Trip Info
Accommodation & Meals During the Trek
Accommodation on the Kapuche Lake Trek is primarily in community-based teahouses and local lodges, especially in Sikles and nearby villages. These are basic yet comfortable, offering clean beds, shared toilets, and traditional Gurung hospitality. In Hugu Goth, trekkers may stay in simple shelters or tents, as infrastructure is limited in this remote region. Asiana Treks and Tours ensures that the best available accommodation is booked in advance, with attention to cleanliness, safety, and cultural immersion.
Meals during the trek typically include locally sourced, home-cooked Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), vegetable curries, and seasonal greens. In Sikles and some villages, you may also enjoy Tibetan bread, fried rice, noodles, and eggs for breakfast. We cater to vegetarian and vegan diets upon request. While the menu options become more limited in remote areas like Hugu Goth, our team carries supplementary food and ensures hygienic meal preparation throughout the trek.
Key Points:
Teahouse and homestay-style accommodation
Basic rooms with shared toilets in most locations
Local, organic meals (mostly vegetarian)
Special diets can be arranged with advance notice
Transportation Overview (Road & Air Options)
The Kapuche Lake Trek offers flexible transportation options to and from Kathmandu and Pokhara, making it accessible for different types of travelers. From Kathmandu, you can drive (6–8 hours) or take a 25-minute domestic flight to Pokhara. Asiana Treks and Tours provides both tourist buses and private vehicles for road transfers and can assist with booking reliable domestic flights.
From Pokhara, a scenic 4–5 hour jeep ride takes you to Sikles, the starting point of the trek. The road can be rough and narrow in some areas, especially during the monsoon season, so 4WD jeeps are recommended. After the trek, the return follows the same route. All transportation is arranged by Asiana Treks and Tours, with a focus on safety, punctuality, and comfort.
Transport Options:
Kathmandu to Pokhara: Flight or Tourist Bus
Pokhara to Sikles: Private Jeep (recommended)
Return from Sikles to Pokhara and Kathmandu follows same route
All logistics managed by Asiana Treks and Tours
Packing List & Trekking Gear Essentials
Packing correctly for the Kapuche Lake Trek is crucial for comfort and safety. The trail passes through varying altitudes and climates, so layered clothing is essential. Temperatures can range from warm in the daytime to cold at night, especially near Hugu Goth. Waterproof gear is recommended, especially if you're trekking in the shoulder seasons or near the monsoon.
Asiana Treks and Tours provides a complete packing checklist to all participants, which typically includes:
Lightweight down jacket
Thermal base layers
Fleece or insulated mid-layer
Waterproof jacket and pants
Trekking boots (well broken-in)
Gloves, hat, and sunglasses
Daypack with rain cover
Reusable water bottle, purification tablets
Personal toiletries and small medical kit
Sleeping bag (for cold nights in Hugu Goth)
We recommend packing light but smart—our porters will carry up to 10–12 kg per trekker, but you’ll carry your daypack.
Essentials to Pack:
Layered clothing for changing weather
Waterproof boots and jacket
Sleeping bag (3-season recommended)
Sun protection and personal medication
Trekking poles (optional but useful)
Required Permits & Entry Fees
To complete the Kapuche Lake Trek, you’ll need specific trekking permits, which are arranged by Asiana Treks and Tours prior to departure. These are mandatory for all foreign travelers, and the fees go toward maintaining trails, supporting local communities, and conserving natural areas.
For this trek, you’ll need:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – This is required as Sikles and Kapuche Lake fall within the Annapurna conservation boundary.
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – This is mandatory for safety tracking and trekker registration.
Our team will handle all the paperwork and ensure you have copies of your permits before the trek starts. Make sure to carry at least two passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport for processing.
Permit Checklist:
ACAP Permit
TIMS Card
Passport copies and photos
Included in your trek package with Asiana Treks and Tours
Guide & Porter Information
At Asiana Treks and Tours, we believe in ethical, professional, and personalized trekking experiences. All our guides are government-licensed, fluent in English (and often other languages), and well-versed in local geography, culture, and safety procedures. They are your cultural bridge, safety manager, and logistical support throughout the journey.
Our porters are equally important. They carry your main luggage (up to 12 kg per person), allowing you to walk with just a light daypack. We strictly follow ethical porter treatment guidelines, ensuring they are properly equipped, insured, and fairly compensated. Hiring local staff not only supports the regional economy but also deepens your cultural interaction during the trek.
