Panch Pokhari Short Trek

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Trip Overview

Panch Pokhari trek is one of the easiest and shortest trekking destinations near the Kathmandu Valley; it lies on the southeast side of Nepal in the Sindhupalchok district. Which takes only 7 days to complete the trek. It is a holy pilgrimage place where every year people come to worship God and celebrate Janai Purnima in the month of August. Nowadays, Panch Pokhari is becoming popular day by day due to the five lakes and close scenery of the surrounding area. Panch Pokhari offers the mesmerizing views of the Langtang Himalayas ranges, including Jugal Himal, Dorjee Lakpa Himal, and Ama Yangri Peak. Not only that, this trek also provides you opportunities to learn about the Tamang and Hyolmo communities' cultures. 

Highlights 

  • Explore the Five Holy Lakes (Panchpokhari) and Temple. 
  • Experience the Tamang and Hyolmo community's cultures and heritage sites.
  • Get the panoramic mountain views of the Langtang Himalayan Ranges, including Jugal Himal, Dorje Lhakpa Himal, and other Himalayan ranges.
  • Camping during the trek.
  • Trek through diverse landscapes, including lush rhododendron, hamp, pine, okas forests, terraced fields, rocky terrains, and high-elevation grazing pastures.

What to expect and experiences in this Panch Pokhari Trek? 

Panch Pokhari Trek is one of the easy and short trekking destinations near Kathmandu city. Which lies in the Sindhupalchok district, northeastern of Kathmandu Valley within Langtang National Park. It is situated at an altitude of about 4,100 meters. Panch Pokhari trek is a relatively less crowded route, although this place is perfect for yoga, meditation, camping, and sightseeing, making it an ideal choice for trekkers seeking solitude and a closer connection with nature.

The place is renowned for the five holy lakes Suryakunda Lake, Naagkunda Lake, Saraswati Kunda Lake, Ganeshkunda Lake, and Bhairabkunda Lake. Panch Pokhari is a significant place of Hindu and Buddhist religious pilgrimage. Every year in August, local people celebrate Janai Purnima Mela (Carnival). Especially in the month of August, huge numbers of travelers come to visit to celebrate Janai Purnima Mela. In this holy place, different parts of shamans come to take blessings.

This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers stunning landscapes, mountain views, a perfect blend of natural beauty, and a glimpse into local culture. For those seeking a spiritual, peaceful, and beautiful trek, Panch Pokhari is ideal. The trek takes you through beautiful, huge settlements of Tamang villages, waterfalls, dense forests, alpine meadows, Kharkas (pasture lands), and rocky terrains, as well as the traditional Tamang and Sherpa culture along the way.

Additionally, the Panch Pokhari trek also provides panoramic views of the Himalayas, such as the Langtang Ranges, Jugal Himal (6,095m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/22,850 ft), Madhya (6,257m), Phurbi Chhyachu (6,637m), Ganjal Pass (5,130m), Ama Yangri (3,771 m/12,372 ft), Loenpo Gang (6,979m), Chang Samarphu (3,905m), Gumba (6,316m), Naya Khang (5,344 m/19,173 ft), Langshish-Ri (6,427 m/21,086 ft), and Gangchempo Expedition Peak (6,378 m/20,925 ft).

Why Do the Panch Pokhari 7-Day Short Trek?

First of all, we designed this 7-day short trek for those who do not want to go far. This trek may be suitable for you. It is near the Kathmandu Valley. Trek takes you across the Melamchi River, lovely rice farmland toward a huge Tamang village settlement and majestic hillside, alpine meadows, kharka, rhododendron forests, and rocky terrains to Panch Pokhari.

Even though it is a short trekking package, you will enjoy more exploring the newly popular, less crowded, off-the-beaten-path destination and seeing the mesmerizing sense of the surrounding Himalayas. However, you will spend your nights at lodges and teahouses throughout the trek as well as explore the Stupa Monastery, Tamang cultures, and traditional goods by engaging with local people in a friendly environment.

Similarly, during this trek, you will see spectacular mountain vistas of the Langtang Ranges, Jugal Himal (6,095m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/22,850 ft), Madhya (6,257m), Phurbi Chhyachu (6,637m), Ganjal Pass (5,130m), Ama Yangri (3,771 m/12,372 ft), Loenpo Gang (6,979m), Chang Samarphu (3,905m), Gumba (6,316m), Naya Khang (5,344 m/19,173 ft), Langshish-Ri (6,427 m/21,086 ft), and Gangchempo Expedition Peak (6,378 m/20,925 ft).

