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The Khapuche Lake Trek is one of the best-kept secrets in the Annapurna region — a 10-day journey from Pokhara into the rarely visited Sikles and Kori Danda area that combines one of Nepal’s most extraordinary natural features with some of the finest ridge-top Himalayan viewpoints in the country.
Khapuche Lake is also called Kapuche Lake — it holds a remarkable distinction: it is the lowest-altitude glacier lake in Nepal, at just 2,547 metres, yet surrounded by glaciers and ice walls beneath the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges above. The combination of accessible altitude and glacial drama makes it unique among Nepal’s high-altitude lakes; most glacier lakes in Nepal sit above 4,000m and require days of serious altitude trekking to reach. Khapuche is different and that difference makes it extraordinary.
Above the lake, the route continues to Nho-ta and up onto the Kori Danda ridge at 3,800m — a high alpine viewpoint offering one of the most complete Himalayan panoramas near Pokhara, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Lamjung Himal. An optional hike to Thulake (4,115m) takes the views even further — a true 360-degree Himalayan panorama above the cloud line that rivals any viewpoint in Nepal
The entire route passes through Sikles — one of the largest, most beautiful, and most culturally intact Gurung villages in the Annapurna Conservation Area and along trails that see a fraction of the visitor numbers of more famous nearby routes. This is the Annapurna region as it was before mass tourism arrived, quiet, authentic, and breathtaking at every turn.
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,325m/ 4,344ft)
Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu (1,325m/ 4,344ft) - Pokhara (822m/ 2,696ft)
Day 3 Pokhara (822m/ 22,696ft) - Sikles to Hugu Goth (2,100m/ 7,000ft)
Day 4 Khapuche Glacier Lake (2,546m/ 8,353ft) to Nho-ta (3,050m/ 10,004ft)
Day 5 Nho-ta (3,050m/10,004ft) - Kori Danda (3,800m/12,467ft)
Day 6 Kori Danda Exploration & Optional Hike - Thulake (4,115m/ 13,501ft)
Day 7 Kori Danda (3,800m/ 12,467ft) - Sikles (1,981m / 6,496ft)
Day 8 Drive from Sikles (1,981m/6,497ft) - Pokhara (822m/ 2,696ft)
Day 9 Drive from Pokhara (822m/ 2,696ft) - Kathmandu (1,325m/ 4,344ft)
Day 10 Departure from Kathmandu to Home country
The Kapuche Lake Trek exceeded my expectations. I had visited the Annapurna region before, but this route showed me a much quieter side of the mountains. The journey through Sikles was fascinating, and the trail toward the lake became more dramatic as we climbed. The combination of glaciers, rocky mountains and the lake was spectacular. The higher viewpoint around Kori Danda was another highlight, with huge peaks stretching across the horizon. The trek was challenging in places, but the scenery and peaceful atmosphere made it completely worthwhile.
If you want to escape the busy trekking trails, Kapuche is a wonderful choice. We hardly saw other trekkers during some parts of the journey, which made the experience feel very special. The walk through the forests was beautiful, while the higher sections opened up to huge Himalayan views. Kapuche Lake was much more impressive than I expected, and the surrounding landscape looked almost unreal. I especially enjoyed staying around the local villages and experiencing the hospitality along the route. It was a peaceful and memorable adventure.
What attracted me to this trek was the combination of Kapuche Lake and Kori Danda, and both were amazing. The trail had plenty of uphill sections, so I was glad I had prepared with regular hiking before coming to Nepal. The scenery changed constantly, and every day had something different to see. Standing on the ridge with the Annapurna range in front of us was unforgettable. I also enjoyed meeting local people in Sikles and learning a little about Gurung culture. This trek gave me both adventure and a real cultural experience.
The Kapuche Lake Trek was a completely different experience from the more crowded Annapurna routes. I really enjoyed the peaceful trail through Sikles and the opportunity to experience a traditional Gurung village without large groups of tourists around. Reaching Kapuche Lake was the highlight for me. Seeing the glacier and ice-covered mountains so close to such a relatively low-altitude lake was incredible. The climb toward Kori Danda was tiring, but the mountain views made every step worthwhile. It felt like discovering a part of Nepal that most visitors never see.
I loved how varied this trek was. We started with beautiful village landscapes and gradually moved into forests, open mountain trails and much higher viewpoints. Sikles was one of my favourite parts because the village still feels very traditional and peaceful. Kapuche Lake itself was stunning, especially with the surrounding glaciers. The higher walk toward Kori Danda gave us incredible views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. I would recommend this trek to anyone looking for something quieter and more authentic than the popular trekking routes.
