Overview
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 come 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.
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
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
- Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Chautara (1200m), 5 hours.
- Day 04: Chautara to Phurse (2050m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 05: Phurse to Kami Kharka (2845m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 06: Kami Kharka to Pauwa Bas (3000m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 07: Pauwa Bas to Hile Bhanjyang (3400m), 3-4 hours.
- Day 08: Hile Bhanjyang to Nasim Pati (3700m), 4 hours.
- Day 09: Nasim Pati to Panch Pokhari (4100m), 5 hours.
- Day 10: Panch Pokhari to Nasim Pati, 4-5 hours.
- Day 11: Nasim Pati to Dukhang (2100m), 6-7 hours.
- Day 12: Dukhang to Dhap (1200m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 13: Dhap to Melamchi Pul Bazaar, 5 hours and 3 hours drive to Kathmandu.
- Day 14: Departure from Nepal
Trip note
Accommodation
All our packages include accommodation in the cost. This accommodation is included during 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, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing 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 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 manage 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.
