Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek

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Sikles Kapuche Lake Trek
Sikles Kapuche Lake Trek
Sikles Kapuche Lake Trek
Duration8 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude3,800 m
Group SizeAny
StartsFrom Kathmandu
EndsIn Kathmandu
Travel StyleTeahouse Trekking
Best TimeSpring & Autumn

Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek is a fascinating trek that takes you to the lowest glacier lake in Nepal, Kapuche Glacier Lake. It is the newly discovered route in Nepal that gives you the unique and private trekking experience. The trek is perfect for beginners who are willing to take an effort and want to immerse in the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness. 

Trek Highlights

  • Breathtaking views of the annapurna mountain range, including Annapurna II and Lamjung peak.
  • Trekking through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and picturesque mountain villages.
  • Visiting one of the lowest glacier lakes in Nepal, Kapuche Lake.
  • Exploration of the village architecture of the Sikles Village.
  • Gain insights into the local culture, traditions, and handicrafts of Gurung settlement.
  • Interactions with friendly locals and visits the cultural sites like the Gurung Museum.
  • Opportunity to observe diverse wildlife and bird species on the way.
  • Opportunity to participate in local activities such as farming and cooking.
  • More tranquil trekking experience in between beautiful nature.
  • Trek to the beautiful Kori danda.

Trek Overview

The Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek itinerary is 8 days long. On the way, you will get an opportunity to meet the locals of the popular villages, including Sikles and Hugu. There, you can interact with local Gurung communities and learn about traditional lifestyles and handicrafts.

The trek route goes through the serene natural environment. You will be blessed with the scenic views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The trip becomes more worthy when you see the tranquil turquoise waters of Kapuche Lake.

Along the way, you will get to encounter various wildlife and lush green vegetation. This newly formed route offers a wide array of flora, including vibrant wildflowers and dense vegetation. It gives you an amazing trekking experience through terraced fields, high alpine meadows, and dense forests. 

It is the perfect trek that gives you adventure in between the peaceful environment. Being beginner’s friendly, this trek fulfills the desires of every adventure lover and nature enthusiast.

Key Highlights

  • Kapuche Glacier Lake (2450 meters)

Kapuche glacier lake is the main attraction of the Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trekking trail. It is located in Kaski District of Nepal. This lake is the lowest glacier lake in the world. The lake is fed by the melting ice from the Kapuche Glacier.  The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, including Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Nestled within the Gurung village of Sikles, the best feature of the lake is its turquoise waters.  

  • Sikles Village (2,000 m)

Sikles village is one of the picturesque villages located on the trail of the Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trekking. The majority of the people residing here are Gurungs. The village is one of the largest Gurung villages, with about 4,000 people residing there. From the village, you can see breathtaking views of the annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. In addition, the surrounding landscape features lush forests filled with rhododendrons, terraced fields, and alpine pastures.   

  • Hugu Goth Village (2,100 m)

Hugu village is the major stop on the trail of the Kapuche and Sikles village trek. This village is also known as the base camp of Kapuche Glacier Lake. According to the Sikles Trek itinerary, it usually takes 5 to 6 hours to reach the Hugu Goth Ghar from Sikles. From Hugu, you can see these stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The hugu is a culturally rich village where you can engage in local traditions and enjoy the hospitality of the Gurung community. 

  • Kori Danda (3800 m)

Kori Danda is the less crowded trekking destination in the Annapurna Conservation Area. From the Danda, you can see the panoramic views of the snowcapped peaks like Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The location is also popular because it is situated directly opposite the massive eastern wall of the Annapurna range. From there, the golden sunrise light illuminates the snowy peaks perfectly. 

Why us for the Sikles, Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek 2026?

3S: Safety, Spirit, and Satisfaction

Booking an Sikles, Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek package with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here's why:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during high-altitude treks.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise. 
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour.
  • Convenience: Duffel bags for transferring items to be carried during the trip.
  • Porter Service: A free porter to help carry your heavy bags.
Itinerary

At Mystic Adventure Holidays, our intention is always to follow the 8 days Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek itinerary.

