Kapuche Glacier Lake

Glacial Lake is basically located at a higher altitude. But Nepal just explored a new glacial lake near sickles which is at an altitude of 2,450 m. Did you ever imagine that the glacial lake is situated below half of the world’s highest Lake Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)? The newly introduced Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek takes you to this low-altitude lake.

Introduction

Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek leads you to Nepal’s Sikles Village. The name “Kahphuche” came from the local name, “Kah” means ice, “Phu” means breakdown of ice, and “Che” means corner. This glacial Lake is formed from the continuous avalanche from Mt. Annapurna II. During the Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek, you can see the amazing views of Annapurna II (7,937 m), Mt. Langtang (7,227 m), and Machhapuchre (6,993 m).

How to get there

From the capital city, Kathmandu, you have to reach Pokhara. To reach Pokhara, it takes about 7-8 hours by bus and 45 minutes by flight. Another morning, you have to go to Sikles, which is just 4 hours by bus. This is one of the beautiful Gurung villages where we can see a panoramic view of the mountains. Then, from Sikles, we trek 7-8 hours to Goth Ghar. Goth Ghar is like a base camp while doing the Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek. Then, after walking for about 2 hours, we finally reached Kapuche Glacier Lake.

Best Season for this Trek

Except for the monsoon season, all the seasons are amazing at Kapuche Glacier Lake. But the main season for beautiful mountains and lakes is from September to November. The color of the lake will be blue and reflect the sky. The view of the lake and mountains will be marvelous this month. If you want to see the Annapurna II frequent avalanches with the best view of a mountain, then February to April is the best month. The monsoon in Nepal is from May to July. The trail will be slippery, and the mountain will hide behind the clouds.

Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Today you will go to Pokhara from Kathmandu, which takes about 7-8 hours by road and 45 minutes by flight. If you go on the flight, you can roam around Pokhara or you can go to Sikles this day. There are a lot more places to go and hang out in Pokhara. Boating, visiting caves, Davis Fall, ziplining, bungee jumping, paragliding, and a Pokhara city tour are the main attractions that can be done there.

Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Sikles

Today we are going to Sikles, which is located at an altitude of 2,000 m. After 4 to 5 hours of riding off-road, you will reach Sikles village. If we go early from Pokhara, we can do a village tour to Sikles. On the way to Sikles village, you can see beautiful mountains and green hills welcoming you. The activities we can do in Sikles village are the Sikles view tour, the Eco-Museum, and the village tour. Sikles is the Gurung community, and about 90 percent of people are Gurung here. You can witness the Gurung culture and tradition while going to Sikles village.

Day 03: Sikles to Goth Ghar

We should start our trek early so that we can reach it before dark, because at some point the trail is a little adventurous. Today, between the starting and ending points, there is no lodge or house, so we should reach Goth Ghar in time. It takes about 7 hours to complete the trek and the altitude in 2,100 m. On the way, you will see an eye-catching view of mountains and streams.

After 7 hours of trekking, you will see the small huts. There is no lodge in Goth Ghar; you have to stay in Shepard’s house. If you want then we can also put a camp in Goth Ghar. You will experience the real wild side of this trek, which is outside your comfort zone.

Day 04: Goth Ghar to Kapuche Glacier Lake and return

Today, the trail is steep and adventurous. You will reach 2450 m of altitude in 2-3 hours of trek. The Goth Ghar to Kapuche Glacier Lake trek is through the forest trail, comprising uphill, downhill, and narrow paths. You will see the amazing view of the mountain from so close.

Finally, after some hours of trek, you will reach the crystal-clear lake as it is hidden between the mountain and the jungle. The lake is so beautiful that neither words nor your lens are enough to explain its beauty. If you are lucky, you can see the avalanche from Annapurna II.

Day 05: Exploration Day.

If you like Gothghar or Sikles, you can spend more time here and refresh yourself. In Sikles, you have many places to visit, like a museum that shows the past Gurung lifestyle. This museum also displays a 3D map of Annapurna and flora and fauna found in Sikles.

Day 06: Goth Ghar to Sikles.

We take the same route through the steep downhill trail.

Day 07: Sikles to Pokhara.

You can do different activities in Pokhara, which are included in Day 01.

Day 08: Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Today, you will be back in Kathmandu with an amazing experience and beautiful memories.

Important Packing List

Figuring out what is necessary to carry on your overnight trek can be difficult if you haven’t done it before. And the requirements of gear will vary depending on where you travel. Are you hiking near civilization or into the true wild? Are there animals or insects like mosquitoes and other flies? Are you doing one night out in the open air, or is this a multiple-night trek?

The common mistake of trekkers is to overpack. Your whole trek will be ruined if the bag is overpacked. Yet, you also need to carry the needed instruments or gear during the trek. These are the important packing lists needed for your trek. Adapt this list as you gain more experience in the great outdoors.

• Warm clothing, a waterproof layer, gloves, a hat, a clothing change, and sleeping bags.
• Sunscreen, SPF chapstick, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Headlamp, extra batteries.
• First-aid supplies.
• Knife or multi-tool, duct tape.
• Water bottle or bladder, water filter, or other treatment systems.
• Energy bars, Electrolytes, etc.
• Toilet paper, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer.
• Trekking poles.
• A cellphone with an external battery charger and a camera.