visitors, it has been slowly getting popularity due to its natural beauty and unique trekking experience.
- A clear and up-close view of the Annapurna II, 26041 ft. Annapurna IV (24690 ft) and Lamjung Himal (22911 ft).
- The largest Gurung community in Nepal is known for its unique culture, customs, and traditions. You will be well-acquainted with Sikles village, its culture, and its lifestyle.
- The area around the lake is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including lush forests and alpine meadows.
- Explore the lowest-altitude glacier lake in Nepal.
- Hike through verdant vegetation, rhododendron forest, and terraced fields.
- An easy hike that people of all ages can do.
Discover the Lifestyle in Some Remote villages of Nepal
The Kapuche Glacier lake is located at an altitude of 2546 meters from sea level. It lies inside the Gurung Village of Sikles in the Kaski district in the Annapurna region. So, we can combine this trek with Sikles Village Trek. Kapuche Glacier Lake is claimed to be the lowest-elevation glacier lake in the world. The temperature of the lake can reach sub-zero during winter, and the surface can turn into ice. The 0.12 Km2 Lake is about 40 meters deep. The word Kapuche is a portmanteau of the words “Ka,” which means snow or ice, “Pu,” which means breaking down and sliding, and “Che,” which means landing on flat land. Essentially, ‘Kapuche” means fallen ice that has settled on a valley, which forms the glacial lake. The lake has a calm environment as it is situated amongst snow-capped mountains. There are also occasional avalanches that bring snow from the slopes to the lake. The lake is in a calm environment beneath the high mountains. However, there is no provision for boating, as it is not appropriately explored. Day 1: Drive to Armala and trek to Thak Village via Atighar Mauja, 5-6 hours. Overnight at Thak Village. Day 2: Trek to Sikles Village via Tara Hill Top, 8 hours. Day 3: Trek to Hugu Goth, 5-6 hours. Overnight at Hugu Goth Day 4: Hike to Kaphuche Lake and return to Hugu Goth. Overnight at Hugu Goth. Day 5: Trek to Sikles, 4-5 hours and drive back to Pokhara. The extended Kapuche lake itinerary starts from Pokhara Deep, and we pass human settlements like Aatighar Mauja, Thak, Tara Hill, Sikles, and Hugu. We spend a night each in Thak village, Tara Hill Top, and Sikles. Moreover, we spend two nights in Hugu. We can choose between a lodge stay, homestay, and outdoor camping. Among these places, Tara Hill Top offers the best scenic view. We can visit caves and museums, pass through suspension bridges and witness some magnificent views. This trek route is one of the least traveled trails. So, you will enjoy this trek without being disturbed by the crowd. This trek is best to do during Autumn and Spring.Alternate Itinerary of Kapuche Glacier Lake
Why is Kapuche called the Lowest glacier lake in the world?
Before we begin explaining to you why Kapuche is considered the Lowest glacier lake in the world, let's learn a bit about glacier lakes.
Glacial Lakes Short Overview
A glacier lake is typically formed when it erodes the land and then melts, filling the hole or space it has created. The glacier lakes are formed over hundreds of years after glaciers have eroded and melted. Most of these lakes are high in the mountains, often thousands of meters above sea level.
However, Kapuche Glacier Lake starkly contrasts this pattern, making it an intriguing subject for exploration and study.
Kapuche Glacier Lake: A Detailed Overview
Kapuche Glacier Lake, nestled within the diverse landscapes of Nepal, has recently emerged as a significant point of interest among global travelers and environmentalists alike. Uniquely positioned at the lower reaches of the glacial line, Kapuche Lake stands out among its lofty counterparts as the world's lowest glacier lake. Its exceptional positioning and charm offer invaluable insights into the dynamic interplay between climate, geology, and ecosystems.
But why does the title "lowest glacier lake" hold significance? Simply put, the answer lies in the unique challenges and opportunities this presents. The lake is in the Madi Rural Municipality, Sikles Kaski, Nepal, situated at an altitude of around 2,500 meters, is nestled at the foot of two remarkable mountains: Annapurna II, towering at 7,937 meters (26,040 feet) and ranked as the 16th highest mountain in the world, and Lamjung Himal, which reaches an impressive 6,983 meters (22,910 feet). These majestic peaks form a breathtaking backdrop for the lake, contributing to its allure and splendor. All the collected snow from the surrounding peaks gradually flows through the glacier, eventually forming the lake. This natural phenomenon showcases how the mountains and glaciers shape the landscape, channeling the life-giving waters that sustain the ecosystem below.
