Panch Pokhari Trek

Trip Overview

Before being commercially introduced, the Panch Pakhari trek was accomplished only for a religious cause just like the Gosaikunda Trek of the Langtang Region. Panch Pokhari trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you through beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages, and stunning mountain views. The trek is named after the five holy lakes, which are the main attraction of the trek.

The Panch Pokhari is located in the Sindhupalchowk district, northeast of Kathmandu. The starting point of the trek is Chautara, which is about a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu.

The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and high-altitude grazing pastures. You will also pass through traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages, where you can experience the local culture and lifestyle.

The main highlight of the trek is the five holy lakes, which are located at an altitude of 4,100 meters. The lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists and attract many pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival in August.

The Panch Pokhari trek is a moderate to challenging trek that requires good physical fitness and acclimatization. The best time to do this trek is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is clear and stable.

Therefore, the Panch Pokhari trek is a great option for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path trek with a mix of cultural and natural attractions.

Highlights of the Panch Pokhari Trek

  • Trek to Panch Pokhari; the five sacred ponds
  • Camping during the trek
  • Great views of Langtang ranges, Mount Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, and Rolwaling
  • Explore traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages
  • Trek through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and high-altitude grazing pastures

Panch Pokhari Trek Outlines

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing at Kathmandu
Day 3: Kathmandu to Chautara
Day 4: Chautara to Sano Okhreni
Day 5: Sano Okhreni to Kami Kharka
Day 6: Kami Kharka to Pauwa Bas
Day 7: Pauwa Bas to Hile Bhanjyang
Day 8: Hile Bhanjyang to Narsim Pati
Day 9: Narsim Pati to Panch Pokhari
Day 10: Panch Pokhari to Tupi Danda
Day 11: Tupi Danda to Melamchi
Day 12: Melamchi to Kathmandu
Day 13: Rest Day
Day 14: Departure

Experience the trip for yourself

Plan Your Trip

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu

As per your flight schedule, we will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport. From there, we will drop you at the hotel and later meet for the welcome dinner. While having dinner, we will discuss the detailed itinerary of your trip. You will be spending this night in Kathmandu.

Day 2Sightseeing at Kathmandu

Sightseeing in Kathmandu is a must-do activity before going anywhere else in Nepal. Because a full day sightseeing of in Kathmandu can give you a lot of information about Nepalese, history, culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Thus, you will be visiting three out of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. First, you will go to Budhanilkantha temple, then, to Swyambhunath Stupa. From there, you will go to Patan Durbar Square and Basantapur Durbar Square. You will spend another night in Kathmandu.

Day 3Kathmandu to Chautara

Today, you will be leaving Kathmandu. It will take approximately 5-6 hours to reach Chautara from Kathmandu by bus. You will be spending your night at Chautara. It is a gateway to your trek to Panch Pokhari and the district headquarter of Sindupalchwok.

Day 4Chautara to Sano Okhreni

Day Sano Okhreni to Kami Kharka

Today, you will leave Sano Okhreni to reach Kami Kharka. On your way to Kami Kharka, you will be passing through Thulo Kharka, and pine forests. You will have to walk for around 4 hours just to reach Thulo Kharka. From there, you will have to walk a little further to reach Kami Kharka. You will be spending your night at Kami Kharka, in camp.

Day 6Kami Kharka to Pauwa Bas

Today, you will trek for 6-7 hours to reach Pauwa Bas from Kharka. As on other days, you will pass through several oak, pines, junipers, and rhododendron forests. After reaching Pauwa Bas, we will camp there and spend the night.

Day 7Pauwa Bas to Hile Bhanjyang

Today, first you will climb a hill and then descend towards Hile Bhanjyang. It will take you approximately 5-6 hours. Since you are trekking on a high elevation today, remember to hydrate yourself. After reaching Hile Bhanjyang, we will set camp and rest. You will be spending your night at Hile Bhanjyang.

Day 8Hile Bhanjyang to Narsim Pati

Narsim pati is the last point before reaching Panch Pokhari where you are going to stay overnight. You will be walking for at least 5-6 hours this day to reach Narsim Pati. The trek consists of some ascend and downhill trek.

Day 9Narsim Pati to Panch Pokhari

Today, you will be reaching your final destination, the Panch Pokhari. Panch Pokhari means a set of five ponds. And, today, you will be able to witness them in front of your eyes. It is a combination of five holy lakes. Thus, a lot of pilgrims come to this place during Janai Purnima. However, you will have to walk for about 6 hours to reach Panch Pokhari from Narsim Pati. You will be staying overnight at Panchpokhari. Since there are no hotels or lodges available in the area, you will have to sleep in a camp.

Day 10Panch Pokhari to Tupi Danda

Today, early in the morning, you will go to a nearby hilltop to enjoy a beautiful sunrise. With sunrise, you will also be enjoying the mountain views. You can take a glimpse of Mount Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and Langtang ranges from there. After spending some time, you will start your trek toward Tupi Danda. Today, you will walk for around 6-7 hours and stop at Tupi Danda for an overnight stay.

Day

Today, you will trek down to Thangpaldhap. You will be able to reach there within 5 hours, so you can take it easy and walk slowly. Thangpaldhap is a small Tamang settlement, where you can see the local lifestyle. The settlement is situated on a hilltop yet it is surrounded by other bigger hills. You can also have glimpses of mountains from here, on a clear day. From there, you will take a ride to Melamchi and stay overnight at Melamchi.

Day 12Melamchi to Kathmandu

It’s only a 2-3 hour of drive to Kathmandu from Melamchi. Thus, today, you will come back to Kathmandu and take some rest. After that, you will go sightseeing at Baudhhanath and Pashupatinath. You will be staying overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 13Bhaktapur sightseeing

Today, you will visit Bhaktapur city, an ancient settlement of Nepal that is pretty much popular for its art and architecture. From there, you will go to Changu Narayan Temple. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and other places of Kathmandu where you have had sightseeing. You will then return to Kathmandu to stay overnight.

Day 14Departure

As per your flight schedule, we will be dropping you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. But before that, we will have farewell lunch or breakfast together.