Kapuche Lake getting popularity among tourists

Kapuche Glacial Lake in Madi Rural Municipality-1 of Kaski is claimed to be the lowest altitude lake in the world. This lake, which is 2,450 meters above sea level, has become a favorite of tourists in recent years. Gurung village, rich in art and culture, which is nearby from the tourist city of Pokhara, can be reached in a day's trek from Sikles.

Devijung Gurung, Ward Chairman of Ward No. 1, said that Madi Rural Municipality has emphasized the promotion of the lake by bringing its glory and dignity to local and foreign tourists. He said that they have increased their interest and activity towards organizing the footpath leading from Sikles to Kafuche.

He said that targeting the revival of the disappearing horse riding culture, the rural municipality has launched a program to purchase horses with subsidies from Sikles to Kafuche. Those who want to run a horse riding business in that area can purchase a horse with a 50% subsidy. "The village municipality has included the subsidy program in the AFNO policy and program", Ward President Gurung said, "It will also promote local employment and strengthen the relationship between Sikles and Kafuche."

Anyone who reaches the lake formed by the melting of the avalanche that came between Annapurna 2nd and 4th mountains is enthralled by the beautiful scenery there. The blue Kanchan water of the lake spread over about 1,200 square meters is fascinating. In recent years, the arrival of domestic and foreign tourists in the area has been increasing every year.

Although it is not certain when the lake was formed, it is assumed that the lake was formed by an avalanche at some point between Annapurna 2nd and 4th mountains. There used to be various sheep sheds in that area, but now they are gone. Locals have their own arguments regarding Kapuche naming.

In the local Gurung language, 'Ka' means snow pile, 'Phu' means melting and 'Che' means lake. It is said that this lake is called 'Kafuche' because it was formed by melting snow. According to the locals, until about a decade and a half ago, it was possible to move from the place where there was a pile of snow. Local residents argue that the lake has formed due to the effect of climate change, which is increasing every year in recent years.

Krishna Gurung, a tourism businessman who runs Hotel Icefall in Honguma located on Sikles-Kafuche road, said that the state should prioritize infrastructure including roads to reach Kafuche Himalaya, which can become a major destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

Hungu on the Sikles-Kafuche road is the ancient sheep herd of this region. During the trip to Kafuché, those who can walk well from Sikles can reach Hongu in about three and a half hours. For those who cannot walk, it takes four to five hours. Tourists who have reached Hongu can reach Kafuche in one hour, but for those who cannot, it takes one and a half to two hours.

A decade and a half ago there were 10-15 sheep sheds in Hongu, but now there are no such sheds. Although Meja Gurung, a local resident, was running the sheep shed until three years ago, he has also left the sheep shed to start a hotel business. Gurung said that it is necessary to organize the trekking route, saying that if we can promote trekking through Sikles to Kafuche, a large number of local and foreign tourists can be brought in. He said that the state should pay attention to this because the roads are difficult in some places.

Dharm Panthi, First Vice President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAN) Western Regional Association said that it is necessary to promote trekking to Kafuche Himtal which is a short distance from Pokhara. "It is necessary to arrange the footpath from Sikles to Kafuche in the name of digging roads in the name of digging roads," he said.