Peaceful Nepal Treks introduces the Panch Pokhari trek for the perfectly blended voyage of adventure, spirituality, and the untouched Himalayan touch of beauty. With Peaceful Nepal Treks, we will take you deep into the heart of the Sindhupalchowk district, where a group of sacred lakes and alpine wilderness await. This trek is thoughtfully designed for those craving a unique adventure in a timeframe. We will start with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chautara as we begin our ascent through terraced fields and the serenity of the forests.
As we climb higher, the air will become purer and crisper, while the landscapes are more dramatic. We will get one of the most dramatic and magical moments of this journey when we reach Panch Pokhari at 4100m. The Panch Pokhari lakes, revered by Buddhists and Hindus, mirror snow-capped peaks and the spiritual heart of the Himalayas. Where we meet the holy glacial lakes that are nestled beneath the towering peaks. For the best view, it is a short sunrise hike to the nearby viewpoint, where we will get the best views of Langtang, Jugal Himal, and other neighbouring peaks.
During this trek, we will be embraced by the pristine aura of nature in rhododendron forests, birds, the tranquility of less trodden paths, and the turquoise beauty of Panch Pokhari. This trek is considered amongst the moderate treks as it doesn’t pose many risks as compared to the Everest trek and Upper Mustang trek.
Peaceful Nepal Treks invites everyone to join this yet powerful journey to Panch Pokhari. This is a trek that touches not only our feet on the trail but leaves our hearts revered in the Himalayas.
Panch Pokhari,” which are nestled beside the peaceful alpine basin, these lakes hold deep spiritual significance for Hindus and Buddhists. This sacred destination draws thousands of pilgrims during Janai Purmina. This serene place is surrounded by the panoramic vista of peaks and untouched wilderness. The lakes offer a reflective setting for photography with a pristine environment. Panch Pokhari is a deeply moving destination overall and one of Nepal’s lesser-known high-altitude sites.
Besides the lakes of Panch Pokhari, lies the Panch Pokhari Viewpoint, standing at 4300m, that rewards trekkers with the breathtaking 360-degree views of Nepal’s majestic mountain ranges. On clear days, we can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Langtang, Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and even distant glimpses of Mt. Everest. The golden sunrise will illuminate the Himalayan skyline. This viewpoint will offer a rare chance to enjoy the beautiful, grand Himalayan scenery without the chaotic crowds.
Panch Pokhari Trek poses a remote setting with its raw and untouched landscape. Unlike Nepal’s other popular and mainstream trails, this is one of the raw and secluded landscapes. Panch Pokhari remains a pristine, untouched wilderness, offering a true sense of untouched nature. This route passes through the lush rhododendron forests and alpine meadows on the rocky ridgelines. The forests along the trail the home to wildlife like Himalayan monals, langurs, and mountain deer. This quieter trail provides us time to reconnect with nature far from the distractions of modern life.
The lower regions of this trek will take us through the traditional Tamang and Sherpa villages. We will get to experience the authentic mountain life during our interactions here. The people here are warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in their customs. The vibrant prayer flags and Buddhist chortens with the carved wooden homes will reflect to us a spiritual culture that is harmonized with nature.
Panch Pokhari is one of the highly regarded and revered pilgrimage sites in Nepal, which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. During Janai Purnima in August, hundreds of devotees will make the journey to bathe in the lakes with the belief of purifying their sins and bringing blessings. The trek holds deep spiritual energy and reverence even outside the festival times. The trek will provide a deeper spiritual journey than just scenic beauty.
For the Panch Pokhari trek, we recommend Autumn as the best time to have a voyage. The skies are generally clear in the season with comparatively less cold and dry trails. The vistas of Langtang, Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and other surrounding peaks will be seen throughout the day. The weather will provide us with the most favourable times to enjoy the moments of Himalayan views and the warm hospitality of the local people. The season will proceed with Dashain and Tihar, the major festivals, while we soak in the natural beauty; there is a chance we will celebrate the festivals as well.
Spring is also a fine season to visit the tranquility of Panch Pokhari. The entire trail will burst into the colour of rhododendrons and other wildflowers like the magnolia. The forest paths during the season will pass into a magical corridor. Temperatures will become pleasant for trekking, and the higher elevations will also see some greenery with the longer days. The visibility will be excellent in the season, especially in the mornings, which will reveal to us the majestic mountain panoramas.
Even though July is the monsoon season and trekking conditions are not very favourable. If taken the risk, this month will be remarkable for the biodiversity. The forests and meadows will come alive with the rare alpine flowers with the vibrant greenery, and active wildlife. The trek will be perfect if you are a nature enthusiast and do not mind rain. July will offer a unique chance to witness the raw beauty of the Himalayas.
The trek to Panch Pokhari is not a difficult trek to undertake and is very beginner-friendly. While it does require technical climbing skills, but involves few strenuous, steep, and significant altitude gain and long walking hours in remote conditions. Proper preparation and gradual ascent will help in the easy completion of the trek.