Kapuche Lake Trek is a unique Himalayan adventure that leads to the world’s lowest glacier lake at just 2,547 meters. Unlike most glacier lake treks in Nepal that require long journeys above 4,000 meters, this scenic trek offers breathtaking mountain views, glacial landscapes, and authentic local culture at a comfortable altitude.
Nestled beneath the majestic peaks of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna IV, Kapuche Lake is fed directly by hanging glaciers, creating a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by ice walls, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Meanwhile, the trail passes through traditional Gurung villages, lush forests, and peaceful mountain scenery before reaching the spectacular glacial basin.
Kapuche Lake Trek is perfect for travelers seeking a short trek in Nepal, an off-the-beaten-path adventure, and an unforgettable journey to one of the Himalayas’ most beautiful hidden gems.
Sikles is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal, home to a community that has maintained its traditional culture, language, and architectural style despite its relative proximity to Pokhara. The village is surrounded by terraced farmland, rhododendron forest, and views of the Annapurna range, and the warmth of Gurung hospitality is immediately apparent from the moment you arrive.
Passing through Sikles twice on the way in and the way out gives you two opportunities to explore the village, interact with local families, visit the monastery, and understand a Gurung community that is genuinely different from anything you will experience on the more commercial trekking routes.
The Khapuche Lake Trek is rated moderate. The maximum altitude of 4,115m at Thulake (optional) and 3,800m at Kori Danda keeps the risk of serious altitude sickness relatively low. Daily walking is 4–7 hours on well-defined trails with some steep sections on the ascent to Kori Danda. The hike to Khapuche Lake on Day 4 involves a significant descent and re-ascent that can be demanding on the knees. Trekking poles are recommended. No prior trekking experience is required, but good physical fitness is essential.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring transforms the Sikles and Kori Danda forests into a spectacular display of rhododendron blooms and is widely considered the most beautiful time to visit Khapuche Lake. Autumn brings the crispest mountain views and most stable weather. The Khapuche route is possible in winter (December to February), but the trail above 3,000m will have snow. The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to heavy rain, leeches, and muddy trails.
Kapuche Lake Trek which is known as Kapuche Trekking too and it is quite popular in these days and Alliance Treks provides excellent experienced, well trained and highly professional trekking guide/s who is certified from Nepal government especially trained from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM). Accordingly we have local porters, professional, physically fit and well equipment with very special cared by the company for their safety and security. Furthermore, Kapuche Lake Treks is very reasonable and affordable in full package trekking starting from Kathmandu and ending in Kathmandu.
You do not need any special trekking permit however you have to have Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit for your safe and legal trekking in Kapuche Lake Trekking Trails.
Its is moderate to difficulty trekking (3,000m – 4,113m) but safe and enjoyable trekking. We have designed 10 days very flexible trekking itinerary but it is flexible and can customized as per your interest as well as requirement. Accordingly, we do have navigation systems with your trekking guide leading and walking in the safe way along the way and also provides very modern and well designed with accurate height, distance and well briefed trekking map for your pleasant trek with Alliance Treks in 2026-2027 and more seasons to come. In addition, please note that this trek to Kapuche lake is correlated and interconnected Gurung Heritage Trekking trail so if you are looking for camping trekking in Annapurna region then Gurung Heritage Trek is the perfect one for you.
Kapuche Lake Trekking equipment is as it is based on Tea House trekking usual trekking equipment works and personally you have to prepare yourself your own seasonal trekking equipment and personal clothings. Similarly, we do provide you Down sleeping bag, Down Jacket, Kit Bag, Rain coat, Water bottle and Walking poles rest you will have to have yourself. Accordingly, most of the time, you will sleep in the tent but some places you sleep in the normal lodges along the way. We do provide well and freshly cooked meals three times a day like Breakfast (chapati, pancake, muesli, porridge, hot mil, tea/coffee, eggs, etc…), Lunch (rice, lentil, vegetable, noodle, spaghetti, spring roles etc…) and Dinner (soup, pasta, spring roles, rice, lentil, pickle, vegetables, noodles, macaroni etc..).
In Spring and Autumn, we get +c temperature and clear sky in Gurung Heritage trekking trails. There are majority of Gurung people with rich culture and Gurung culture, flora and fauna, excellent Annapurna ranges as well as very pristine valley with less crowd along with sometimes great experience of snow fall walk along the way. Additionally this is the best place to experience Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek as well as Sikles trek too.
Alliance Treks is more than happy to recommend even Ruby Valley Trek, Langtang Valley Trek as well as Manaslu Circuit trek as an alternative trekking with proper Tea Houses along the way so please visit our website for your updates.
Alliance Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Once is not enough for naturally and culturally Himalayas
