What to Expect

  • High Altitude trek to holy Panch Pokhari (4100 mt.).
  • The unspoiled highland lakes in an unforgettable setting. 
  • Close view of of Majestic Jugal Himal Range, Rolwaling Range, Gosainkund, Kanchenjunga and Makalu.
  • The route passes through rural settlements, terraced fields, remote pastureland, forests of rhododendron.
  • An opportunity to explore local life and agriculture life of Nepal.

About Panch Pokhari Trekking

Panch Pokhari Trekking to the lakes passes through picturesque villages surrounded by paddy fields as well as lush jungles and thick forests. Panch Pokhari means Five Lakes in Nepali. The five alpine lakes of this Panch Pokhari 15 days trekking journey are in a remote area of the Himalaya, northeast of Kathmandu Valley. Views of the peaks along the way include the beautiful Jugal Himal and more. The major attraction of this Panch Pokhari trekking is the unspoiled highland lakes in an unforgettable setting. These lakes are considered holy to Hindus and visitors enjoy magnificent scenery throughout this whole journey.

The 15 days trekking trip to Panch Pokhari starts with a beautiful drive along the highway to Tibet. After the scenic ride, we start hiking in the fertile hills. The ascent into pristine landscape takes trekkers off the beaten path and offers cultural interaction and insights that cannot be found on the busier and more commercialized routes.

The gradual rise from the hills allows for proper acclimatization to altitude on the way up to the highlands. Eventually, the scenic trails arrive at majestic surroundings.

A side trail from the main route heads north to a sacred temple at Bhairav Kunda (3850 mt) a mountain lake in the remote highlands. The main trail travels westward toward the famous Helambu Region. Along the way, the Panch Pokhari trekking route passes through rural settlements, terraced fields, remote pasture land, forests of Rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower) and more. We make an ascent north over a pass into an isolated region and finally reach the majestic Panch Pokhari (4000 mt). These five lakes are in an uninhabited region away from all settlements. At this elevation, the lakes are above the trees. Nearby the lakes is a Shiva shrine.

In August, during the full moon, many pilgrims travel here from the lowlands although a difficulty challenging pass exists that connects to the spectacular Langtang Valley.

After visiting the otherworldly lakes, we head south to meet the road and the enjoy a short drive back to Kathmandu.

Because much of this isolated area has no lodging, the Panch Pokhari trekking is a camping journey. High Camp Adventure will arrange a crew of porters to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and personal sleeping tents. Our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

There are other options to explore in this Panch Pokhari trekking area including the mountain lake Bhairav Kunda and the Helambu Trek with a connection to the Langtang Valley. If you have the time and interest and would like to extend your journey to this area, then we can arrange the details!

Please Note: Our Panch Pokhari Trek has set departure dates from Kathmandu and this trek can be personalized to accommodate your specific wishes and timetable. 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Drive from Kathmandu to Chautara (1,200 mt.). Driving 5 hours. Overnight at guest house / camp.
  • Day 3Chautara to Phurse (2,050 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 4Phurse to Kami Kharka (22,845 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 5Kami Kharka to Pauwa Bas (3,000 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 6Pauwa Bas to Hile Bhanjyang (3,400 mt.). Walking 3-4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 7Hile Bhanjyang to Nasim Pati (3,700 mt.). Walking 4 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 8Nasim Pati to Panch Pokhari (4,100 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 9Panch Pokhari to Nasim Pati. Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 10Nasim Pati to Dukhang (2,100 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 11Dukhang to Dhap (1,200 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 12Dhap to Melamchi Pul Bazaar. Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house / camp.
  • Day 13Drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu. Driving 3 hours. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 14Leisure day in Kathmandu (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 15Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Explore Detail ItineraryPrint Pdf

What's Included

Price Includes

  • Pick up & Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Three nights accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfasts included).
  • Transportation as per the itinerary.
  • Tea-house lodging during the journey.
  • Standard Meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Expert Guide (registered and licensed by the government) with accompanying porters (generally, one porter for every two clients). (High Camp Adventure covers the staffs’ meals and accommodations as well as wages, transport,insurance, and essential gear.)
  • Equipment (Sleeping bag, Down jacket, Walking poles).
  • Conservation Area and National Park entry fees.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Trekking Map.
  • Medical kit.
  • Government taxes.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your international departure.

Price Excludes:

  • International plane ticket to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast).
  • Personal Expenses including laundry, telephone calls, bar bills, drinks and snacks.
  • Personal clothing and gear.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips for Guides, Porters and Staff.
  • Expenses incurred by cancellation and events beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail detours, political unrest, illness and et cetera.
Departure note

Please take a look at our fixed departure dates for this Panck Pokhari trek. If they do not fit with your schedule, then please let us arrange an itinerary that is more suitable to you and your requirements.

Useful Information

Accommodation

All the accommodation as per the itinerary is included in the package cost. We have chosen 2/3 star hotel in the cities for your comfort and safety. The hotels can be upgraded to more deluxe ones upon your request. While trekking in the Mountain, our guides will choose the best available lodge of the village from their past experience. As some villages have limited number of lodges, in a peak season like in Spring and Autumn, you may have to share room with some stranger trekker as well. Comfortable two men tent with mattress and four seasons sleeping bag will be provided for the camping trek. Our crew will try to set the camp in a scenic place. All the hotel and camping accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and lunch will be served on the way to next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. Only breakfast is served in Kathmandu whilst fare well dinner on the eve of your international departure is served from our side. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the trek.

Trekking Crew

An experienced and licensed Guide and necessary porters will assist you during the trek. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guides will be provided for the betterment in service. In a tea house trek, generally one porter is provided for every two clients who carries between 15 to 20 kg. However in a camping journey, more porters are required. All the camping equipments such as kitchen, dining, dome and toilet tents, kitchen equipments, fuel and all consumable goods has to be carried from Kathmandu which needs more manpower. All of our guides and porters are fully insured so you dont' have to worry about them in case of emergency. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Physical Fitness and Experience

Panch Pokhari Trek is a moderate trek which is fit for those who has ability to walk 5-6 hours of walking up hill and down hill in a day carrying personal day pack. Some days are longer with 7- 8 hours of walking as well. Panch Pokhari Trek is high altitude trek which demands more physical, however having strong determination, positive vibe and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Some time mental aspect also play vital roll in an altitude. Doing some physical exercise few weeks prior to the trip is better but technical skill is not required for this trek. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to High Camp Adventure.

Travel Insurance

This is a real adventure in high altitude so obtaining a travel insurance is always a good idea for your safety and is highly recommended too. Your travel insurance policy should cover helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in an emergency. There is not any Nepalese insurance company to sell travel insurance policy so you better buy good one from home. There are some insurance policies which covers only in low altitude below 4000 mt. and some only in high altitude above 4000 mt. So before you purchase it, please double check the policy what it covers and where are you going.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Panch Pokhari Trek. Where normally days are sunny, temperature is perfect, sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. This trek can be done in Monsoon (June to August ) but you should not expect the great weather and Mountain view.  You can do it in Winter (December to February) if you are used to with extreme cold temperature.

Ground Transportation

Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We therefore advise that you schedule at least an extra days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, High Camp Adventure can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.