However, due to the nature of travel, we may need to make slight changes because of unforeseen circumstances such as weather-related cancellations or delays of domestic flights, natural disasters like landslides, newly enacted laws, political unrest, or trekkers' health issues, including altitude sickness.

While the itinerary is brief and fixed, it also includes flexible areas. Therefore, we advise travelers to allow a few extra days in Nepal.

We highly recommend that you arrive one day before the trip starts to rest and purchase any necessary clothing, gear, and equipment for the hike. You can also use this extra day for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, acclimatizing, or rescheduling international flights in case of potential weather delays or domestic flight cancellations.

We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to providing you with an unforgettable adventure! It is our regular day-to-day itinerary. if you are looking for a customized itinerary, Don't hesitate to contact us.

Trip PlanExpand all

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our company representative will greet you with garlands. Then, you will be transferred to the hotel where you are staying overnight. Our company representative will assist you in checking in at the hotel. 

This day, no activities are scheduled. So you can enjoy it on your own, or you can acclimatize in the hotel room and take a rest. If you arrive early, you can have a short tour around the city at your own pace or do window shopping.  

In the evening, you will be having a welcome dinner with our guides and company representatives. During that time, our guides will brief us about the trip. Then, you will be dropped in your hotel room. 

Max Altitude: 1,350 m Meals: Welcome DinnerAccommodation: Kantipur Village HotelDuration: Around 30-45 minDistance: Approx. 6 km

On the second day of the Kapuche Lake and Kori Danda trek itinerary, we will drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. It is a scenic drive and goes through the remote villages, banks of the Trishuli River, and forests. It will take around 6-7 hours to reach the pokhara.

From Pokhara, we will continue by local or private vehicle to the beautiful Gurung village of Sikles. The path is more like a 30 km off-road mountain track with gravel and dirt moving past Amar Singh Chowk, Lamachaur, and Kharpani. it takes 4 hours too reach there from pokhara. 

Upon reaching the Sikles, we will settle there in one of the lodges for the night. 

Max Altitude: 1,980 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Standard LodgeDuration: Approx. 8 + 3.5 hrs driveDistance: Approx. 142 km

With this trek from Sikles to Hugu Goth, you will enter into the deep area of the Annapurna Conservation Area. We will begin the trek from the Sikles, climbing slightly to reach Hugu Goth. 

The trail goes through the scenic forest trails, mountain landscapes, small streams, waterfalls( especially Edi Jharna), and suspension bridges. This part of the trek opens the quiet wilderness with hillsides and yak/sheep grazing pastures as background, unpaid actors.

As you come near the Hugu Goth, you will see the dramatic change in the scenery around you. The peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal are visible on clear days.

The Sikles to Kapuche Lake distance is approximately 19 kilometers that also cannot be completed within one go. So, we will stay overnight in camp in Huwu. You can track yourself by seeing sikles to Kapuche Lake map too. 

Max Altitude: 2,100 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Standard Lodge or TeahouseDuration: Around 5-6 hrsDistance: Approx. 12 km

This day will be the most interesting part of your trip. You will be hiking towards the Kapuche Glacier Lake. 

Early in this chilly morning, we will hike to the narrow, rocky path upward alongside streams and steep cliff walls. It is a roughly 2-hour hike. Then, at the lake, you can suspend some time. The Kapuche Glacier Lake is surrounded by icefalls from Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

After exploring the lake, we will hike back to the Hugu Goth. It is the higher chance that we will stay at the Hugu Goth. But, if there is a suitable lodge or campsite along the route towards Kori, we may stay there too. 

Max Altitude: 2,546 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Standard Lodge or TeahouseDuration: Around 6-8 hrsDistance: Approx. 12 km

After the visit to the Kapuche Glacier Lake, we will trek to the Kori Danda. Kori Danda is also the highest altitude we will reach during this Kapuche Glacier Lake and Kori Danda trek itinerary. The altitude gain on his trek section is significant and needs careful consideration of the altitude sickness issues. 

