Kapuche Lake is a glacier lake at the world’s lowest elevation. The Annapurna Mountain range is breathtakingly visible from the world’s lowest glacier lake. The Lake Kapuche Glacier is 2546 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by the Gurung neighbourhood in Sikles. Sikles is a beautiful native Gurung village, home to 850 people. It is the second largest Gurung village in Nepal. It is located on a ridge of a hill, 1981 metres above sea level, just above the Madi River.
Furthermore, Sikles is one of Nepal's largest trekking trails, offering an opportunity to learn about the diverse culture of Nepal’s Gurung community. Kapuche Glacier Lake is allegedly less than 4,000 metres away. However, to see this magnificent lake, you must hike for 8 hours from this village. The lake receives glacial melt from Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and IV. This lake is considered Nepal's virgin lake because it has not caught the attention of the tourist industry yet.
The study of Kapuche Lake was conducted in 2014 by a Japanese academic. They estimate its dimensions to be 400m long, 300m wide and 40m deep. The lake serves as the Madi River’s source in Nepal. Evidently, this lake was a frozen sheet 14 years ago, and the Gurung language is where the name Kapuche originated. The world Kapuche is a combination of the words “Ka” (snow or ice), “Pu” (breath-taking down and sliding), and “Che” (landing on flat land). In essence, “Kapuche” refers to fallen ice that has settled on a valley and formed a glacial lake.
Kapuche Lake Trekking
The Kapuche Lake Trek is a relatively new trek among Nepalese. The Kapuche Glacier Lake trek is well-known for its uniqueness and clean natural water. Kapuche Lake is a hidden gem that recently gained attention after the Ghumante team visited and filmed a travel vlog there. If you are looking for a camping trek in Nepal, the Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek is a great option.
The lake is surrounded by mountains covered in snow, creating a serene atmosphere. Avalanches that carry snow from the mountains to the lake do occur occasionally. The lake is in a tranquil setting beneath tall mountains. This Kapuche Lake trek is less crowded, isolated, and remote. Pokhara serves as both the starting and ending point for the Kapuche Lake Trek. On the way to Kapuche Lake, the trekking trail passes through several picturesque villages and landscapes.
You will see a variety of animal and bird species, wild honey bees, rhododendron woodlands, terrace lands, stunning green topography, and more as you trek. The sound and sight of snow and ice falling on the water is an unforgettable sight at the lake site.
During this trail, you will explore villages like Sikles and Hugu, which itself is an allure for understanding the local Gurung culture, traditions, norms, and lifestyle.
Best time to Visit the Lake
Visit this lake in October, November, or December for the best weather condition. You can discover the best blue lake colour at this time of year. The lake’s colour varies according to the season. You can also witness the avalanche, which is perhaps beyond your wildest dreams, in the months of March, April, and May.
Kapuche Lake Itinerary
Day 1: Drive or fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Sightseeing around Pokhara city
Day 3: Drive to Soti and trek to Sikles
Day 4: Trek from Sikles to Hugu
Day 5: Trek to Kapuche Lake and return back to Hugu
Day 6: Trek to Sikles and drive to Pokhara
Day 7: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara
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