Support Staff Info:
Licensed English-speaking trekking guides
Knowledgeable in first aid and mountain safety
Porters carry 10–12 kg per person
Ethical treatment and fair wages for all staff
Travel Insurance Recommendations
Travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers joining the Kapuche Lake Trek with Asiana Treks and Tours. Although the elevation is moderate and not extremely risky, insurance provides essential protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation if needed.
Make sure your policy covers trekking in Nepal up to 3,000 meters and includes emergency helicopter evacuation. While Kapuche Lake does not pose severe altitude threats, unpredictable weather or injuries could still require professional rescue. It’s also advisable to choose a plan that covers trip delays, theft, and international medical care.
Insurance Must Cover:
Trekking up to 3,000m elevation
Emergency airlift/evacuation
International medical treatment
Trip cancellation and delays
Connectivity & Mobile Network Availability
Connectivity during the Kapuche Lake Trek is limited but improving. You will have mobile network coverage (mostly NTC or Ncell) in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sikles village. However, as you move toward Hugu Goth and Kapuche Lake, the network becomes unreliable or non-existent.
Asiana Treks and Tours recommends informing family and friends in advance that you may be offline for several days. If needed, our guides carry local SIM cards and can use them in areas with signal. In urgent situations, guides can connect with base operations via phone or through local lodges that have intermittent service.
Connectivity Summary:
Mobile signal available in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Sikles
No reliable service beyond Sikles (Hugu Goth, Kapuche)
Emergency contact via guide or local connection
Offline trekking experience in remote zones
Money Matters (ATMs, Cash Requirements, Tipping)
While major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara have abundant ATMs and money exchange services, remote villages like Sikles do not have ATM facilities. Therefore, it’s essential to carry enough cash (Nepali Rupees) for the entire trek. Your trek package covers most major expenses, but you may want extra money for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or hot showers at lodges.
Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by guides and porters. While not mandatory, it is a meaningful gesture. A general guideline is 10–15% of the total trek cost, shared between guide and porter. Asiana Treks and Tours provides transparent advice on tipping standards based on group size and trek length.
Money Tips:
Bring sufficient cash from Kathmandu or Pokhara
No ATMs available beyond Pokhara
Extra cash for personal expenses recommended
Tipping guides and porters is appreciated (10–15% guideline)
Accommodation & Meals During the Trek
Accommodation on the Kapuche Lake Trek is primarily in community-based teahouses and local lodges, especially in Sikles and nearby villages. These are basic yet comfortable, offering clean beds, shared toilets, and traditional Gurung hospitality. In Hugu Goth, trekkers may stay in simple shelters or tents, as infrastructure is limited in this remote region. Asiana Treks and Tours ensures that the best available accommodation is booked in advance, with attention to cleanliness, safety, and cultural immersion.
Meals during the trek typically include locally sourced, home-cooked Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), vegetable curries, and seasonal greens. In Sikles and some villages, you may also enjoy Tibetan bread, fried rice, noodles, and eggs for breakfast. We cater to vegetarian and vegan diets upon request. While the menu options become more limited in remote areas like Hugu Goth, our team carries supplementary food and ensures hygienic meal preparation throughout the trek.
Key Points:
Teahouse and homestay-style accommodation
Basic rooms with shared toilets in most locations
Local, organic meals (mostly vegetarian)
Special diets can be arranged with advance notice
Transportation Overview (Road & Air Options)
The Kapuche Lake Trek offers flexible transportation options to and from Kathmandu and Pokhara, making it accessible for different types of travelers. From Kathmandu, you can drive (6–8 hours) or take a 25-minute domestic flight to Pokhara. Asiana Treks and Tours provides both tourist buses and private vehicles for road transfers and can assist with booking reliable domestic flights.
From Pokhara, a scenic 4–5 hour jeep ride takes you to Sikles, the starting point of the trek. The road can be rough and narrow in some areas, especially during the monsoon season, so 4WD jeeps are recommended. After the trek, the return follows the same route. All transportation is arranged by Asiana Treks and Tours, with a focus on safety, punctuality, and comfort.
Transport Options:
Kathmandu to Pokhara: Flight or Tourist Bus
Pokhara to Sikles: Private Jeep (recommended)
Return from Sikles to Pokhara and Kathmandu follows same route
All logistics managed by Asiana Treks and Tours
Packing List & Trekking Gear Essentials
Packing correctly for the Kapuche Lake Trek is crucial for comfort and safety. The trail passes through varying altitudes and climates, so layered clothing is essential. Temperatures can range from warm in the daytime to cold at night, especially near Hugu Goth. Waterproof gear is recommended, especially if you're trekking in the shoulder seasons or near the monsoon.
