Panch Pokhari Trek is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path trekking trail located in the northern part of Kathmandu which is recently getting popular among domestic and international trekking aspirants. Despite its stunning […]
Panch Pokhari Trek is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path trekking trail located in the northern part of Kathmandu which is recently getting popular among domestic and international trekking aspirants. Despite its stunning landscapes and cultural significance, it has remained one of the least visited trekking routes in Nepal. But with the influence of social media and efforts from the local community, the Government, and trek operators like Nepal Mountain Guide, the trail is getting popular instantaneously. The name Panch Pokhari translates to “Five Lakes” in Nepali which is certainly because there are five pristine lakes that are holy and spiritual. Among the five of them, the largest of these lakes is Surya Kunda, which holds deep spiritual importance.
This serene place is sacred to Hindu, Buddhist, and Bombo followers. Bombo are a small group of natural healers who have been part of the region’s spiritual fabric for centuries. Each year, in August, people from these three faiths gather for a special festival at the lakes. For the Bombo followers, this place radiates significant spiritual energy. The annual festival draws participants to this remote site, where they believe the convergence of natural beauty and spiritual power brings healing and renewal. Despite the growing popularity of trekking in Nepal, the Panch Pokhari region remains relatively untouched by mass tourism so far which makes this marvelous site a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and a deep connection to nature and culture.
Panch Pokhari Trekking takes place at the base of the Jugal Himal, a breathtaking series of snowcapped mountains. Trekkers on this trail can enjoy beautiful views of peaks such as Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Phurbi Chhyachu (6,637m), and Madiya (6,257m). The spectacular splendour of these mountains is only half of what makes this walk unique. The landscape is diverse, from lush green valleys and rolling hills to alpine meadows covered in vibrant wildflowers. The contrast of these landscapes against the snow-covered peaks makes the journey a visual delight.
The trail passes via traditional Newar, Tamang, and Sherpa communities, each of which has its own distinct culture and history. The Newar people are recognised for their handiwork, vivid cultural events, and delicacies, while the Tamang are known for their distinctively Tibetan-influenced culture. And the Sherpas are world-renowned for their mountaineering expertise. Trekking through these mixed communities allows tourists to gain insight into the traditional lifestyles of people of many backgrounds and learn about them in depth. We will be hiking through terraced farms, stone houses, and historic monasteries, which will allow us to interact with these communities and see their everyday lives, making the Panch Pokhari trip even more enriching.
There are a few routes to begin the Panch Pokhari trek. The conventional route and our regular Panch Pokhari Trek itinerary begins in Chautara, the district headuaters of Sindhupalchowk District. The distance up to there is approximately 5 hours drive from the bustling city Kathmandu. For a long time, this trail has served as a gateway for trekkers, passing through a variety of landscapes ranging from terraced farmlands to deep forests before reaching the trek’s upper heights.
Melamchi Bazaar is an alternative starting point which has emerged in popularity lately. This route is becoming popular among trekkers exploring for a shorter route. Panch Pokhari is only a 2-3 day trek from Melamchi Bazaar, which makes it accessible to anyone with little time who wish to see the beauty and serene of the lakes. Both routes provide incredible vistas and exclusive experiences.
One of the coolest parts of the Panch Pokhari trek is getting to see the five sacred lakes. Surya Kunda is the biggest and most important of them all. These lakes are nestled in a tranquil valley surrounded by towering mountains, giving the entire area a sense of solitude and spirituality. The lakes reflect the sky and the surrounding hills, providing a spectacular vista, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Another amazing thing about the trek is its spiritual significance. Both Hindus and Buddhists consider these lakes sacred, and the Bombo community, known for their natural healing practices, sees Panch Pokhari as a powerful place. Every year in August, during the Janai Purnima festival, people from all over Nepal travel to Panch Pokhari to pray and take part in rituals. Trekking at this time lets visitors experience this special cultural event up close.
The trek also offers fantastic views of some lesser-known Himalayan peaks. The impressive Jugal Himal range is always in sight, with its snowy tops and glaciers creating a stunning backdrop. Since not many trekkers choose this route, it provides a quiet and peaceful experience, allowing you to really enjoy the beautiful scenery and the rich culture of the local communities.
The Panch Pokhari Trek typically takes around 9-12 days to complete, depending on your pace and the starting point. Panch Pokhari Trek itinerary usually starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to either Chautara or Melamchi Bazaar, depending on the route you choose and time available with you for the trek along with the fitness criteria. Our Classic Panch Pokhari Trek begins via the Chautara route and from there the trek takes you through small villages, lush forests, and terraced farmlands until you reach our final destination. You’ll spend the next few days walking through places like Sano Okhren Danda, Kami Danda, and Pauwabas, gradually climbing toward the higher altitudes.
After Nasimpati, the trail continues to Panch Pokhari, where we will discover the five sacred lakes. As you reach the ultimate destination of the journey, the vistas of the surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains keeps getting more and more magnificent. We will spend time clicking pictures and creating memories appreciating the serenity and gloriousness of this spiritual haven. After visiting Panch Pokhari and exploring the five sacred lakes, our journey proceeds through Tupi Danda and Dhap before ending the trip at Melamchi Bazaar. From there you will travel back to Kathmandu via drive. In this way, our Panch Pokhari Trek itinerary takes you from the bustling city of Kathmandu to a serene and jaw-dropping heaven within the time span of just 9-12 days that will offers a tranquil combination of natural beauty and cultural activities.
Since we will be walking through the Langtang National Park, a Langtang National Park Entry Permit is mandatory to trek to Panch Pokhari. The national park is home to numerous species of wildlife and herbs including some of the rare and extinct ones. Hence, for preservation of the flora and fauna, the permit is made mandatory for hiking within the National park. Similarly, for the safey purposes and tracking of trekkers, a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card is also essential for this trek. All the permits and arrangements will be handled by Nepal Mountain Guide team before you actually embark on the field.