Finding time for a trek can be quite challenging, especially for 9-to-5 job holders and business owners. But what if I told you there’s a trek you can complete over your next weekend?
Yes, it’s the Kapuche Lake Trek, a journey that fits into 2, 3, or even 4 days—you count it.
I’m from Kathmandu, and our trip was completed in 3 nights and 4 days, including a day in Pokhara where we celebrated Holi.
For anyone already in Pokhara, this trek can be done in a single weekend!
This guide, however, is tailored for those starting from Kathmandu and mostly includes my personal experiences.
Along with the itinerary, I’ve also added a detailed cost breakdown at the end—don’t miss it!
Key Facts About Kapuche Glacier Lake
| Known For | Lowest Altitude Glacier Lake in Nepal |
| Region | Sikles, Kaski, Annapurna CA, Central-Western Nepal |
| Altitude | 2,450m |
| Trip Duration | 3-4 days |
| Trek Duration | 2 days (12-15 hours) |
| Trek Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Months | September-May |
Day 0: Evening Hiace to Pokhara
Since we’re taking a night Hiace, you’re not going to spend an entire day traveling. So, let’s not call this a “full day” in our itinerary.
If your office allows or you find the time, get to a Pokhara hiace from Kalanki, Kathmandu. These vehicles are available until as late as 6 PM.
We boarded ours at around 4:30 PM and reached Pokhara by 12:40 AM. While it might feel like a sacrifice of your sleep, this is one compromise you’ll need to make for the love of travel.
You have two key stops to choose for your night stay:
Amarsingh Chowk: Only a few hotels are available.
Prithvi Chowk: A busier location with plenty of hotels available (this is where we got off).
Tip: It’s best to find a hotel in advance and inform them of your late arrival. This way, you avoid disturbing others and guarantee your room for the night.
Day 1: Prithvi Chowk – Kaukhola – Sikles – Hugu
Wake up around 7 AM and catch a taxi to Kaukhola, which is only a 15-20 minute ride from Prithvi Chowk.
From Kaukhola, you can choose between:
- A local bus (if available): Rs.300-400.
- A BOLERO jeep (faster and slightly more expensive): Rs. 500–700
The jeep prices can vary slightly if there aren’t enough passengers. In our case, we paid Rs. 600 each for the 3-hour ride to Sikles.
Pro Tip: Find a hotel in Sikles to leave any additional belongings. This makes your hike much lighter and more enjoyable.
From Sikles, it’s a 4-6 hour trek to Hugu, depending on your pace.
The trail has some challenging uphill sections, making it ideal for anyone seeking a short adventure. However, the trek itself isn’t difficult, making it beginner-friendly.
The trail rewards you with scenic views (if the weather is clear) and even the beautiful Yedi waterfall along the way.
Without a doubt, this trek is perfect for first-timers looking to experience what trekking feels like. There are plenty of sign boards, so don’t worry: you won’t get lost!
Upon reaching Hugu, you’ll find a few hotels available for accommodation.
Day 2: Hugu – Kapuche Lake – Sikles – Kaukhola – Pokhara
It’s best to wake up early, as the weather near Kapuche Lake can turn unpredictable by the afternoon.
We were fortunate to arrive early and witness incredible views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Kapuche Glacier Lake itself. Sadly, trekkers who arrived later missed this stunning sight!
The hike from Hugu to Kapuche Lake is a two-hour uphill climb. The trail doesn’t have many photogenic spots, so I recommend moving quickly to reach the destination.
Note: There are accommodations near Kapuche Lake too. If you start your trek earlier on Day 1, you could potentially reach the lake the same day.
If you’re extremely lucky, you might witness a live avalanche!
Remember the viral avalanche video from 2021 that made Kapuche Lake famous?
While smaller avalanches occur frequently, we didn’t see one. But we did hear the unmistakable thunder-like sound of one on our way back.
During winter, the lake freezes completely, allowing you to walk on it. After March, the ice partially melts, but you can still walk on the dry, muddy areas around the lake.
Once you’re satisfied with the experience, return to Hugu for lunch before heading back to Sikles. The return trek takes about 4-5 hours.
Tip: Descend quickly to catch the last bus/jeep from Sikles. We managed to catch the final jeep but had to pay a higher price (Rs. 1,000 per person). If you’re on time, prices remain the same as before.
It’s a two-hour journey back to Pokhara. Since you’re already here, why not spend the evening at Phewa Lakeside? That’s what we always do when visiting this region.
We spent a relaxing night, knowing Holi celebrations awaited us the next day! I’d love to share our story someday.
Day 3: Pokhara – Kathmandu
There’s plenty to do in Pokhara, but I’ll save that for another guide.
Useful tip: Plan your treks that start in Pokhara around festivals like New Year or Holi. This adds an exciting finale to your trip and gives you something extra to look forward to.
Once you’re done exploring Pokhara, take a bus or Hiace back to Kathmandu at your convenience.
Kapuche Lake Trek Cost Breakdown
The Kapuche Lake trek is a short and budget-friendly adventure, with costs typically ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 per person.
Please note that this excludes expenses in Pokhara, as those can vary greatly based on individual preferences.
For our trip, we completed this easy and enjoyable trek at Rs. 6,550 per person. Here’s a breakdown of our expenses to give you a general idea:
| Hiace (2-way) | 1500 |
| Pokhara Hotel | 350 |
| Kaukhola Taxi | 150 |
| Sumo to Sikles | 600 |
| Hugu Stay | 1500 |
| Sumo to Kaukhola | 1000 |
| Snacks/Lunch | 1450 |
| Total | 6,550 |
Kapuche Lake Trek Alternative Itineraries
As mentioned earlier, this trek is highly flexible. Here’s a quick weekend itinerary for those already in Pokhara:
- Day 0: Travel to Sikles and stay overnight
- Day 1: Sikles – Kapuche Lake
- Day 2: Kapuche Lake – Sikles – Return to Pokhara
If you have more time, consider visiting Kori, another scenic destination in Kaski district. Although we missed this due to time constraints, I highly recommend it.
Here’s an itinerary for Kapuche + Kori (from Kathmandu):
- Day 0: Night hiace to Pokhara.
- Day 1: Pokhara – Sikles – Hugu.
- Day 2: Hugu – Kori.
- Day 3: Kori – Hugu – Kapuche.
- Day 4: Kapuche – Sikles – Pokhara.
- Day 5: Return to Kathmandu.
I’ll definitely visit Kori someday and share a detailed guide when I do.
Final Words
Loved the itinerary and my tips? If so, don’t forget to share this article with your friends so they can plan their trek too.
And stay updated with Travel Nepal Toady as I’ll be bringing more guides every single day!
Have a blast in Pokhara and when you’re back home, don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts.
Lastly, happy traveling to central-western Nepal!
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