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Gurung villages and a glacier lake

Sikles Trek

6 spring departures left

Kaski District, Annapurna Region, Nepal

Traditional Gurung village of Sikles

Kapuche glacier lake below Annapurna IV

Community homestay in Tangting

Quiet forest trails near Pokhara

Sikles sits on a hillside high above the Madi River, north-east of Pokhara, facing Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Machhapuchhre. It is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal, a close-packed settlement of stone houses, slate roofs and narrow paved lanes, and it has kept much of its traditional way of life. Many families here have a long history of service in the Gurkha regiments.

This short trek starts with a drive from Pokhara up the Madi valley to Sikles, leaving plenty of time to explore the village and its small eco-museum. From there you walk north into the forest to Hugu Goth, a herders’ camp, and on to Kapuche Lake, a glacier-fed lake below the ice of Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal that is often described as one of the lowest glacial lakes in the world.

After returning to Sikles you cross to Tangting, a smaller Gurung village known for its community homestays, before driving back to Pokhara. Along the way you share meals with local families, see terraced millet and potato fields, and walk through rhododendron and oak forest that few trekkers visit.

The altitude stays below about 2,500 m, so altitude sickness is not a concern, but the Kapuche day is long and the trail beyond Sikles is rough and rustic. It suits reasonably fit walkers who want culture and quiet trails more than big-name viewpoints.

At a glance

Duration

5 Days
Nights

4 Nights
Difficulty

Medium
Max.Elevation

2,450 m (8,038 ft)
Accomodation

Homestay, Lodge & Tea house
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
Group Size

1 - 12 Travelers
Best Season

Mar - May, Sep - Nov
Starting Point

Pokhara
Ending Point

Pokhara
Permit

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trip Type

Private or Group

Itinerary

Five days from Pokhara: drive to Sikles, walk to Kapuche glacier lake and back, then cross to Tangting before driving out.

Day 01

Drive Pokhara to Sikles, explore the village

Max Altitude 1,980 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

We leave Pokhara after breakfast and drive north-east up the Madi valley on a road that is paved at first and then becomes a rough mountain track, passing villages such as Taprang and Parche. After about three to four hours we arrive at Sikles, perched on a ridge with views towards Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. In the afternoon your guide walks you through the maze of stone lanes, past the monastery and water taps, and to the small eco-museum that explains Gurung history and customs. Dinner and overnight with a local family or in a village lodge.

Day highlights

Sikles Gurung village
Village eco-museum

Day 02

Trek Sikles to Hugu Goth

Max Altitude 2,100 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

From Sikles the trail heads north, away from the villages and into dense forest of rhododendron, oak and bamboo above the Madi River. The path is narrow and sometimes overgrown, used mainly by herders moving their animals to summer pastures, so the pace is steady rather than fast. Birdlife is rich and you may spot langur monkeys. By early afternoon we reach Hugu Goth, a small herders’ clearing with very basic lodging. The evening is quiet, with only the sound of the river and the occasional cattle bell.

Day highlights

Rhododendron and oak forest
Herders' camp at Hugu Goth

Day 03

Hike to Kapuche Lake, return to Sikles

Max Altitude 2,450 m
Accommodation Guesthouse (Basic Lodge/Community Lodge)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

Start early for the climb up the moraine to Kapuche Lake, reached in about two hours from Hugu Goth. The grey-green lake lies at the foot of a hanging glacier that spills down from Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal, and in spring and autumn you can sometimes hear ice breaking off into the water. Spend time at the shore, then retrace your steps to Hugu Goth for lunch and continue back down through the forest to Sikles. It is the longest day of the trek, but mostly downhill in the afternoon.

Day highlights

Kapuche glacier lake
Hanging glacier below Annapurna IV

Day 04

Trek Sikles to Tangting

Max Altitude 1,980 m
Accommodation Overnight Stay at Guesthouse
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

After breakfast and a last look at the mountains from Sikles, we descend through terraced fields and forest to a river crossing, then climb gently to Tangting, a smaller Gurung village spread across the opposite hillside. Tangting has a well-organised community homestay programme, and in the evening your hosts may welcome you with a garland and a performance of traditional song and dance. It is a relaxed day that gives you time to chat with your host family, help in the kitchen or wander around the village.