Asiana Treks and Tours provides a complete packing checklist to all participants, which typically includes:
Lightweight down jacket
Thermal base layers
Fleece or insulated mid-layer
Waterproof jacket and pants
Trekking boots (well broken-in)
Gloves, hat, and sunglasses
Daypack with rain cover
Reusable water bottle, purification tablets
Personal toiletries and small medical kit
Sleeping bag (for cold nights in Hugu Goth)
We recommend packing light but smart—our porters will carry up to 10–12 kg per trekker, but you’ll carry your daypack.
Essentials to Pack:
Layered clothing for changing weather
Waterproof boots and jacket
Sleeping bag (3-season recommended)
Sun protection and personal medication
Trekking poles (optional but useful)
Required Permits & Entry Fees
To complete the Kapuche Lake Trek, you’ll need specific trekking permits, which are arranged by Asiana Treks and Tours prior to departure. These are mandatory for all foreign travelers, and the fees go toward maintaining trails, supporting local communities, and conserving natural areas.
For this trek, you’ll need:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – This is required as Sikles and Kapuche Lake fall within the Annapurna conservation boundary.
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – This is mandatory for safety tracking and trekker registration.
Our team will handle all the paperwork and ensure you have copies of your permits before the trek starts. Make sure to carry at least two passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport for processing.
Permit Checklist:
ACAP Permit
TIMS Card
Passport copies and photos
Included in your trek package with Asiana Treks and Tours
Guide & Porter Information
At Asiana Treks and Tours, we believe in ethical, professional, and personalized trekking experiences. All our guides are government-licensed, fluent in English (and often other languages), and well-versed in local geography, culture, and safety procedures. They are your cultural bridge, safety manager, and logistical support throughout the journey.
Our porters are equally important. They carry your main luggage (up to 12 kg per person), allowing you to walk with just a light daypack. We strictly follow ethical porter treatment guidelines, ensuring they are properly equipped, insured, and fairly compensated. Hiring local staff not only supports the regional economy but also deepens your cultural interaction during the trek.
Support Staff Info:
Licensed English-speaking trekking guides
Knowledgeable in first aid and mountain safety
Porters carry 10–12 kg per person
Ethical treatment and fair wages for all staff
Travel Insurance Recommendations
Travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers joining the Kapuche Lake Trek with Asiana Treks and Tours. Although the elevation is moderate and not extremely risky, insurance provides essential protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation if needed.
Make sure your policy covers trekking in Nepal up to 3,000 meters and includes emergency helicopter evacuation. While Kapuche Lake does not pose severe altitude threats, unpredictable weather or injuries could still require professional rescue. It’s also advisable to choose a plan that covers trip delays, theft, and international medical care.
Insurance Must Cover:
Trekking up to 3,000m elevation
Emergency airlift/evacuation
International medical treatment
Trip cancellation and delays
Connectivity & Mobile Network Availability
Connectivity during the Kapuche Lake Trek is limited but improving. You will have mobile network coverage (mostly NTC or Ncell) in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sikles village. However, as you move toward Hugu Goth and Kapuche Lake, the network becomes unreliable or non-existent.
Asiana Treks and Tours recommends informing family and friends in advance that you may be offline for several days. If needed, our guides carry local SIM cards and can use them in areas with signal. In urgent situations, guides can connect with base operations via phone or through local lodges that have intermittent service.
Connectivity Summary:
Mobile signal available in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Sikles
No reliable service beyond Sikles (Hugu Goth, Kapuche)
Emergency contact via guide or local connection
Offline trekking experience in remote zones
Money Matters (ATMs, Cash Requirements, Tipping)
While major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara have abundant ATMs and money exchange services, remote villages like Sikles do not have ATM facilities. Therefore, it’s essential to carry enough cash (Nepali Rupees) for the entire trek. Your trek package covers most major expenses, but you may want extra money for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or hot showers at lodges.
Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by guides and porters. While not mandatory, it is a meaningful gesture. A general guideline is 10–15% of the total trek cost, shared between guide and porter. Asiana Treks and Tours provides transparent advice on tipping standards based on group size and trek length.
Money Tips:
Bring sufficient cash from Kathmandu or Pokhara
No ATMs available beyond Pokhara
Extra cash for personal expenses recommended
Tipping guides and porters is appreciated (10–15% guideline)