The trail goes through the wooden suspension bridges over Hugu Khola with a continuous uphill climb. Then comes the dense alpine forests (pine, fir, rhododendron). To break the altitude and have lunch, we will pause the trek at Nohtha (3000m).

Then, we will enter the ridges, leaving the tree line behind. We can see the paths transitioning into the rough alpine grass meadows leading up to the Kori Danda. 

As we reach near Kori Danda, the views of the snow-capped peaks become clearer. From the high pasture plateau of Kori Danda itself, you can enjoy the close-up sunset views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna III.

We will stay at Kori Danda in an overnight camp or basic teahouses. 

Max Altitude: 3,800 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Standard TeahouseDuration: Around 7-9 hrsDistance: Around 12-14 km

After reaching the top at Kori Danda, we will trace back our steps. We will start descending. It takes around 7 to 8 hours on the downhill trek.

We will start a steep descent from the high alpine pastures. As we cross through the sections like Nontha or Tasa, you can see the transition back into dense rhododendron and oak forests. It is a beautiful thing; you will see during this trek section. 

When we are about to descend below the tree line, you can see the beautiful morning views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre. It will take a few more hours to reach Sikles from the tree line section.

From Sikles, we will drive to Pokhara. The path follows the Madi River valley down through terraced hillsides and rural settlements. In Pokhara, we will stay in one of the star hotels. 

Max Altitude: 822 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel AabasDuration: Around 4-5 hrs trek & 2 hrs driveDistance: Approx. 72 km

From Pokhara, we will drive back to Kathmandu. It is a 7-9 hour scenic drive. It goes through the towns including Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, Galchhi, and Malekhu before ascending into the Kathmandu Valley via Thankot. You will be dropped in the hotel after we reach Kathmandu.

Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Kantipur Village HotelDuration: Around 7-8 hrsDistance: Approx. 142 km

This day is the last day of the itinerary and the end of the Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek. We will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. From there, you will fly to your desired destination. 

Max Altitude: 1,350 m Meals: Only BreakfastAccommodation: NoneDuration: Around 30-45 minDistance: Approx. 6 km
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Cost Details
Included
  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle during your international arrivals and departures 
  • Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali kitchen with a cultural dance show.
  • 3X-night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (Apsara Boutique Hotel and Kantipur Village Hotel)
  • 2X-night accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast (Kuti Resort and Aabas Hotel) or similar standard
  • Kathmandu city sightseeing in private vehicles with a city tour guide 
  • best available teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, including 3 times tea or coffee per day
  • All ground transportation, as per the itinerary 
  • An experienced, licensed, and English-speaking trek leader and assistant trek leader, if necessary 
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
  • Staff costs include their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation.
  • Mystic Adventure Holidays trekking bag/duffel bag, which you can put your things in and carry by porter (duffel bags need to be returned at the end of the trek)
  • A call for rescue if any emergency happens
  • An achievement certificate
  • Mystic Adventure Holidays t-shirt and trekking map as souvenirs
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
  • All government, local taxes, and operating expenses
Excluded
  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra-night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) compared to the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, showers, etc.)
  • Tips for the guide(s), porter(s), 10% of what you pay, and driver(s)
  • Noted: Optional Activities in Pokhara: Mountain Museum, Sarangakot Sunrise, Boating or Paddling Fewa Lake, Cycling & Peace Pagoda Visit. Choose one of them.
  • Noted: In case you want to cancel or return something that happened on the mountain, you don't get a refund. Check the terms and conditions. 
Route Map
Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek Map
Altitude Chart
Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek Altitude Chart
Add-ons & Options

The above Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek itinerary is just a guideline. If you are not satisfied, please feel free to customize your own and contact us. 

Essential Info

Trek Difficulty

The difficulty level of the Sikles Kapuche Lake and Kori Danda Trek can be graded as relatively easy to moderate. In fact, it is the most accessible trekking route in the Annapurna region. This trek is best for beginners, families with children, and those with limited time.

