Kapuche Ice Lake Trek

Annapurna Region 6 Days GJTKACA109

Hidden deep in the Annapurna region, the Kapuche Ice Lake Trek is a journey into untouched Himalayan beauty where glaciers, mountains, and ancient Gurung villages blend into one unforgettable experience. From serene forest trails to the magical turquoise waters of Nepal’s lowest glacier lake, this trek invites you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Trip Highlights

  • Visit Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,450m) – Nepal’s lowest glacier lake
  • Stunning Himalayan views of Annapurna II, IV & Lamjung Himal
  • Explore authentic Sikles & Tangting Gurung villages
  • Walk through rhododendron forests, waterfalls & alpine meadows
  • Experience peaceful, less-crowded off-the-beaten trails
  • Wildlife spotting: Danphe, Himalayan Thar & Musk Deer
  • Scenic viewpoints like Kori Danda (3,800m) & Thulek Danda (4,115m)

Trip Facts

Overview

The Kapuche Ice Lake Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure. The trail passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung settlements where ancient lifestyles are still preserved.

 

As you ascend higher, the landscape transforms dramatically into alpine meadows and rugged Himalayan terrain. The highlight of the journey is the breathtaking Kapuche Glacier Lake, formed by avalanches from Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Its milky turquoise water and dramatic icefall surroundings create a rare Himalayan spectacle.

 

Unlike crowded trekking routes, this trail remains peaceful, allowing trekkers to fully immerse in nature, culture, and silence of the Himalayas.


Why Choose This Trek?

  • Short yet highly rewarding Himalayan adventure
  • Access to Nepal’s lowest glacier lake experience
  • Perfect mix of culture, nature & mountain views
  • Less crowded, peaceful trekking route
  • Ideal for beginners with good fitness level
  • Authentic homestay and village experience

Route Overview

Day 01: Kathmandu → Pokhara (822m) Drive: 200 km | 6 hrs  | Scenic highway journey via rivers and hills

Day 02: Pokhara → Sikles (1,980m) Drive: 45 km | 4 hrs | Explore Gurung village lifestyle

Day 03: Sikles → Hugu Goth (2,100m) Trek: 5–6 hrs | Forests, waterfalls & gradual ascent

Day 04: Hugu Goth → Kapuche Lake (2,450m) → Tangting (1,665m) Trek: 5–6 hrs Early hike to glacier lake + cultural descent

Day 05: Tangting → Pokhara Drive: 3 hrs Leisure evening in Lakeside

Day 06: Pokhara → Kathmandu Drive: 6 hrs return journey


Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Feb–June): Rhododendron bloom, clear skies, pleasant temperature
  • Autumn (Sept–Nov): Best visibility, stable weather, perfect trekking conditions
  • Winter (Dec–Jan): Cold but peaceful, possible snow experience
  • Monsoon (July–Aug): Not recommended due to rain and landslides

Difficulty Level

This trek is classified as easy to moderate.

  • Suitable for beginners with basic fitness
  • Daily walking: 4–6 hours
  • Some steep uphill and downhill sections
  • Altitude reaches up to 2,450m (low risk of AMS)
  • No technical climbing required

Accommodation & Meals

  • Comfortable teahouses, homestays & lodges
  • 1 night hotel stay in Pokhara (3-star standard)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during trek
  • Basic facilities available in villages
  • Electricity and charging available (may be limited)
  • Internet available in some locations (weak signal)

Culture & Local Experience

This trek introduces you to the rich Gurung community, one of Nepal’s most welcoming Himalayan ethnic groups. You will experience:

  • Traditional stone houses and local architecture
  • Warm hospitality and homestay culture
  • Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags & rituals
  • Local farming lifestyle and yak/sheep grazing
  • Festivals like Lhosar (Gurung New Year)

Transportation Details

  • Kathmandu → Pokhara: Tourist bus or private jeep (6 hrs / 200 km)
  • Pokhara → Sikles: Off-road jeep (4 hrs / 45 km)
  • Tangting → Pokhara: Jeep ride (3 hrs)
  • Pokhara → Kathmandu return: 6 hrs road journey
  • Optional domestic flight or private vehicle available

⚠️ Safety & Travel Tips

  • Stay hydrated (2–3 liters water daily)
  • Carry warm layers and rain protection
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended
  • Follow guide instructions at all times
  • Be aware of weather changes in mountains
  • Use licensed guide & porter for safety
  • Carry basic altitude sickness medicine (though risk is low)

Why Book With Ghumnajaau?

  • Experienced local trekking guides
  • Strong focus on safety & customer care
  • Authentic local village connections
  • Responsible and eco-friendly tourism practices
  • 24/7 support during entire journey

Ready to explore Nepal’s hidden glacier lake and untouched Gurung villages?
Book your Kapuche Ice Lake Trek with Ghumnajaau Pvt. Ltd. today and experience the Himalayas like never before.

