Small deposit in India. Balance in Nepal.

Tents at a high camp below glaciated peaks
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Hidden lakes of Nepal: planning questions answered

2 min readUpdated 2 Nov 2026By the Base Camp Hikes trek team

The short version: three of the most asked questions, answered in a line each. The rest of the page goes into detail.

  • Which hidden lake suits a first high-altitude trek? Kapuche, at about 2,500 m near Sikles, is the lowest and takes two to three days.
  • How many days does a trip to Kajin Sara take? One account describes about four days in all: a jeep from Besisahar to Chame, a climb to Lamjung Himal Base Camp, a high camp at about 4,750 m and a short walk to the lake.
  • When is the best time for a remote lake trek? Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the usual windows.

Which hidden lake suits a first high-altitude trek?

Kapuche, at about 2,500 m near Sikles, is the lowest and takes two to three days. Most others, such as Timbung Pokhari, Bhairab Kunda, Ponker Lake and Panch Pokhari, are above 4,000 m. If you have never been that high, choose a gentle approach and allow time to acclimatise.

How many days does a trip to Kajin Sara take?

One account describes about four days in all: a jeep from Besisahar to Chame, a climb to Lamjung Himal Base Camp, a high camp at about 4,750 m and a short walk to the lake. It is a serious high-altitude trek, so confirm details with an operator.

Can I combine several hidden lakes in one trip?

It is better not to stack them. Several lakes are above 4,000 m and approaches are long, so avoid squeezing more than one into a short trip. Ask your operator how many days each approach takes and what the highest camp is.

Will I really avoid crowds at a hidden lake?

Mostly, yes. A hidden lake usually means a long approach, little lodging and few visitors. The exception is pilgrimage time, such as Janai Purnima in July or August at Panch Pokhari, when devotees arrive. Outside that festival window, you may share the place with only a few other visitors, though that also means fewer services.

When is the best time for a remote lake trek?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the usual windows. Pilgrimage days fall in the monsoon, so if you go then, prepare for rain and slippery trails. Weather can still change quickly, so pack for cold and wet whichever month you choose, and ask your operator which weeks it prefers.

Is Kajin Sara really one of the world's highest lakes?

That has been reported by news outlets but is not officially confirmed. Its elevation is given as about 5,020 m, and some sources say about 5,000 m. Treat all claims as provisional and enjoy the place rather than the record.

Is Kapuche really the lowest glacial lake in the world?

It is often described that way, but the claim could not be verified. The lake is quoted at about 2,500 m, with 2,546 m in one source and 2,450 m in another. Records like this depend on surveys that may not exist.

Tents pitched at a high camp below glaciated peaks

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