Panch Pokhari Trek

Translated literally to “five ponds”, this off-the-beaten-path destination is gaining popularity with trekkers due to its rugged beauty and easy access from Kathmandu. This trail follows a steady, uphill climb from Chautara, a four-hour drive from Kathmandu, and travels deep into an area known as Jugal Himal. This journey is rich with picturesque landscapes and […]

Trip Overview

  • Destination
    Nepal, Langtang Region,
  • Duration
    14 Days
  • Altitude
    4100m

Translated literally to “five ponds”, this off-the-beaten-path destination is gaining popularity with trekkers due to its rugged beauty and easy access from Kathmandu. This trail follows a steady, uphill climb from Chautara, a four-hour drive from Kathmandu, and travels deep into an area known as Jugal Himal. This journey is rich with picturesque landscapes and settlements of various Hindu and Bhuddist cultures including Brahman, Chhetri, Sherpa, and Tamang. The trek culminates at the sacred pilgrimage spot of Panch Pokhari at 4100 meters. This spot is where the Janaipurnima festival is held every August, and many annual pilgrimages are made here by both Buddhists and Hindus. Enjoy the rare beauty of the Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and Gosainkunda ranges, the diversity of cultures and the spiritual significance of this special trek.

Itinerary

You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Mystic Nepal and transported to your hotel.  Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions.  We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa.  In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Depart Kathmandu after breakfast for Chautara, a small village that serves as headquarters for the Sindalpulchok district.  Stunning mountain scenery awaits us here even before we set foot on the trail.
We start our trek with a gradual ascent through pine forests to a camp site near Sano Okhareni, surrounded by a backdrop of picturesque mountains.
A short uphill climb today takes us to Thulo Okhareni.  From here we ascend gradually through forests of rhododendron and pine to a grazing area for nomadic cattle herders.  We set up camp in a scenic spot near the pastures.
We continue on a generally flat trail through the pastures, passing a series of houses that serve as temporary shelters for cattle herders.  Arriving in Pauwa Bas, we encounter a shelter used by pilgrims bound for Panch Pokhari.
The day starts with a steep three hour’s climb among fantastic mountain scenery, followed by a short descent to Hille Bhanjyang.
Again we begin with a steep ascent, though much shorter than yesterday’s.  Passing over a ridge, it’s a gradual descent to Narsim Pati, another rest stop for pilgrims.
We arrive at our destination today, the holy pilgrimage site at Panch Pokhari (five lakes).  An afternoon’s descent along a rocky slope will bring us to the scenic location where the Janaipurnima festival is held each August.  We’ll know we’ve arrived when we encounter the twin houses built to shelter pilgrims and the temple dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva.
About an hour’s climb from our campsite we’ll encounter a fantastic viewpoint to watch the sunrise over Mt. Dorje, Lapka, and the Rolwaling, Jugal, and Langtang ranges.  We’ll savor the view and head back to camp to pack up and descend through the forests to Tupi Danda.
After a steep downhill stretch, the trail levels out and we arrive in a scenic countryside, descending along terraced crop fields to the Tamang settlement of Dhap.
Continuing through the agricultural valley to the banks of the Indrawati River, we pass several quaint villages and a hydropower plant before reaching a road that takes us to Melamchi.  Melamchi has plenty of accommodations to satisfy you after the journey, and is near enough the river to take a swim if you’d like.
We board a bus or private van bound for Kathmandu in the morning.  We’ll reach Kathmandu in the evening and transport you to your hotel.  Spend the evening taking care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing after an amazing trip.
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits.  You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight.  Thanks for traveling with us.  Farewell and Namaste.

Inclusion

  • Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
  • Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
  • All required equipment for trekking crew, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent
  • Accommodations in hotels, tea-houses, or camps during trekking
  • Three daily meals while trekking
  • All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
  • Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
  • Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
  • Visa fee for entry into Nepal
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)

Trip Notes

This trekking route has been chosen with attention to preventing AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) through adequate time for acclimatization via a gradual ascent. This route is considered challenging, involving an average of 4 – 6 hours of walking daily on mostly uphill terrain. Autumn (mid Sep – mid Dec) and Spring (Mar – May) are the best seasons to trek to Panch Pokhari, with clear, sunny days and the best visibility. The Winter months (late Dec – Feb) can also be enjoyable, though the cold can be discouraging to some. The summer monsoon (Jun – Aug) will bring plenty of rain, though flora will be exceptionally lush.

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