The trek to Panch Pokhari with Peaceful Nepal Treks will offer you an extraordinary and immersive journey to the countryside of Nepal that combines spiritual serenity and raw natural beauty. This short yet powerful trek will be perfect for all who seek an offbeat experience without compromising on the Himalayan grandeur or the local warmth.
| Permit | Price |
| Langtang National Park Entry Permit | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) |
| Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card | USD 20 (solo trekkers) / USD 10 (group trekkers) |
Notes:
During the trek to Panch Pokhari, the food options will be wide and nourishing. We will get to immerse ourselves in the Nepali, Indian, and local staples in Chautara, and food options on the trail will also be based on locally available ingredients. In the lower villages, simple teahouses will provide Nepali food options like dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, omelets, etc. Higher up, the food options might get limited, but the teahouse owners will provide the best they have. Expect tasty, nutritious meals during the trek. Carrying energy bars, nuts, and snacks will help to supplement the dietary needs. We recommend telling us if you have any diet restrictions so that we can cover your needs.
The accommodation in the Panch Pokhari Trek will be basic. The lodges in Chautara will have fine amenities, but along the trail, it will be very basic, reflecting its remote and less-developed route. The lower regions like Chautara and Sano Okhareni will have simple teahouses with wooden beds with mattresses and warm blankets. The dining area will be warmed by the wood fire, and the bathroom will be shared. Facilities like private rooms, attached bathrooms, and hot showers are very rare in the trek. To compensate for the colder nights, a good sleeping bag is essential.
Altitude sickness has a mild but still potential risk on the Panch Pokhari Trek. After crossing the altitude of 3000 meters and during the ascent to the viewpoint, our bodies may not be able to cope with the thinner air. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, and dizziness that can be cured immediately by descending to get hydrated enough. The early signs should not be ignored; otherwise, they can lead to deeper problems like HAPE and HACE.
To prevent the risk of altitude sickness, it is very important to ascend gradually and stay well-hydrated. We recommend you strictly avoid alcohol consumption during the trekking days. Taking short breaks, maintaining a steady pace, and sleeping at the lower altitudes if possible will also help. You can even take medications like Diamox after consulting a doctor. Consuming ginger tea, garlic soup, and local herbal remedies may also help to ease the symptoms.
Travel Insurance is an important commodity for any kind of trek in Nepal. Travel insurance helps in providing coverage of medical emergencies, including altitude sickness, which is a risk in this trek. The travel insurance also helps you in saving a lot of cost that could have been used from your savings. Ensure your policy includes adventure activities up to 4000m to mitigate trekking risks and provide you with a state of mind at peace. Comprehensive insurance will safeguard our adventure, allowing us to focus on stunning Himalayan scenery and cultural immersion.
Today marks the start of our captivating trek to Panch Pokhari. The journey will begin with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chautara. The route will offer us a glimpse of rural Nepalese life with the rugged road and small houses in our vision. Chautara, the administrative hub of Sindhupalchowk district, lies along a route weaving through rolling hills and terraced fields. We will stay and enjoy the night in the cultural buzz of Chautara with some drinks before we prepare for the trek the next morning.
We will leave Chautara behind after breakfast and stroll around the villages above Chautara. We will pass through the forests mixed with rhododendrons and pine while soaking in the serene and natural beauty of the mountain vistas. This path will be less crowded and offer a peaceful setting as we reach the small village of Sano Okhareni. The peaceful setting of Okhareni will be ideal for rest before gaining more altitude tomorrow.
The trek today will climb steadily through the lush alpine forests that teem with wildlife and diverse flora. This trail will lead us away from the Human settlements into more remote terrain and gentle ridges. The grazing meadow of Kami Kharka will be seen by us from our farsight, which offers a panoramic view of the Langtang Himalayan range. We’ll rest in a simple teahouse in Kami Kharka, surrounded by peaceful wilderness.
This is the highlight of the trek as we reach Panch Pokhari. We will ascend past the steep ridgelines and scenic landmarks. The trail unveils stunning vistas of Dorje Lakpa and Jugal Himal. The lakes will take us to the major pilgrimage site of Panch Pokhari and its temples. Upon arriving at Panch Pokhari, we’ll be greeted by sacred glacial lakes cradled in a pristine alpine basin. We will stay in a teahouse surrounded by the raw Himalayan beauty and the turquoise beauty of this landmark.
We will rise early and walk above for a short climb to Panch Pokhari viewpoint that offers a beautiful view of Panch Pokhari and panoramic sunrise views of the Himalayas. The panoramic views of the peaks like Jugal, Rolwaling, and the far sights of Everest as well. After our breakfast, we will descend through the rocky paths and forested ridges down to Chhimti. This will be a longer day that will include steep descents and rocky paths. We will spend the night in a basic lodge, celebrating our wonderful Himalayan voyage.
After having an early morning breakfast, we will meet our vehicle for the return drive to Kathmandu. This route will descend from the high hills into the lower valleys that offer our final chances to soak in the beauty of the landscape. We will get to soak in the rural scenes and winding mountain roads before we arrive in Kathmandu and end the trek.
The trail to Panch Pokhari is amongst the quieter trekking routes that offer solitude and unspoiled landscapes.
The clothing for this trek should be warm layers, rain gear, and sturdy boots. A sleeping bag is recommended for colder nights. We recommend packing fewer clothes as this trek is only six days.
Panch Pokhari is highly sacred and revered by the Hindus and Buddhists. The lakes draw the most pilgrims during Janai Purnima.
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