Kapuche Lake Trek Itinerary
In this itinerary from Kathmandu lasting Kapuche Lake Trek days for 6 days.
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Sikles
Day 3: Trek to Goth Ghar
Day 4: Trek to Kapuche Lake and then Sikles
Day 5: Drive to Pokhara
Day 6: Return to Kathmandu
Kapuche Lake Trek Difficulty
The Kapuche Sikles Trekking can be categorized as a moderate trekking trail. The trails could be more inclined, but having a few miles with up-and-down inclines is nice for many cardiovascular. The trek is for those with prior experience, those who aren’t a beginner but not an experienced trekker, or those who want to avoid going through the standard and crowded routes. Daily walk duration varies from 4 to 6 hours, with enough breaks and resting at higher altitudes.
Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, and Health
The physical fitness required for the Kapuche Sikles Trek falls under moderate-level trekking. Trekkers should be expected to have the ability to hike for several hours with a day pack. Any exercise involving high energy levels, like running, cycling, or even swimming, should be done in preparation for the trek. So, it is advisable to be in good health before the start of the trek.
It is recommended that people with health complications and illnesses consult with their doctors before their journey. Certain recommended items include a basic first aid kit and necessary medications for emergencies.
Altitude Sickness at Kapuche Lake Trek
The maximum altitude of Kapuche Sikles Trek is 2546 meters. Thus, despite this altitude not being very high, trekking there may cause discomfort due to altitude sickness.
Some of the symptoms include headache, vomiting, and giddiness.
- Always take it slow and always make sure to drink enough water.
- Avoid drink that contains alcohol.
- If, for some reason, you are not feeling well during the cardio exercises, take rest days.
If the symptoms do not subside after following the above measures, the person must immediately move to a lower altitude.
Trekking Experience of Sikles to Kapuche Lake
The Kapuche Sikles Trek is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers. While prior trekking experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. The trail is well-marked, passing through beautiful villages, terraced fields, and lush forests, offering cultural and natural experiences.
Emergency and Evacuation
As the trek does not involve trekking at a very high altitude, there is no need for evacuation during the trek. However, you can have travel insurance for any emergency or evacuation.
Kit and equipment for Kapuche Lake Trek
Like in any other trek, what you wear and carry during Kapuche Sikles Trek is crucial to making the trek easy and fantastic.
– Having a strong shoe with a grip on the ground, and the more it has a high ankle support, the better.
Packing a comfortable pair of flip-flops or casual shoes for the evening is recommended.
– Fleece or down jackets and an outer shell should be waterproof and windproof.
– Some nice trekking pants that will allow good air circulation are advised; convertible pants are the best to cover the lower part of the body.
– Do not go without an umbrella or raincoat / Jacket.
– 40 litres, a suitable harness, and a rain cover for the backpack are sufficient for daily necessities.
– Take a personal water bottle, water purification tablets, or a filter.
– To sleep, take a high-quality sleeping bag from 0°F to 15°F.
– Also, bring trekking poles with you.
Kapuche Lake Trek best time to visit
Kapuche Lake Trek best time to visit is during the spring season from March to May and autumn from September to November. Depending on the area, spring can be a rather wet season with medium temperatures, and the rhododendron forest is in full bloom, with beautiful colors.
In autumn, one can expect clear weather, quite cool temperatures, and excellent visibility to see the Himalayan ranges. The winter season between December and February may offer a cold climate and snow at some extent of height, while the monsoon season between June and August comes with heavy rain and slippery trails. These two make trekking less fun than it is in the dry season.
It is best to avoid the Kapuche Sikles trek during the monsoon as the route is very landslide-prone, and during winter, it is avalanche-prone.
Kapuche Lake Weather Information
In the spring season, there is a temperature of 10-20 degrees Celsius during the day and drops to 0-5 degrees Celsius at night. This season is also denoted by the flowering of plants and trees and the abundance of green vegetation. Autumn climate is also similar; it has day temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius while night temperatures are 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. The weather is normally clear, which offers good visibility to the mountains. Winter days range from 5-10 degrees Celsius; at night, it will be freezing, with temperatures of -5 or even lower. The monsoon season is warmer, with temperatures between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius; however, the rain mainly disrupts the trails by causing landslides and muddy paths.
Kapuche Lake Trek Permits
To trek the Kapuche Sikles Trek, you will need two permits: two permits, which include the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. It is required for your security and the identification of trekkers in the region of operation according to the requirements of the TIMS card. Both permits can be acquired in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.