The total Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek distance covering over the varied terrains is 25 kilometers roundtrip. The walking time per day is around 4 to 6 hours.  The chance of altitude sickness is very low, as the maximum altitude reached is just 2,546 meters. The Kapuche Lake itinerary is 8 days, with an average of 3-4 days of trekking.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Sikles Kapuche Lake and Kori danda is during the months from March to May and September to November. The weather conditions are favorable and provide unobstructed natural scenery.

Rhododendron blooms only during the spring season. And major festivals like dashain, tihar, and chhat coincides with the autumn season. You can choose between two seasons. The monsoons are the worst time to visit the Sikles, Kapuche Lake, and Kori Danda area, as there are higher chances of landslides. 

Accommodation and Meal Options

The community homestays and basic mountain lodges are the prime accommodations at the Sikles, Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda area.

The Sikles village has established guesthouses with clean rooms, bathrooms (common or attached), and charging facilities (for a small fee). Sikles homestay prices may differ from each other based on the services and facilities they are providing.

The meals here in the sickles area include options like Dal Bhat, Dhido, noodles, pasta, macaroni, fried rice, and dumplings. During breakfast, the options include tea or coffee served with porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes, or local Gurung bread (lightly fried bread).

However, as you trek to the higher areas like Hugu Goth, the accommodation is more like basic herder huts or designated camping areas. Facilities here are limited. The food facilities beyond the sickles are also limited. It is best to carry dry snacks or packed lunches for the hike from Sikles to Hugu Goth, the Kapuche Lake, and Kori Danda

Drinking water availability

There are several water refill stations on the trail. There won't be any major issues along the way. However, you must keep in mind that not every source of water is suitable for drinking. Before refilling the bottle with the natural resource, use water purification tablets or boil the water. You can refill your bottle on the tea houses or you can purchase if available.

Essential Services: Charging, Connectivity, and Electricity

In the lower villages like Silkes Kapuche, the homestays and lodges offer the charging facilities and wifi. But the facility often comes with a small fee, which is not included in the Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek cost inclusions. You should still keep in mind that the facilities may be limited in the higher altitudes. The electricity here is powered by the solar panels. So, the lights are only available till the late evening. 

Trekking gear and equipment

  • Clothing including 2–3 moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms, a fleece jacket or pullover, a down jacket (for evenings), a shell jacket (for the outer), and waterproof trekking pants.
  • Accessories like a warm woolen hat or beanie, a sun hat or cap (for daytime), lightweight gloves, and a neck gaiter or buff.
  • For footwear and feet support, add trekking boots, 3-4 pairs of hiking socks, flip-flops (for camp), and gaiters (if winter trekking).
  • Technical gear and equipment like a 30-40L daypack, a four-season sleeping bag (rated for at least -10°C), trekking poles, and headlamps (best for early morning starts).
  • For health and hygiene, add a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (min 2 L capacity), water purification tablets or filter, personal medications, oral rehydration salts, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
  • Extras like sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm with UV protection, polarized sunglasses, a power bank, and a camera.

Customized itinerary and trip extensions

If you are unable to book a package for the trek on the listed date, we can customize the Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek itinerary according to your free schedule. We, the Mystic Adventure Holiday team, also organize tailor-made itineraries for the Jomsom Muktinath trek, as well as other trekking in Nepal.

The Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek can be extended to

  • The Tangting village for the less traveled cultural experiences before returning to Pokhara. 
  • The Tara Hilltop hike for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 

In addition to Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek, we can organize trips to Everest Trekking, Langtang Trekking, Manaslu Trekking, Mountain Flights, Water Rafting, Jungle Safaris, City Tours (Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini ), Homestay Tours, Nepal Cultural Tours, Tibet Tours, Bhutan Tours, or India Tour Extensions as per your time frame. Feel free to contact us. 