While one may argue Kapuche isn't the Lowest glacier lake in the world, and explain Lake Louise, or Bow Lake in Canada, are Lower than Kapuche. However, nearby glaciers heavily influence these lakes, so they receive glacial meltwater. Still, they don't fit the strictest definition of a glacial lake- a lake currently being fed by the meltwater of a glacier and/or one formed in a depression carved out by a glacier.
Moreover, the lakes like Jökulsárlón in Iceland or Tasman Lake in New Zealand are directly formed by retreating glaciers and are filled by glacial meltwater, making them "true" glacial lakes. Still, the absence of higher glacial lakes in the region makes them less significant. While the highest glacier lake in Neweland is Lake Tasman, 740 meters (2,428 feet), the highest glacier itself in Iceland is 910m.
So, even considering the altitude of glacier lakes when people refer to Kapuche Lake as the "lowest glacial lake," they are focusing on its unique attributes, such as it being a relatively newly formed lake due to the recent retreat of the Kapuche glacier, and the fact that it's found in a region (the Himalayas) known for high-altitude glacial lakes.
Kapuche Glacier Lake's relatively low elevation indicates different climatic conditions than higher glacier lakes. These varying conditions can provide a wealth of knowledge on the effects of climate change and glacial dynamics at lower altitudes, contributing to more comprehensive environmental studies.
Furthermore, Kapuche Lake is situated in such a unique location that makes it easier for those who wish to enjoy the journey to the world’s lowest glacier lake as tourists or those who aim to prevent the effects of global warming as researchers. Additionally, due to the presence of Kapuche Lake at such a low altitude, people can enjoy the beauty of a glacier lake without going too far into hazardous, high-altitude regions.
At the same time, the "lowest" glacier lake faces unique challenges. As global warming intensifies, lower-lying glaciers, like the one feeding Kapuche Lake, are especially vulnerable. Understanding the changes happening here could provide critical insights into the broader impact of climate change on glacier-fed ecosystems.
Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek Photo
Kapuche Lake Trek Itinerary
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day 1
Drive from Pokhara to Sikles village
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day 2
Trek from Sikles to Hugu Goth
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day 3
Trek to Kapuche Lake (Virgin Ice Lake), Explore and back to Hugu Goth.
-
day 4
Trek to Sikles and back to Pokhara
Kapuche Lake Trek Map and Altitude Graph
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Tea House and Lodge accommodation during the trek.
- We provide 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and Tea / Coffee twice daily. Please note that each meal is served as a single serving.
- Jeep Transportation from Pokhara to Sikles and Sikles to Pokhara.
- Professional English-speaking, Eco Trained trekking guide his meals, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation, etc.
- Sleeping Bag and Trekking pole if needed.
- ACAP permit and TIMS card.
- All government and local taxes
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- Other transportation except Included in the section.
- Personal expenses (bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).
- Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather conditions, in case of itinerary modification with a view to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment, etc.
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned in including section.
Note:
Can I go on the Kapuche trek without a guide?
This newly opened trekking route needs to be explored adequately, and the trail is primarily off-the-beaten-track. There need to be more signposts that can be used to identify the right path for the lake. For trekkers with a guide, finding a way, accommodations, and good food services can be more manageable. Additionally, the lake has frequent avalanches, creating unforeseen problems for the trekkers. So, we recommend you go on the Kapuche glacier lake trek with an experienced guide.
How difficult is the Kaphuche glacier lake route?
The trek route mostly goes through villages, grasslands, and small hills. It also has a maximum elevation of 2814m, which makes it a moderate-height trekking trail. As such, it is a relatively easy trekking route for people of all ages.
How much does it cost for a Nepali citizen?
For a Nepali citizen, the cost of the Kapuche Lake trek is customizable according to the needs of the customers and time requirements. We have ongoing departures for the trek every week, and we are open to negotiating provisions and the associated costs for the trek.