Itinerary

Your journey begins with a scenic drive westward from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The route follows the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, offering views of terraced fields, rolling hills, and glimpses of Himalayan peaks. On arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel near Phewa Lake and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.

Note: With a private vehicle and longer travel day, it is possible to continue directly to Sikles the same day.

Note! For trekkers starting from Kathmandu, we provide complimentary airport–hotel transfers for foreign guests (whether you’ve booked your hotel independently or through us). If you are joining from other cities or border points, the meeting point will be Pokhara, where our representative will receive you at the airport or bus station and assist with hotel check-in (after 12:00 noon). On request, we can also arrange your domestic flight or private vehicle to Pokhara. In the evening, your trekking guide will meet you at the hotel lobby for a detailed trip briefing, followed by a short orientation walk to explore the local surroundings.
Location: Pokhara (822m)
Duration: 6 Hours
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: Standard Hotel in Pokhara

After breakfast, embark on a scenic jeep ride along a bumpy mountain track leading north of Pokhara. The drive passes charming Gurung villages such as Taprang (perfect for a tea break), Chipli Gaun, and Khilang before reaching Sikles—one of the largest and most picturesque Gurung settlements in Nepal. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural village walk to explore traditional houses, terraced landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Location: Sikles (1,980m)
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 km
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +1158m/3798.24ft.
Accommodation: Lodge/Home stay

Rise early for a short morning hike to Sikles Park & Rising Danda, a viewpoint offering mesmerizing sunrise views over Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. After breakfast, begin the trek towards Hugu Goth, a tranquil pastureland. The trail passes through lush forests, riverside paths, and a spectacular waterfall midway—an ideal spot for rest and photos. The day’s walk is moderately challenging but rewarding with constant greenery and mountain views. Overnight in a simple teahouse near Hugu Goth.

Location: Hugu Goth (2,100m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Altitude Different: +120m/393.6ft.
Accommodation: Tea house/Camping

Start early for a one-hour uphill hike to Kaphuche Glacier Lake, Nepal’s lowest glacier lake. This turquoise jewel sits below Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, where occasional avalanches cascade directly into the lake—a rare and thrilling sight. After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, descend back and continue trekking towards Tangting Village, a traditional Gurung settlement with rich culture and panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Overnight at a homestay.

Location: Tangting Village (1,665m)
Duration: 6-7 hours 
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude Different: +350m/1148ft.
Accommodation: Lodge/Home stay 

After breakfast, enjoy a short village exploration in Tangting before a jeep ride back to Pokhara. Arrive by afternoon and transfer to your hotel at Lakeside for a well-earned rest.

 

 

Location: Pokhara (822m)
Duration: 3 hours
Meal: Breakfast
Altitude Different: -843m/2765ft.
Accommodation: Standard Hotel in Pokhara

After breakfast transfer to Tourist Bus station for final departure to Kathamndu.

 

Location: Kathmandu (1350m)
Duration: 6 hours
Meal: Breakfast & farewell dinner
Altitude Different: +578m/1895.84ft.
Accommodation: N/A

Trip Information

What's Include?

  • Accommodation: 2 nights' accommodation at 3*Standard Hotel in Pokhara & 3 nights' accommodation at Teahouse/Home Stay on trek (Twin sharing room).
  • Transportation: Two way transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara on Luxury Tourist Bus & Private transportation for Sikles/Tangting & return
  • Meal: Bed/Breakfast in Pokhara Hotel. All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on the trek with tea & coffee.
  • Support Crew: Experience licensed trek guide and 1 porter for 2 clients including his/her allowances & insurance.
  • Permits: All required permits for trek (TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation area.).
  • Complimentary Gear: Duffel bag, sleeping bag & trekking poles (return after trek)
  • Additional Services: Airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle, First-Aid & essential kit, emergency rescue arrangements and All taxes & service charges

What's Exclude?

  • Personal expenses: Snacks, drinks, laundry, and other personal items.
  • Accommodation in Kathamndu is available on request (Standard Hotel 3*) - US$ 30-40/per night
  • Personal trekking gear & clothing: All necessary gear, clothing, and hygiene items.
  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa).
  • Add-On Services (Optional): Accommodation in Kathmandu, trip extensions, additional support crew, horse riding, and other services available on request.
  • Emergency and unforeseen costs: Helicopter evacuation, additional expenses caused by strikes, weather, natural disasters, or itinerary changes.

Map

FAQ's

It is an easy to moderate trek suitable for beginners with basic fitness.

The highest point is around 2,450 meters at Kapuche Glacier Lake.

The trek duration is 6 days from Kathmandu/Kathmandu.

The risk is very low as the trek stays below 2,500m.

Teahouses, homestays, and a hotel stay in Pokhara.

Spring (Feb–June) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) are the best seasons.

Spring (Feb–June) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) are the best seasons.

It is recommended to hire a guide for safety and navigation.

Yes, ACAP permit and TIMS card are required.

Limited WiFi and mobile network in some villages only.

Yes, Ghumnajaau offers fully customized trekking packages.

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