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Trip Facts
- Duration 12 Days
- Start FromKathmandu
- End FromKathmandu
- Trip GradeEasy
Trip Highlights
- See a group of five high-altitude lakes in the laps of the mountains
- Reach the ninth highest wetland and freshwater lake in the world
- Trek through a landscape that is full of natural beauty and biodiversity
- Trek in the mostly forested routes north of Kathmandu Valley
- Explore untouched and alluring landscapes with views of the Himalayan Range
Trip Overview
The Panch Pokhari Trek from Vista Treks is designed to see the pristine forests and lakes of Nepal. Lying at the north-eastern direction from Kathmandu Valley, this trek offers a trekking trip to a system of five lakes that are pristine, scenic, and remote – located inside the Langtang region.
Panch Pokhari is a system of five high-altitude lakes in Nepal, and an important wetland region in Nepal. It is in the vicinity of three districts – Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchok. You can expect to see and trek through several types of forests in the north. The biological diversity of this trip is great and wonderful. It’s so immersive that you will barely have to come out of the forest through the entire trip – all in a region that is popular for natural beauty.
Enticing views of several mountains is one of the highlights of the trek. You will see Dorje-Lhakpa (6,966 meters), Mt. Gauri-Shankar, Mt. Madiya (6,257 meters), Phurbi Chhyachu (6,637 meters), and large chunks of the Langtang and Rolwaling mountain ranges. The views evoke a sense of calmness and appreciation of the beauty of Nature. As if the alluring landscapes were not enough, you will see a lot of remote hamlets, caves, and beautiful terraced farmlands.
Panch Pokhari Trek begins from Chautara in the district of Sindhupalchok. Various settlements of Sherpa and Tamang community are seen on the trail, which usually passes through dense forests, villages, hamlets, and rural landscapes. The region is not frequented by many trekkers, which is why the purity and beauty of this region has remained untouched. You will cross meadows, open pastures, rhododendron bushes, and green forests. Later in the program, you will trek down to Melamchi and drive back to Kathmandu.
You need a good walking habit and stamina to go on this trek. As you will be reaching Panch Pokhari at an altitude of above 4,000 meters you need good level of physical fitness. The trek is best done is the spring and in the autumn. However, Hindu pilgrims go for a dip in these ponds in the monsoon season (July-August) during the festival of Janai Purnima. The trip takes you to the base of the Jugal Mountain Range and later to the lower regions of Langtang. Book this trip from Vista Treks for an extremely beautiful and memorable trek in the hills of Nepal.
Trip Itinerary
- When you land at Kathmandu International Airport, a staff from Vista Treks will welcome you and bring you to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at your hotel or spend the time around Kathmandu. Stay overnight in the hotel.
- Immediately after breakfast you will go on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. With several World Heritage Sites in the valley, Kathmandu is indeed an enchanting place. You will visit the Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath and Bauddhanath. Later in the evening your guide you provide you a brief about the upcoming trek.
- We begin with a drive in the morning through the Araniko Highway in the east of Kathmandu. The 5-hour drive will bring us to Chautara, a beautiful town in the district of Sindhupalchok. This is where we begin our trek from tomorrow. On a clear day we can have wonderful views of the snow-capped peaks in the north.
- It is the first day of our trek. We begin from Chautara and head up a steep trail through dense forests. Along the way we might see some wild animals - some natives of the place such as deers, monkeys, rodents, and birds. After a long day of trekking we will reach Kami Kharka where we will stay for the night.
- Leaving Kami Kharka behind, we head towards Pauwa Bas, our destination for tonight. At first we trek through a fairly level terrain crossing rhododendron, juniper, pine, and oak forests. The lengthy walk today is laden with beautiful views of villages, cattle, and terraced farms. Trekking through the quiet and the peace, we will barely notice that we have arrived at Pauwa Bas.
- We start after a quick breakfast. The trail at first is a fairly steep ascent for a couple of hours. Arriving at the top, we will relax and rest for some time and enjoy calming views of the forests below. We continue down the trail for a couple of hours through more forests, have views of amazing snow-capped peaks, and arrive at Hile Bhanjyang. Here we will set up camp for the night, else stay at a tea-house or a lodge.
