- Length
- 5 days
- Highest point
- 2,546 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best months
- Oct–May
- Starts
- Pokhara (drive to Sikles)
- Group size
- 2–10 People
- Sleeping
- Tea House
A short, low-altitude trek from Pokhara to Kapuche, the world's lowest glacial lake, through the Gurung village of Sikles beneath Annapurna II.
- Trek to Kapuche Lake (2,546 m), the lowest-altitude glacial lake in the world
- Close-up views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal with thundering icefalls
- Explore Sikles, one of Nepal's largest and most authentic Gurung villages
- Low-altitude trek with minimal risk of altitude sickness — ideal for first-timers and families
- Walk through oak and rhododendron forest, waterfalls and herders' pastures
- A short 5-day Himalayan adventure easily combined with Pokhara
- Genuine Gurung culture, cuisine and mountain hospitality
- Off-the-beaten-path alternative to the busier Annapurna routes
The climb, day by day
Day 1Drive Pokhara to Sikles (1,980 m)1,980 m
Drive by 4WD jeep from Pokhara through Madi valley villages and terraced farmland to Sikles, one of the largest and most traditional Gurung settlements in Nepal. Spend the afternoon exploring the stone-paved alleys, the village museum, and viewpoints looking out toward Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
- Distance
- ~40 km
- Walking
- 3–4 hrs drive
- Meals
- Lunch & Dinner
- Night
- Tea House
Day 2Trek Sikles to Hugu Goth (2,100 m)2,100 m
Leave Sikles on a forest trail that climbs gently through oak and rhododendron woods, crossing streams and passing waterfalls along the Madi river. Reach Hugu Goth, a seasonal herders' settlement that serves as the base camp for Kapuche Lake, surrounded by grazing pastures and steep forested ridges.
- Distance
- ~8 km
- Walking
- 5–6 hrs
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Night
- Tea House
Day 3Hugu Goth to Kapuche Lake (2,546 m) and return2,546 m
Set off early on a short but rocky, narrow trail that follows the glacial stream up to Kapuche Lake at 2,546 m — the lowest-altitude glacial lake in the world. The turquoise water sits beneath the hanging glaciers and avalanche slopes of Annapurna II, with thunderous icefalls echoing across the cirque. After taking in the views and photos, descend back to Hugu Goth for the night.
- Distance
- ~6 km round trip
- Walking
- 4–5 hrs
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Night
- Tea House
Day 4Trek Hugu Goth back to Sikles (1,980 m)1,980 m
Retrace the forest trail downhill to Sikles, with fresh perspectives on the surrounding peaks and pastures. Arrive in time to relax in the village, learn about Gurung culture and cuisine, and enjoy a final mountain sunset over the Annapurna range.
- Distance
- ~8 km
- Walking
- 4–5 hrs
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Night
- Tea House
Day 5Drive Sikles to Pokhara (822 m)822 m
After breakfast, drive back down to Pokhara by jeep, arriving around midday. The trek concludes here, leaving the afternoon free to relax by Phewa Lake or continue onward travel.
- Distance
- ~40 km
- Walking
- 3–4 hrs drive
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Night
- –
The price includes
- Pokhara–Sikles–Pokhara private/shared 4WD jeep transfers
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter to carry main luggage (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- All accommodation on trek (tea house / homestay, twin sharing)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guide and porter wages, food, insurance and equipment
- First aid kit and arrangements for emergencies
- All government taxes and service charges
You pay separately
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
- Personal expenses — drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, laundry
- Tips for guide, porter and driver
- Any costs arising from circumstances beyond our control (weather, road blocks)
- Anything not listed under What's Included
The Kapuche Lake and Sikles Trek is one of the Annapurna region's fastest-rising short adventures — a five-day escape from Pokhara into a hidden glacial valley northeast of the lakeside city. The highlight is Kapuche Lake at 2,546 metres, often described as the lowest-altitude glacial lake on Earth, sitting in a dramatic amphitheatre directly below the icefalls of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Because the maximum elevation stays under 2,600 metres, altitude sickness is very unlikely, making this an ideal trek for first-timers, families, and travellers who are short on time but still want a genuine high-mountain experience.
The route begins with a scenic jeep drive from Pokhara to Sikles, one of the largest and most traditional Gurung villages in Nepal. From there the trail climbs gently through oak and rhododendron forest, past waterfalls and grazing pastures, to the herders' settlement of Hugu Goth — the base for the final rocky push up to the turquoise glacial lake. You return the same way, with time to soak up village life, terraced fields, and uninterrupted views of the Annapurna massif.
Why trek to Kapuche Lake
This is the perfect Himalayan trek for those wanting big mountain scenery without the long days, high passes, or thin air of the classic routes. The combination of authentic Gurung culture in Sikles and the otherworldly glacial lake makes it one of the most photogenic short treks in Nepal.
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) brings rhododendron blooms across the hillsides, while autumn (September to November) offers the clearest skies and sharpest mountain views. The trek can also be done in winter on clear days, though nights at Hugu Goth are cold.