Everything You Need to Know About Panch Pokhari Trek 2024

Panch Pokhari Trek Facts

DURATION: 5 days
TRIP DIFFICULTY: Moderate
HIGHEST POINT: 4100m
TRANSPORTATION: Private/Public Available

There are numerous rewarding treks in the Nepal Himalayas, including Panch Pokhari. Consider Panch Pokhari trek if you have spare days in Kathmandu and prefer something lowkey adventurous that does not require a lot of effort.

As someone who has recently been through these majestic trails, I’m bringing you firsthand insights and experiences that capture the essence of Panch Pokhari trek.

The Panch Pokhari is located in the Sindhupalchowk District of Nepal and is situated at an elevation of about 4100m above sea level. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal for Hindus and Buddhists alike.

As we journey to the five sacred lakes, we’ll explore the rugged beauty of the Himalayan terrain as we unfold the mystery of the Panchpokhari trek. Get ready to be immersed in a story of exploration, discovery, and indomitable adventure. A memorable journey begins here.

Panch Pokhari Trek 2024 Facts: Overview

‘Panch Pokhari’, meaning ‘Five Lakes,’ has become a popular hiking destination for both locals and tourists. These lakes are at an altitude of 4,100 meters. If you go top to the viewpoint at 4,300 meters, you can see a panoramic view of the Jugal Himal range, including the Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m) and Madiya (6,257 m).

During the trek, you’ll mostly see young first-timers. Saying first-time trekkers, you might think the trek is the easiest one. However, I must admit that the trek remains challenging. You have to climb an unforgiving hill. Panch Pokhari trek has often been billed as a beginners’ trek, but I think that is debatable. Make sure that you go with an open mind and that you give yourself time.

Nature has a lot to offer along the trek, and Panch Pokhari and the viewpoint itself are no exception.

The short trail provides a great starting point for hikers who are looking to access the highlands, as it follows waterfalls and forested paths. There are 5 glacial lakes in between the hills at the end of the trek, so the view is amazing. Even being a newly introduced destination, we can say Panch Pokhari has been highlight than other short treks of Nepal

You will also meet people who are going to the temple. In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Panch Pokhari trek is also a pilgrimage destination for those who are interested in the religious and cultural aspects of Nepal. There is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God of Destruction, Shiva, as well as bathing sites where those who want to be purified in holy water are able to bathe.

There is no doubt that Panch Pokhari Trek is suitable for all age groups, being a hike that offers pleasant walks with ups and downs, where every effort you make rewards you with magnificent views of the mountains and enjoyable experiences.

Panch Pokhari Trip Highlights

• Short yet adventurous trek near Kathmandu
• Holy Panch Pokhara (Five Lakes)
• Hanuman Dhoka
• One of the main features of Langtang National Park
• Family-friendly trek, with local community experience
• Alpine pastures, and picturesque remote villages.
• Cross beautiful rivers and streams on the way
• Rhododendron, Oak, and Juniper forests along the trail.
• Views of Dorje Lakpa, Phurbi Chhyachu, Madiya, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and Langtang Range from the viewpoint

Religious Significance of Panch Pokhari

As the name suggests, Panch Pokhari is an amazing destination that is made up of five beautiful lakes. Lake Indravati is said to be the source of the river. Panch Pokhari, and its importance are mentioned in the Panch Pokhari Mahatmyam, Skanda Purana, and Himwat Khand. As pilgrimage places of Tirthraj Prayag and Badganga Kurukshetra, the Bhairav Kunda, Saraswati Kunda, Surya Kunda and Nag Kunda are said to be of equivalent significance.

According to the five Tibetan scriptures, the Hyolmo region of Helambu, where the Gupta Mantra tantra Nidhi is thought to be buried, is the Tapobhumi and the secret of Tantra mantra Siddhi. Param Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), Mahayogi Milarepa, Ama Yangri, and Ananta Autari Lama Guru are thought to have meditated in this pure foundation.

It is a popular destination for domestic tourists and visitors to visit the five ponds that hold a grand fair for the years between Ekadashi and Janai Purnima.

Visiting this place is an incredible experience because of the glowing sapphire in the lake, the colorful mountains, the mountain range, and the sky. This mind-blowing destination in Nepal features a series of clouds covering the breathtaking snow-capped peaks surrounding five transparent pristine lakes.

This location is so beautiful that one can imagine Vibhuti Jugal, the king of white snow, Lakpa Dorje, the head of the five ponds, and Simi Sidang, the god of Hyolmo of Helambu, admiring the ponds. At an elevation of 4200 metres above sea level, anyone who sees this natural community will feel it is indeed heaven on earth.

According to mythology, Lord Shiva Parvati resides in the Panchpokhari area, and all five ponds are considered their daughter. The names of the ponds are also listed from right to left as Jethi, Mahili, Sahili, Kaili, and Kanchi Pokhari. This magnificent work of nature can only be seen in Nepal. And the perfect balance of religious and environmental significance made it an ideal location to visit.

Panch Pokhari Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Chimti to Deurali (7 hrs bus, 1.5 hrs hike)
Day 02: Deurali to Nasimpati (3700m), (6-7 hours trek)
Day 03: Nasimpati (3700) to Panch Pokhari (4100) to Viewpoint (4300) and back to Nasimpati, (7 hrs trek)
Day 04: Nasimpati (3700m) to Deurali (8 hours trek)
Day 05: Deurali to Kathmandu (1 hr trek, 7 hrs bus)

Best Time to Travel Panch Pokhari

Best Time for the Panch Pokhari Trek is Autumn and Spring.

Autumn occurs in September, October, and November. Spring occurs in March, April, and May. Furthermore, these seasons are favored for completing this walk since they provide reasonable amounts of sunshine and just a little of precipitation.

Panch Pokhari Trek can also be completed in the winter (December, January, February). It is essential that you have the appropriate gear to deal with the cold and snow in this season. It is also possible to complete Panch Pokhari trek in the summer (June, July, August) if you have appropriate gear and planning.

However, when it snows heavily in the winter, people close the hotel at Panch Pokhari and relocate to lower elevations.

In Nepal, the monsoon season brings heavy rains. As a result, landslides and floods may cause damage to the roads, and the trails are slippery and filled with leeches. However, with proper preparation, Panch Pokhari can be trekked in winter and summer.

Tips for traveling Panch Pokhari Trek

• The majority of the trails are rocky, so trekking boots are required.
• Windproof jackets, gloves, and caps are recommended because the wind is very cold.
• Altitude sickness medication is recommended for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
• Cold creams, sunscreen, and lip care are required as the skin becomes extremely dry.
• My total cost was around Rs. 7500, which included jeep and bus fares (Rs. 900 + 650). The cost may vary depending on which hotel you stay at and what you eat.