Panch Pokhari Trek - 13 Days

Panchpokharo Trek in September
At a Glance
  • Duration14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 4100m
  • Group Size 1 - 20 person
  • Start City Kathmandu City
  • End City Kathmandu City
  • Trip Type Private and Group Joining
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season March - July and September - January
Trip Highlights
  • A crowd-free, moderate trail that is perfect for trekkers with all levels of experience
  • Take a soul-cleansing dip in the sacred waters of Panch Pokhari (4100 meters)
  • Camp outside under the stars, surrounded by a sea of mountain peaks
  •  Rich cultural diversity along the trail – including Rai, Limbu, Tamang, and Sherpa ethnic groups
  •   Splendid views of Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu mountains

Panch Pokhari (meaning ‘five lakes’ in the Nepali language) is a recently opened trekking route northeast of Kathmandu, at the base of Jugal Himal. The trail to Panch Pokhari (4,100 meters/13,451 feet) has religious, cultural, and ecological importance.  It is a delightful adventure through lively forests, rolling hills, lush farmlands, and traditional villages at the lap of some of the world’s grandest mountains. The highlight of the trek is arriving at the glacial lakes and looking around at the rolls and folds in Earth’s surface – a truly mesmerizing sight.

It is still mostly unheard of by tourists, so you will have much of the trail to yourself. This trek not only passes through splendid landscapes with crisp mountain views, but it also passes through culturally rich villages to Panch Pokhari – a sacred pilgrimage site during the Janai Purnima festival in August. At that time, Hindus of the Brahmin caste came to the lakes for their ritual changing of the sacred thread (Janai) that they wear around their bodies. If you can make it here to observe the experience, do!

As soon as the trek begins, you pass through Sherpa and Tamang villages. Many of these villages, though, do not offer accommodations. Thus, this trek involves camping each night. Locals are exceptionally friendly and you will have a great time getting to know about their culture.

The Panch Pokhari Trek is one of the most accessible treks from Kathmandu, a mere five-hour drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead. After arriving in Chautara, we start the gradual ascent to the lakes. The trail is spectacular, full of natural wonders like caves, waterfalls, valleys, wetlands, and more. Feel the cool breeze as you pass through lush rhododendron forests, which brightens your mood during this already blissful journey.

Arrive at Panch Pokhari on Day 9 of the itinerary. A soul-cleansing dip in the refreshing freezing water is naturally called for. While soaking in the water, enjoy awe-inspiring views of Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu mountains. Descend back to Melamchi Pul Bazaar, buy some local handicrafts if you want and we’ll catch a ride back to Kathmandu.

Our Panch Pokhari Trek is a camping and teahouse journey. Where there are guesthouses or homestays, we can stay there upon your request. Otherwise, we will be camping outside under a tent. Release your attachments to your normal, everyday life and ‘lose yourself’ in the mountains. For a couple of weeks, forget about the worries you have and live in the moment! Enjoy the views and feel the refreshing mountain breeze.

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer.  The Panch Pokhari Trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel.  We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: 2/3 Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, we drive for five hours on the Araniko Highway to the district center of Sindhupalchowk – Chautara. Upon arrival, we find our trail and stay for the night. 

  • Max Altitude: 1200m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Transport: Bus/Jeep

Our first full day of trekking begins with a pleasant walk through a valley. It is awesome to get a first taste of how villages in this hilly region work. Slowly ascend, crossing streams and terraced hills until we reach our campsite.

  • Max Altitude: 2050m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 10km

Make your way uphill until arriving at Kami Kharka. The trail passes through forests covered with oak, pine, rhododendron, and other lush vegetation. During the walk, enjoy the magnificent views of Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, and the Jugal Himal range. Kami Kharka is a grazing pasture for domestic animals.

  • Max Altitude: 2845m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 11km

Our walk today is gentle, with a few ups and downs (‘Nepali flat’). We enjoy the forested path, and hopefully, we will see some wildlife along the way. During the 6-7 hours on the trail, we can see nomadic herders with their animals.