Are You Ready for the Panch Pokhari Short Trek? What to Prepare for the Trek?

The Panch Pokhari short trek is moderately difficult. This trek will be challenging for the beginner, so you need physical fitness to trek in this region. On this trek, you may get altitude sickness, so carry first aid kits. Be prepared, do exercise, walk regularly, and hike for around 4 to 5 hours for your body fitness. On this trek, you have to walk around 6 to 7 hours per day, and it is less crowded off the beaten trail, so you have to trek through the rocky terrains up and down.

Panch Pokhari Trek Packing Lists

  • Trekking clothes: Trekking pants, quick-dry t-shirts, fleece, down jacket, windcheater, raincoat, socks, gloves, scarf, sunhat, woolen hat, trekking shoes, casual shoes/slippers, trekking shoes, dry towel, etc.
  • Miscellaneous: Trekking poles, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, Reusable water bottle, thermos, water purification tablets,trekking bag, daypack bag, sleeping bag, headlamp, adapter, charger, power bank, snacks, camera, first aid kit, etc.  
  • Toiletries: Sunscreen SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, soap, wet/dry tissue, toothbrush/toothpaste, dry bags/zip lock bags, etc.

Get the Best Panch Pokhari Short Trek Service with Sherpa Summits

We, Sherpa Summits, organize treks for both foreigners and domestic tourists in Nepal. Our team supports the trekkers throughout their trek and expedition. We arrange permits, transportation, and all other logistics. You will get good quality services as per your requirements with us as well as at a reasonable Panch Pokhari short trek cost.

Whether you are trekking solo or with your team, family, friends, or partner, you will enjoy a free and safe trek with us. Our guides and porters are reliable and trustworthy. They can speak English and other languages, so you will have no issues with communication because we provide you only experience and good communicators’ guides.

Additionally, you can customize the Panch Pokhari short trek itinerary. Choose your preferred departure date, group size, day-to-day, and other factors of the trip. We do not have any age limit if the participants are physically and mentally fit enough for the trek. There are no hidden charges involved in our trip, and you will get an actual Poon Hill short trek cost.

Bookings for the Panch Pokhari short trek 2025 and 2026 are open. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to contact us. 

Trip Gallery

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Panchpokhari

Panch Pokhari Short Trek Itinerary

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Max Altitude: 1,800m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel/Lodge

This morning you will drive from Kathmandu to Bhotang by jeep. Drive leads you through Shankhu, Jarsing Pauwa, and Naglebari; along the way, the journey provides breathtaking views of surrounding areas, including Langtang Mountain ranges.

Your lunch will be at Melamchi Bazaar. After having lunch, the journey will take you across the Melamchi River Bridge toward Tipeni Bazaar, Dhap, Thangpal ManiKharka, and Bhotang. On the way, you will see the rice fields, farmhouses, and lovely waterfalls, as well as plenty of rivers and local villages, and have an overnight stay at Bhotang, where there is a huge settlement of Tamang communities people explore the culture and interact with locals. To reach at Bhotang from Kathmandu it takes roughly 5 to 6 hours. 

Max Altitude: 2,720m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

The beautiful morning begins at Bhotang, where you will have your breakfast with the beautiful view of Ama Yangri Peak.  Today’s trek leads you passsing through rivers, waterfalls, suspension bridges, diverse landscapes, and lush rhododendron forests towards Tupi Danda. Likewise you have to ascend crossing several hills and lunch will be on the way at herders Gotha stay. Along the way, you finds subtropical and tropical forest species, flora, fauna, pasture land, and rhododendron forests. After long hours, approximately 6 hours of trekking, you will reach Tupi Danda, where you are going to spend your night.

Max Altitude: 3,661m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Today’s trek leads you through diverse landscapes, lush rhododendron/pine/hamp/okas forests, pasture land and alpine meadows towards Nosyampati. The trekking trails are usually up hill climbing through dense forests along the spectacular scenery of Langtang Himalayan rages on the left side of trekking route. 

After almost 6 hours of trek, you will reach at Nosyampati, where teahouses are limited, and in the trekking season, travelers will be packed, so you have to book accommodation before otherwise, you have to stay in a tent that needs to be carried by a team. Overnight stay at Nosyampati.