- Starting off from Hile Bhanjyang we will have a short walking duration today, with just under four hours of trek. At first it’s a steep climb for an hour or so. Then a quick break followed by a descent along a forest to Narsingpati. A quick break here and we head upwards with amazing views of mountains ahead until we arrive at the flat area where five giant ponds are located. “Five Ponds” literally translates to “Panch Pokhari” in Nepal. Here we will set up camp for the night with breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks.
- Even before dawn we will hike up to the top of Panch Pokhari. It’s an easy climb just under an hour. At dawn from this vantage point, you will have mesmerizing sunrise views behind several peaks in the Langtang Range. Some of these are Dorje-Lhakpa, Ganesh Himal Range, Gauri-Shankar, Jugal, Langtang Himal Range, and Rolwaling Himal Range. After a good morning, we return to the camp, pack the bags and head off from Panch Pokhari. The destination for today, Tupi Danda, is a six-hour descent through rhododendron and pine forests. Here will will camp for tonight.
- Beginning from Tupi Danda, the trail first descends through a steep hill and then through a near-flat trail. We till then walk through terraced farms and hills to arrive at the village of Dhap. It’s a village where mostly the Tamang community lives. Sleep in a tented camp in Dhap tonight.
- Nearing the end of the program, we trek downhill from Dhap to Melamchi. This beautiful and easy trek takes under four hours across terraced farms and pastures. Take a break and take some photos along river Indrawati before arriving at Melamchi.
- Taking last breakfast of our trek, we take local bus/jeep and drive back to Kathmandu.
- Depending on your scheduled time of flight, our staff will transfer you to the airport for your flight ahead.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and transfer by car from Airport-Hotel-Airport.
- 3 nights Deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Local lodges/Tent camp accommodation during the trek.
- Government licensed guide and porter ( including their food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine & insurance).
- All local transportation.
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- All government taxes.
- Medical kit
- Rescue assistance
- Necessary equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets if needed).
- Our service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30).
- Your travel insurance (should include your medical and rescue).
- Any personal expenses hot shower and battery charging fees
- Any kind of hot and cold drinks.
- Staff & driver tipping.
Trip Gallery
Useful Info
About Accommodation.
In Kathmandu, we will accommodate you at Hotel Sapana Garden. Local lodges or tented camp accommodation provided during the trek on twin sharing basis. Hotel in Kathmanducomes with private bathroom , however in mountain lodges, toilet and shower will be on sharing basis. In the busy months, (October/November & April/ May) you may have to share the room with other traveler as some villages have limited number of local lodges or homestay.
About Meal
You can enjoy typical Nepali food while having at guest house/Homestay. During tent camp you can enjoy continental , Italian, Indian and Tibetan prepared by our staff. In Kathmandu only breakfast is provided. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no worries, Nepal is such a easy place to get several vegetarian options.
About Staff:
A Guide and a porter assist you from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guide will be provided. A porter provided for 2 trekkers, and carries between 15 to 20 K.G.
About Equipments
Following Equipment list is recommended to bring for the trek.
Down Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Long sleeved shirt, Jumper or fleecy jacket, T – shirts, Trekking shoes or boots, Comfy shoes for around the camp, thick and warm woolen socks, Light cotton socks , A day bag to carry your valuable, Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, rain coat, Sun block, lip balm , Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear, Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants, Water bottle, Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit, Flash light, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel and toiletries etc.
Physical Fitness and experience
Panch Pokhara Trek is a moderate which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours ups and down in a day carrying own day bag. Some days are even longer with 7- 8 hours of walking. If you are strongly determined and have excellent health and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Few weeks prior to the trip, doing some physical exercise is better . No technical skill is needed however past experience also helps . If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or for blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to Vista Trek P. Ltd.
About Insurance,
You have to obtain the travel insurance which should cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses. Some Insurance policy’s cover only up to 4000 meter, so please kindly confirm with the insurance company before you purchase it.
About Seasons
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to Decebmber) are the best months for Panch Pokhari Trek. You can do it in winter (Januaaryr to February )if you are used to with extreme cold temperature.
About Bus Drive
Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide , strike or by political issues. In such case trip itinerary will be affected. Thus, we would like to request you to add few days extra in Kathmandu. If you complete your trip smoothly, then you can enjoy your time with other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting. Jungle activities or more.