  • Max Altitude: 3000m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 11km

After breakfast, we begin the day. It’s a gradual uphill battle for most of the day. The altitude is just starting to take a toll, so we take it slow. The last hour or hour and a half, we descend through forests and catch our breath. Awesome mountain views are scattered throughout the trail.

  • Max Altitude: 2400m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 8km

Again, today is mostly uphill. We break a sweat just about right away when we begin the hike. It is a bit flat from there on out, with some ups and downs in between. Soon, we arrive at Nasim Pati after trudging through the rocky hills and rhododendron forest.

  • Max Altitude: 3700m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 4 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 9km

Today is the magical day that we have been waiting for. Three hours of gradual ascending through the rocky bluffs leads us to our destination of Panch Pokhari (‘five lakes’ in the Nepali language). Many Hindus and Buddhists make a pilgrimage here during the Janai Purnima festival in August. At Panch Pokhari, there are two houses for pilgrims and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • Max Altitude: 4100m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 10km

After breakfast, we say our farewells to the lakes and take some photos of the precious lakes before descending. While trekking back you move along a steep downward path, passing the Lauribinayak Pass.

  • Max Altitude: 3700m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 10km

Continue the descent through verdant mixed forests. Look out for Himalayan deer, white langur, and lots of other beautiful species of wildlife. Before reaching Dukhang, there are Chhortens and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. Dukhang is a beautiful village populated by Tamang and Sherpa people. Explore the monasteries when you get there; they are amazing.

  • Max Altitude: 2100m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 13km

Leaving Dukhang, follow a downhill path towards Dhap. Walk along the banks of the Indrawati River, letting the fresh air and awesome views put you at ease. Dhap is a larger village with some schools, tea shops, and a local market.

  • Max Altitude: 1200m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 6 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Walking Distance: 13km

Our final day of the trek does not disappoint. We descend through terraced fields along the Indrawati River, appreciating the scenic villages interspersed throughout the trail. Melamchi Pul Bazaar lies on the banks of the Melamchi Khola (River) and the Indrawati River. It is a relatively large town compared to those that we have passed already. There are some lodges, tea shops, government offices, schools, colleges, a post office, and an army camp. We pitch our tents along the riverside and if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the river! And we get back on four wheels and enjoy the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Delicious farewell dinner in the evening.

  • Max Altitude: 1400m
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Time: 5 Hours
  • Meals: BLD
  • Transport: Bus

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport.  Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide!  We look forward to your next adventure with us.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Cost Details
What's Included
  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • All transportation for the trek.
  • Local guest house accommodation in the mountain.
  • Government-authorized experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
  • Tented Camp & supplies (kitchen, sleeping bag, etc.).
  • TIMS Card
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps
  • Service charge and government taxes
  • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.
Group Discount Prices
Number of peoplePrice per person
1 pax
US$1100
2 - 5 pax
US$999
3 - 10 pax
US$899
11 - 20 pax
US$880

Essential Information

Accommodation

All our packages include accommodation at the cost.  This accommodation is included in the set itinerary.  While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you.  During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be twin-shared basis. In the mountain, the Shower and toilet will be on a shared basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group. 

Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs.  If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.  During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included.  Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own.  On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.  For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan, and Indian at teahouses.  While camping, we will prepare the meals for you.  After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel. 

Guide & Porters

A government-licensed guide will lead the trek.  All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry.  Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one.  If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it.  Your safety is our number one priority.  For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers.  For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.    

Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience

As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude.  Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary.  It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness.  The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek.  On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial.  Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness.  More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek. 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek.  We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control.  In case of a medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.  You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country.  Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. 

Best Time to Travel

The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).  These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course, they are a little more crowded than the off-season.  It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures.  It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.

Note:

Please be assured that Breeze Adventure manages our treks to the highest standards. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority. We will support you to the best of our abilities with any issues that may arise. We will work with you to ensure you get the most from your trek and visit Nepal.

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