Essential Tips for a Smooth 2026 Trekking Experience

  • You will not find any ATM lounges on the trail; therefore, withdraw enough cash to use while on the way.
  • The WiFi service along the route is not that great. The connection is mostly unstable, so we highly suggest you get a Nepali SIM card with data to use the internet. At high elevations, the network may not be stable.
  • For the real time info about the weather forecast, you can also use the weather forecast apps.
  • Discuss the accommodation options with the guide so that you can adjust yourself acordingly. 
  • If you like the vegetarian food items or have specific dietary needs, tell to your ttrekking guide in advance so that they can manage in time. 
  • Bring the sleeping bag for the night stay in the hugu goth as the facilities are very basic there. 
  • Stick to the cooked means and avoid the raw salads to prevent illness. 
  • Drink at least 2 liters of water and other fluids in a day to keep yourself hydrated. Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness.
  • Buy snacks and bars in the city to avoid paying expensive rates on the trekking route. Moreover, most of the usual snacks won't be available.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it instead of buying plastic water bottles on the way.
  • Trek slowly and safely.
  • If you don't want to pay extra money to charge your batteries, get extra batteries for your electronic devices.
  • On the trail, do not touch or eat any flowers or fruits unless you have proper knowledge about them.
  • Respect the Himalayan yoga tradition and culture.
  • Use the Sikles Kapuche Lake & Kori Danda Trek map to avoid getting lost or to improve your experience. 
FAQs

The sikles to kapuche lake distance is approximately 8-10 km. 

The pokhara to Kapuche Lake distance is around approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles). 

Although not mandatory, we recommend purchasing or having adequate travel insurance for the kapuche lake and Kori danda trek. It ensures a safe and compliant journey. The travel insurance must cover both medical expenses and emergency evacuation, with a minimum coverage amount of USD 100,000. It becomes important, especially if you are going for a high-altitude trek. 

The kapuche lake and Kori danda trek cost does not include the costs of travel insurance. So, you have to plan on your own. Before going on the trek, we kindly request that you submit the insurance policy number and other relevant details. This will enable us to promptly notify the insurance policy in the event of an incident.  

The permits required for the kapuche lake and Kori danda trek are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The ACAP permit is most important when entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. It will cost approximately NRS 3000 per person. The kapuche lake and Kori danda trek price includes permit fees. So, you don’t need to worry about it when you are traveling with us. 

To avoid the stress of document work and visiting the offices, it is recommended to hire a travel agency like mystic adventure holidays for your trip. We arrange all the permits and required permissions for you. If you want to fly the drones in this region, you will need a drone permit. Learn more about the drone laws in Nepal from the link..

When trekking to the new places, especially out of your comfort level, the altitude sickness issues can become a concern. If you are coming from a place that is at an altitude level below 500 m, then, at 2450 m, you may feel a little bit uneasy. 

Our trekking experts have meticulously designed the kapuche lake and Kori danda trek itinerary for your convenience. However, it is best to be prepared earlier before anything happens. Some of the acclimatization strategies include gradual ascent, staying well hydrated, monitoring for any signs of altitude sickness, engaging in cardiovascular exercises prior to the trip, and so on.

The cost of the kapuche lake and Kori danda trek for SAARC nationals per person is US$899 only.

The kapuche lake and Kori danda trek cost for indians per person ranges from 75k to 78k indian rupee. 

The total trekking distance of kapuche lake and Kori danda trek is approx. 36 km. 

Yes. for the detailed map featuring the kapuche lake and Kori danda trek route, you can visit our website.

The average sikles homestay price is NPR 1,100 per person. The bed, dinner, and breakfast is included. 

You can expect the normal elevation gain as follows:

  • From Pokhara (822 m) to Sikles (1980 m) = 1158 m
  • From SIkles to Hugu Goth (2100 m) = 120 m
  • Hugu Goth to Kapuche Lake (2546 m) = 446 m
  • Hugu Goth to Kori Danda (3800 m)=1700 m

The first part of the distance is covered by driving, and the other elevation gains are manageable.

Yes, it is highly recommended to be accompanied by a guide and porter (optional). The local knowledge enhances the safety and cultural insights.

On the way to the kapuche lake and Kori Danda, you will see;

  • Panoramic vistas of Annapurna II & IV, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal.
  • Lush forests of oak, rhododendron, waterfalls, alpine meadows
  • Cultural villages, traditional homestays, and eco museums.
  • Serene kapuche Glacier lake
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