Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek-The lowest Glacier Lake in Nepal

Destination
Nepal
Activity
Trekking
Accomodation
Homestay, Teahouse
Region
Annapurna Region
Distance
32 km
Start / End Point
Pokhara/Pokhara
Duration
5 Nights 6 Days
Max. Altitude
2450 m/ 8058 ft
Meals Included
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Group Size
1-30
Nature of Trek
Homestay and Tea house trek
Best Season
March-May August-November
Trip Code
AT-KLT
Activity Per Day
6-7 hrs
Transporation
Jeep / Bus
Grade
Moderate

Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek-The lowest Glacier Lake in Nepal 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 perfect place for adventure and nature enthusiasts to explore.
    • 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.

Alternate Itinerary of Kapuche Glacier Lake 

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.

 

 

Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek-The lowest Glacier Lake in Nepal Photo

Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek-The lowest Glacier Lake in Nepal

  1. day 1

    Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

    Highest Altitude 1400 m

    After your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be picked up by a private vehicle and drop you off at your hotel. You can rest in your hotel room and get rid of your jet lag from your flight to Kathmandu.

    In Kathmandu you will be placed in a deluxe hotel. You will be provided with breakfast in the morning. So, rest well for we have a lot of new things to experience in the morning.

      • Overnight stay at a hotel
  2. day 2

    Fly or Drive to Pokhara

    Driving Hours 7 Hrs
    Flight Hours 25 mins
    Highest Altitude 1400 m

    Our second day is filled with beautiful scenic views from the ride to Pokhara, we will take a tourist bus to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful surrounding views of the landscapes and the mountains. We will stop on the way for lunch and reach Pokhara in around 6-7 hours. We will have dinner in Pokhara and stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

    You can also take a flight to Pokhara which takes about 25 mins.

      • Overnight stay at a Hotel White Pearl Pokhara 
      • Included Breakfast
  3. day 3

    Drive from Pokhara to Sikles village

    Driving Hours 3 Hrs
    Highest Altitude 1980 m / 6496 ft

    A Couple of hours 4WD drive will take us to the Largest Gurung community village, Sikles. Upon reaching Sikles, we will explore the beautiful village and Rishing Dada. We will enjoy some magnificent views along the way. We spend the night in Sikles Village at Namaste Guest House.

      • Overnight stay at Namaste Guest House, Sikles. 
      • Included standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
  4. day 4

    Trek from Sikles to Hugu Goth

    Highest Altitude 2100 m/ 6890 ft
    Trek Duration 6-7 hrs

    Before Kapuche, we will first reach Hugu, which comes two hours earlier. Hugu has an ancient settlement with animal husbandry as a means of livelihood at 2,100 meters elevation. Hugu itself is about 6 hours away from the nearest human village Sikles.  

      • Overnight stay at Tea house
      • Included standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
  5. day 5

    Trek to Kapuche Lake (Virgin Ice Lake), Explore and back to Hugu Goth.

    Highest Altitude 2450 m/ 8058 ft
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs

    We trek to Kapuche lake which is about a 2-hour trek. We’ll spend a couple of hours to explore a lowest glacier lake of Nepal.  After spending couple of hours at Kapuche lake we will hike back to Hugu where we will spend the night.

      • Overnight stay at Teahouse
      • Included standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner )
  6. day 6

    Trek to Sikles and back to Pokhara

    Driving Hours 3 Hrs
    Highest Altitude 1980 m / 6496 ft
    Trek Duration 6 hours trek

    On the last day, we begin early and hike towards Sikles for about 6 hours. We will take lunch at Sikles village and  back to Pokhara or Jeep  by bus which takes another 3 hours.

      • Overnight stay at Hotel White Pearl Pokhara. 
      • Included standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch  )

WHAT’S INCLUDED

    • Tea House and Lodge accommodation during the trek.
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
    • 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.
    • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
    • 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

Kapuche Lake Trek Map

everest base camp trek map

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 need 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.

You decide what is best and we’ll take care of the rest

  • The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to your needs, requirements, and availability.
  • The cost of the trek can also be changed according to your group size, needs, and time boundary.
  • You can easily add additional activities to the Itinerary. You just have to let us know before confirming the trip.
  • This trip can also start from  Kathmandu. You have to let us know if you want to begin there. In that case, the Itinerary will extend by a few days. Consequently, the cost will also increase.
  • The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).

Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek-The lowest Glacier Lake in Nepal Company Reviews

2023-01-10

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 !!

Miri Y.

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FAQ's

1 : When is the best time to travel there?

2 : What about food and accommodations?

3 : Is this trek possible with children?

4 : Do I need any permits for this trek?

5 : Can we camp beside the lake?

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