Max Altitude: 4,100m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

The journey continues take you to Panch Pokhari. The trek goes through alpine meadows, pasture land, alpine rhododendrons, forests, rocky slopes, and steep terrains. Today's trek will be a bit challenging, and it takes a long time around 7 to 8 hours to reach at the destination, but the trek gives you an amazing experience adventure terrains trail and surrounding area views of mountain. Although, on the way, you can enjoy the majesties scenery. Overnight stay in the Panch Pokhari, a holy place.

Max Altitude: 4,100m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

The beautiful morning starts in Panch Pokhari, and today is your explore day here, so wake up early in the morning, take a blessing from the Panch Pokhari Temple, and begin hike for the sunrise view from the top of the Panch Pokhari viewpoint. It takes around two and a half hours to reach at the viewpoint to see the view of sunrise.

The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Jugal Himal ranges and Langtang mountain ranges, including peaks like Dorje Lhakpa 6,966 meters and Madiya 6,257 meters along with the beautiful five holy lakes and surroundings area delight in you're hike spending some movements of yourself after that retrace back to the teahouse for lunch. Sightseeing five scared holy lakes and savoury your day at Panch Pokhari. Overnight stay at teahouse. 

Max Altitude: 1,800m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel/Lodge

The trek descends back from Panch Pokhari to Bhotang, and it leads you through the stone trail down rocky terrains after a long trek to reach Noyasmpati. Have lunch at Nosyampati and continue the trek by keeping moving back to Bhotang through dense rhododendron forests, pasture lands, and crossing the rivers and waterfall on the way.  This trip gives you an amazing lifetime adventure trekking experience. Overnight stay in Bhotang village.

Max Altitude: 1,400m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Today you will drive by jeep from Bhotang to Kathmandu. It's your last day of the Panch Pokhari Trek, and the drive takes you through the beautiful rice fields and off roads along with the rivers and the waterfalls. After reaching Kathmandu, take a rest, enjoy your dinner outside, and celebrate a completed trek's successful moment. There are plenty of lovely places to have dinner outside; choose your favorite place and take pleasure.

Panch Pokhari Short Trek Cost Details

Includes

  • Transfer from hotel to bus park by taxi
  • Drive from Kathmandu to Thulo Bhotang
  • Langtang National Park Entry Permit fee
  • TIMS permit fee (Trekker’s Information Management System)
  • Full camping accommodation is provided along the way or Teahouse/lodges accommodations during the trekking
  • Three meals every day breakfast, lunch, dinner, including tea and coffee 
  • Experienced English-speaking government license holder trekking guide
  • Trip achievement certificate (if you want)
  • Seasonal fruit during the trek, such as apples, kiwi, guava, bananas, etc.
  • First Aid Kit with an Oximeter (an oximeter measures the saturation of oxygen carried in your red blood cells)
  • Shoulder/duffel bag and sleeping bag for the trekking (should return after the trip)

Excludes

  • Meals (lunch & dinner) and accommodation in Kathmandu
  • A full sightseeing of the valley with a city guide
  • Your Travel/Trekking insurance, International airfare
  • All kinds of alcoholic drinks, desserts, and foods
  • Personal shopping, laundry, trekking equipment, etc.
  • Nepal Entry Visa fee
  • Tips for trekking guides (tipping is expected)
  • All types of personal expenses, such as snacks, telephone, Wi-Fi, and hot showers during the trekking
  • Any other things that are not mentioned in the included
  • Excluded are all costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes"

Add-ons & Options

  • Single room while trekking: If you want a single room during trekking, add this upgrade to your package.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and listed historical places in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.
  • Explore Kathmandu Valley National Park: If you want to stay an extra day in Kathmandu, then make a plan to hike at the Valley National Park Shivapuri, from where you can see the breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley.

Dates & Availability

We will adhere closely to the planned itinerary but may need to adjust due to inclement weather or unexpected circumstances. Stay flexible and open to changes. If the Panchpokhari short trek itinerary does not fit your needs, reach out to us for customization. You can tailor the itinerary as per your preferences and budget.

Essential Information

Good to Know

  • Your Panch Pokhari short trek itinerary can be 14-20 days from Panchpokhari to Tilman Pass, but the trek will be long, so we made a 6-day trek itinerary. 
  •  If you are not able to join us in the winter season, we highly recommend you in the autumn season. This season, the weather will be clear with blue skies so you can experience, see, and feel 360 views of the surrounding areas and mountains.