Day highlights

Village-to-village trail
Gurung cultural evening in Tangting

Day 05

Drive Tangting to Pokhara

Max Altitude 1,650 m
Meals Breakfast Included
Drive 3-4 hrs by jeep

Enjoy a slow breakfast with your host family and a final walk around Tangting before saying goodbye. We then drive down the valley back to Pokhara on the rural road, a journey of around three to four hours depending on road conditions and the season. You should reach Pokhara by the early afternoon, where your guide drops you at your hotel or at Lakeside. The rest of the day is free to relax by Phewa Lake after a few days in the hills.

Day highlights

Farewell to Tangting hosts
Return to Phewa Lake

Maps

Where this trip takes you.

Fixed Departures

Set group departures below. Private dates can be arranged on any day that suits you.

Oct 20

Oct 20 - Oct 24, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $420 /Person

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Nov 05

Nov 5 - Nov 9, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $420 /Person

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Nov 20

Nov 20 - Nov 24, 2026

Group Joining
Guaranteed

From $420 /Person

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Mar 05

Mar 5 - Mar 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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Mar 20

Mar 20 - Mar 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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Apr 05

Apr 5 - Apr 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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Apr 20

Apr 20 - Apr 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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May 05

May 5 - May 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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May 20

May 20 - May 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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Sep 05

Sep 5 - Sep 9, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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Sep 20

Sep 20 - Sep 24, 2027

Group Joining
Available

From $420 /Person

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Availability

Join a set group departure, or ask us for a private date that suits you.

Book now

Didn’t find a suitable date? Contact us with your dates and preferences.

Inclusions & exclusions

What the trip price covers, and what to budget for separately.

What’s included

Transport – jeep Pokhara to Sikles and Tangting to Pokhara
Guide – licensed, English-speaking local guide, with his wages, meals, lodging and insurance
Porter – one porter per two trekkers, with wages, meals, lodging and insurance
Accommodation – 4 nights in village lodges, homestays and a basic herders' lodge
Meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek (lunch on Day 5 not included)
Permit – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Pokhara
Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide
Government taxes and service charges

Not included

Hotel in Pokhara – before and after the trek
Kathmandu arrival, departure and transfers to Pokhara
Travel insurance – strongly recommended
Drinks and snacks – bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol
Donations – to the village museum, monastery or cultural programme
Personal expenses and equipment
Tips for guide, porter and driver

Why people fall for it

Why this trip stands out

Sikles is one of the largest and best-preserved Gurung villages in Nepal.
You see very few other trekkers on this route.
Kapuche Lake gives you a real glacier view without high altitude.
Homestays put your money directly into village households.
It fits into five days from Pokhara, easy to combine with a longer holiday.

Good to know

Practical information to help you prepare for this trip.

Essential Packing Guide

Pack light, but be ready for cool nights.

Footwear: waterproof trekking boots with good grip for muddy forest trails.
Warm layers: fleece and light down jacket for evenings.
Sleeping bag: recommended for Hugu Goth; we can lend one.
Other: rain jacket, headtorch, water purification, insect repellent and a small gift or snacks to share are appreciated.

Permits

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required and included. We arrange it in Pokhara with your passport details.

Accommodation and Meals

You stay in village lodges and homestays. Meals are home-cooked Nepali food, mainly dal bhat, noodles and seasonal vegetables. Menus are limited compared with the main trekking routes.

Internet and SIM Card

Mobile coverage is available in Sikles and Tangting but weak or absent in the forest towards Kapuche. A local SIM (NTC or Ncell) bought in Pokhara works better than Wi-Fi here.

Travel Insurance

We recommend insurance that covers trekking in Nepal, medical treatment and evacuation, as the Kapuche trail is remote.

FAQs

Answers to the questions travellers ask us most about this trip.

Where is Sikles?

Sikles is in Kaski district, north-east of Pokhara in the Madi valley, inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. It faces Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal, and is reached by a rough road from Pokhara.

How hard is the Sikles Trek?

Moderate. Most days are 4 to 6 hours of walking, but the Kapuche Lake day is 6 to 7 hours on a narrow, sometimes overgrown trail. The highest point is only around 2,450 m, so altitude is not an issue.

What is Kapuche Lake?

A small glacier-fed lake at the foot of a hanging glacier below Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal. It is often described as one of the lowest-altitude glacial lakes in the world, at roughly 2,450 m.

What are the homestays like?

Simple, clean rooms in family homes with shared toilets, and home-cooked meals, usually dal bhat with local vegetables. At Hugu Goth the lodging is very basic. Bring a sleeping bag for comfort.

Can I skip Kapuche Lake?

Yes. We can replace the lake with a relaxed extra day in Sikles, including a short hike to a viewpoint above the village, or shorten the trek to four days. Ask us when you book.