Written by: Mohan Bhandari
1: When is the best time to travel there?
This trek is done all year round, however, months from March to May and October to December are the optimum time to hike. From March to May, the hills and forests are covered by greenery and blooming Rhododendrons.
From October to December, the weathers are clear with no rainfall and fog covering the Himalayas. So, this time of the year portrays the best mesmerizing view of mountains and landscapes. Moreover, the lake remains frozen during winter time.
2: What about food and accommodations?
This trek grants a chance to savor the typical Gurung cuisine like Dhedo and Rotis. The nights are usually spent in community homestays. The guest has a choice to stay individually in a single room or share it with others. Overall, this trek offers satisfying food and lodging.
If we decide to camp, then the food should be taken with us. Usually, dry foods are preferable for camping.
3: Is this trek possible with children?
This trek is one of the easiest treks. Also, the paths are not physically demanding and the likelihood of altitude sickness almost dwindles to zero so, the children as well as the older people can easily conquer this trek. Also, this trek can be done with all the family members together. This place embraces the visitors with a great view of the Himalayas, wildlife, lush forest and blooming Rhododendrons. So, it can pacify the thirst of curious children's minds.
4: Do I need any permits for this trek?
You need an ( Annapurna Conservation Area Project ) ACAP permit to enter this region. The cost of the permit is US $ 30 per person including tax and service charge
5: Can we camp beside the lake?
Yes, we are allowed to camp beside the lake but the gears are only available in Hugu Goth or you have to carry them all the way from Pokhara. However, staying in a tent is only applicable during summer because the lake remains frozen during winter.
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Frequently Asked Question
This trek is done all year round, however, months from March to May and October to December are the optimum time to hike. From March to May, the hills and forests are covered by greenery and blooming Rhododendrons.
From October to December, the weathers are clear with no rainfall and fog covering the Himalayas. So, this time of the year portrays the best mesmerizing view of mountains and landscapes. Moreover, the lake remains frozen during winter time.
This trek grants a chance to savour the typical Gurung cuisine like Dhedo and Rotis. The nights are usually spent in community homestays. The guest has a choice to stay individually in a single room or share it with others. Overall, this trek offers satisfying food and lodging.
If we decide to camp, then the food should be taken with us. Usually, dry foods are preferable for camping.
This trek is one of the easiest treks. Also, the paths are not physically demanding and the likelihood of altitude sickness almost dwindles to zero so, the children as well as the older people can easily conquer this trek. Also, this trek can be done with all the family members together.
This place embraces the visitors with a great view of the Himalayas, wildlife, lush forest and blooming Rhododendrons. So, it can pacify the thirst of curious children's minds.
You need an ( Annapurna Conservation Area Project ) ACAP permit to enter this region. The cost of the permit is US $ 30 per person including tax and service charge
Yes, we are allowed to camp beside the lake but the gears are only available in Hugu Goth or you have to carry them all the way from Pokhara. However, staying in a tent is only applicable during summer because the lake remains frozen during winter.
Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek Company Reviews
Glad I stopped here, Look no further !!
Mohan, without you our trekking trip would have failed. You truly helped us in everything.. before, after and also during.. when we nearly missed our flight from Kathmandu, Mohan and his yonger ambitious brother arranged for us a last minute trip to Kathmandu with a brand new car ;) and we were super thankful. You’ve made a friend Mohan. I wish you the best of luck !!
Kapuche glacier lake trek
Oct 2024 • Family
Just returned from completing a 2 day trek with Rohit as our guide to Kapuche Glacier lake. This was organised just the day before by North Nepal Travel and treks. It was a challenging but fantastic experience thanks to Rohits professional skills his passion for the mountains and his outgoing and friendly personality. He was always there to guide and motivate us even up the never ending stairs !! The track was overgrown and narrow in places and we had the added challenges of negotiating blocked paths with landslides and on one occasion a snake which was not moving out of the way. His support and sense of humour got us safely to our destination and back again . If we return to Nepal we will definitely meet again … thank you north Nepal travel and treks for organising and to Rohit for guiding is and helping create these memories 💕
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