Panch Pokhari Short Difficulty  

Panch Pokhari's short trek in Nepal is considered a moderately challenging trek, so it needs previous trekking experience. Trekking trails are relatively narrow, and trekkers should walk through rocky terrain in some sections up and down. Trekking in the Panch Pokhari trek requires physical and mental fitness. Here are some factors that contribute to its difficulty level:

  • Trekking distance: On the Panch Pokhari short trek, you will trek approximately 90 kilometers. Daily walking distance ranges from 9 to 12 km.
  • Daily walking hours: The daily walking hours are around 6 to 7 hours.  
  • Tourist infrastructure: The tourist infrastructure along the Panch Pokhari short trek route is good. You will not get luxury lodges and teahouses to spend nights on this trek because it is a less-traveled trekking destination. Likewise, charging, hot showers, and Wi-Fi services are not available.
  • Altitude: The trek reaches an elevation of around 4100 meters/13,451 feet at Panch Pokhari. While this is not as high as some other treks in Nepal, altitude sickness can still be a concern, so proper acclimatization is necessary.
  • Trail conditions: The trail can be rugged and uneven, with steep ascents and descents. Some sections may also be narrow and exposed, requiring careful footing.
  • Weather: Weather conditions in the region can be unpredictable. Trekkers should be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations, and potential snowfall even outside the winter months, and in monsoon season carry raincoats or waterproof trekking clothes for both upper and lower body.
  • Remoteness: The Panch Pokhari region is relatively less traveled, which means fewer amenities and support services along the way. Trekkers need to be self-sufficient and prepared for longer days without access to villages or teahouses.
  • Physical Fitness: A good level of physical fitness is required, as trekkers will need to walk for several hours each day, often on challenging terrain. Proper preparation, including training and acclimatization, is crucial.

Trekking Routes

There are two trekking trails to reach in Panchpokhari: one is from Chautara via Panchpokhari, and the second is from Bhotang via Panchpokhari. Both trekking routes are perfect, but the Bhotang via Panchpokhari route is the shortest and easiest route for trekkers.

Altitude Sickness

The Panch Pokhari short trek carries a risk of altitude sickness because it takes you up to 4,100 meters (13,451ft). The gradual ascent of the Panchpokhari trek route makes it easier for trekkers to adjust to elevation without taking an acclimatization break.

  • Symptoms: vomiting, headache, nausea, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc.
  • Preventive measures: Stay hydrated, ascend slowly, maintain your pace, listen to your body, get abundant rest, drink plenty of water using water purification tablets, eat carbohydrate-rich food, and do not drink alcohol or smoke while ascending.

Travel Insurance for Panch Pokhari Short Trek

Travel insurance in Nepal is compulsory for everyone. It helps to cover the medical insurance of trekkers if he or she gets injuries while trekking.  Likewise, it ensures that you get quick helicopter evacuation and medical assistance services in case of an emergency. While purchasing a travel insurance plan, make sure it covers helicopter evacuation from the Himalayas and medical bills.

Panch Pokhari Short Trek Permits

  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information System Card): It is compulsory in Nepal in every region for trekkers' safety purpose.
  • Langtang National Park entry permit: Compulsory require to enter into this region.

Best Time to Visit Panch Pokhari Trek

The best months are March, April, and May in the Spring Season and September, October, and November in the Autumn Season.During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the views are spectacular.

Accommodation and Food during the Trek

On this 7-day Panch Pokhari short trek, you will spend the night at a teahouse and lodges. Lodges and teahouses are simple accommodations with proper meals. On average, most rooms have twin beds, and a few have attached bathrooms. But on the whole, expect shared bathrooms. Spend the night in lodges or teahouses. While trekking, carry all toiletries with you, including toilet paper.

  • Service in the Lodge: For services like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging, may not be available; it depends on the lodges.
  • Drinking Water: You can either buy boiled water in the lodges or mineral water bottles and the cost will be higher than normal. Make sure that if you do not want to buy water, then you can use water purification tablets to filter it further.
  • Snacks: Buy light snacks in Kathmandu for the trek. Everything costs are high along the trail. Pack nuts, energy bars, chocolates, and other things you love to eat during your trek journey.
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