Accommodation and Food During Kapuche Sikles Trek
On the Kapuche Sikles Trek, there is a range of lodges and teahouses, ranging from simple to those that provide more home comfort, depending on the area. At Sikles, a decent Wi-Fi infrastructure, electricity, and hot showers are available for the trekkers. The rooms are basic and generally clean, depending on the room type.
The meals provided by these lodges are mainly Nepali and Indian, with a few foods from the Western world. You can expect to get simple dishes such as rice accompanied by dal (an excellent lentil soup), momos, noodles, and soups. Fresh vegetables are commonly available, and breakfast meals may comprise pancakes, porridge, and eggs.
The facilities worsen as you approach Goth Ghar. The lodges here are basic, meaning one will get only the necessities for a night’s stay. Food is also plain but not less wholesome and is usually starches from the region for powering through the hike. The teahouses are mostly crafted of bamboo or older styles.
You can even choose between a tent or camping. You should bring your own tents from either Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Electricity and Battery Recharge, Water During Kapuche Sikles Trek
Since there would be a good electricity connection in Sikles, you can always power your gadgets and ensure you are well connected to the internet through Wi-Fi. However, as you progress to Goth Ghar, there is no electricity, no proper hot shower, and even the attached rooms are not there.
Consuming clean drinking water during the trek is necessary to prevent contracting waterborne diseases. I suggest bringing purification tablets or a portable water filter to help purify the water before drinking it.
Alternative Trekking Routes for Kapuche Lake
However, if you are looking for other treks to do in the area near the Kapuche Sikles Trek, the following treks offer different views and experiences.
Another famed alternative is the Kori Trek, which is comparatively less frequented and provides even better views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The Kori Trek also shows you some typical villages, forests, and the rhododendron forest.
Another relatively short option available is the Mardi Himal Trek, which is gradually becoming quite popular, especially because of the views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Annapurna. The trail runs through beautiful villages, forests, and ridges; therefore, the trek is relatively diverse.
For those who want a trek slightly closer to the Kapuche Sikles region, the Naar-Phu Valley Trek would be a good option. This trek takes you to the geographically isolated region of Naar and Phu, which is more like a Tibetan region. You will even find people from this region following Tibetan culture.
A Typical Day on the Kapuche Sikles Trek
As the Kapuche Sikles Trek is usually considered a day trip, you will wake up early in the morning and have a big breakfast in your teahouse or lodge. Then, you will start trekking to your destination. During the middle of the day, there will be an opportunity to have lunch in the simplified teahouse with some proper meal breaks.
In the afternoon, you will arrive at your sleeping place, either a teahouse or a lodge. Dinner is usually served early so that trekkers can get enough rest and sleep.
Kapuche Lake Trek cost
The Kapuche Lake Trek costs around $350 per person. It may slightly differ depending on the days of the trek, the lodges/teahouses used, and the type of transportation used. Estimating, food, and shelter can cost you almost $20-$30 per day on the Kapuche Lake Trek. The prices common for hiring a guide range from $25 to $30 per day, and for a porter, it averages $15 to $20 per day.
Permits can also be expensive. The Annapurna Conservation Area entrance is $30, and a TIMS card costs $20 per trekker. Most trekkers will cost between $350 and $500, depending on what care is included when you book through a trekking agency.
Additional Expenses for Kapuche Glacier Lake Trek
Other cost considerations include medical costs, which can be met via travel insurance and will be between $50 and $100. You’ll also need to bear the transport expense to and from the trailhead, which may differ from your starting point. Occasionally, expenses such as guides and porters, personal trekking equipment, food and drinks should also be considered. Extra services you will get at the lodges include Wi-Fi, hot shower, and charging facilities, though they may require some charges.
ATMS along the Kapuche Trek Route
These days, most cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara have ATM facilities, but after beginning the trek, you will have to trek for long distances to get the next ATM service. Some places like Sikles may have ATMs, while some small villages may not have proper access to ATMs at all, so it is advisable to possess enough Nepali rupees to cover the expenses needed during the trek.
Kapuche Lake Avalanches and Landslides
The Sikles Kapuche Lake region may face problems like avalanches and landslides, normally during the monsoon period or when there are heavy floods or snow melting. Kapuche Lake routes are avalanche—and landslide-prone. The trekking routes are narrow and not marked like those of Annapurna or Everest. However, by having a licensed guide, you can minimize the risk of getting lost.
