Panch Pokhari Trek is one of the best short remote treks in Nepal taking you to Panch Pokhari which is considered one of the holiest places in Nepal where a group of five lakes is located together. The term “Panch” represents five and the term “Pokhari” represents a lake. Panch Pokhari is popular among Hindus and Buddhists. The place is famous for the occasion of Janai Purnima.
Panch Pokhari is one of the most famous tourist spots and the hidden gem of Langtang National Park. Panch Pokhari Trek is one of the most memorable experiences in a lifetime where you will be experiencing beautiful and eye-catching views. The destination is situated at almost 4200 meters from sea level. Panch Pokhari is considered as 9th highest wetland. The five lakes which are located together are considered holy lakes.
Photo credit: markhorrell on VisualHunt
Being a trekker/traveler one must visit Panch Pokhari as it is known as a pilgrimage destination. If you are ever planning for Panch Pokhari Trek then we recommend you to visit in August as you can experience the Janai Purnima festival and the cultures where the carnival takes place. You will be viewing mountains, environments, religious practices, flora, and fauna.
Being a famous place for Hindus and Buddhists they visit Panch Pokhari especially on the occasion of Janai Purnima as is one of the most important traditions. The environment on Panch Pokhari gives you a different vibe during monsoon season. Not just Hindus and Buddhists but many national and international trekkers/travelers visit Panch Pokhara as it gives you a collection of memories and beautiful sceneries.
Nepal is known for various trekking routes among which Panch Pokhari Trek is considered one of the best remote short treks where you can experience the Himalayas. Monsoon season is one of the best months to visit Panch Pokhari as you can view the real beauty. The way towards Panch Pokhari is easy where you get the facilities of a homestay and guesthouse.
Highlights for Panch Pokhari
- You will be witnessing beautiful mountain views such as Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Jugal Himalayan range, and many more
- Once you reach Panch Pokhari you will get to experience multiple cultures and the lifestyles of the locals
- Great view to Panch Pokhari (5 lakes) as well as witness the crystal clear water
- Along with other beauties, you will get to explore nature where you will view different flora and fauna.
- While being in Panch Pokhari you will be rejoining the spiritual atmosphere
- Camping with the beauty of nature and landscape
How to get to Panch Pokhari?
If you are planning for the Panch Pokhari trek then you have two options. The first option will be from Sano Okhareni traveling through Chautara and the second trial starts from Bhotang traveling through Melamchi. Of both the treks, the second one is the safe and the easiest route towards Panch Pokhari Trek.
Your journey will start from Bhotang; you will reach there by driving on a bus/jeep from Kathmandu. From Kathmandu to Bhotang you will be witnessing various sceneries and mesmerizing vistas along with various flora and faunas. Once you reach Bhotang you will start your trek to Deurali through which you will move towards Nasempati. On your way, you will experience calm and peaceful rivers and streams. Ongoing to Laure Bhanjyang, you will get a wonderful view of flowers, plants, and farmlands along with animal life. Laure Bhanjyang will be your last destination before reaching Panch Pokhari as you will be spending your night in Laure Bhanjyang.
On the day of Panch Pokhari, you will explore the culture, beauty, and nature of the wetland. You will be achieving various knowledge of the place and its culture. After some time, you will be returning to Tangu and trek back to Bhotang. Afterward, you will drive to Kathmandu.
Best Time for Panch Pokhari Trek
If you are planning for the Panch Pokhari trek then the best season to start your trek will be in spring and autumn. The Spring season falls from March to May whereas Autumn falls from September to November. These seasons are very popular because the sun is moderate and the chances of bad weather are very low. You will be witnessing the beautiful view of mountains along with the clear blue sky.
Rather than the best seasons if you are ever planning your Panch Pokhari trek in the winter season then it’s not a bad idea but you will require various items and gear as the weather will be cold and starts to snow.
If you are willing to experience the real beauty of Panch Pokhari then Spring and Autumn seasons will be the best season as the weather will be stable. I recommend you check the weather before your trek as you will be getting information about the place.
Recommended Panch Pokhari Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhotang to Deurali (2200m)
On the first day of your Panch Pokhari Trek, you will be traveling for 10 hours on a bus or jeep and will be walking for almost 2 hours. You will be traveling from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel to Zero Kilo to Melamchi or you can choose the Kathmandu to Sankhu to Melamchi. I prefer the second route as it is less bumpy, and less risky but longer. Once you reach Melamchi it will take you to Bhotang. So, while moving forward you will reach Deurali.
Day 2: Deurali to Nosempati to Laure Bhanjyang (3700m)
On your way from Deurali, you will witness many sceneries as well as attractive mountain views while moving towards Nosempati. You will need to trek for around 10 hours till you reach Laure Bhanjyang.
Day 3: Laure Bhanjyang – Panch Pokhari – Tangu
You will be experiencing the beauty of Laure Bhanjyang on your way to Panch Pokhari. Once you have reached your destination you will be exploring the beauty and the culture of Panch Pokhari. You will get to see the lifestyle of the people living in Panch Pokhari.
Day 4: Tangu – Bhotang – Melamchi – Kathmandu
On the last day of the trek. You will be coming back from Tangu to Kathmandu on your way you will get a chance to listen to singing birds as well as the bells hung by cows and other animals along with fresh air. Once your trek is almost over you will have to get to Chautara where you have to choose a jeep as your transportation. Then, once you reach Melamchi you will go back to Kathmandu.
How difficult is Panch Pokhari Trek?
Among other treks in Nepal, the Panch Pokhari trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. The destination spot is mind-blowing but due to fewer visitors, the Langtang region is unexplored. So, if you are planning to visit Panch Pokhari you will experience many new things.
Being a less visited place it is yes to explore so you will have difficulty in finding a proper accommodation facility but you will get a teahouse on your way at the lower parts. However, you might have to camp in some parts where you will be viewing the beauty of trekking and exploring the remote areas of Nepal.
In the context of Nepal, summer and winter have less priority when it comes to trekking because there are high geographical risks. We recommend you not to trek during the season of monsoon because you will get leeches along your trek.
Winter is considered a wonderful time for the Panch Pokhari Trek but due to the fog and rainy clouds, you will be unable to experience the mountain views and the high chance of losing your route because of the gloomy weather. So, it is better that you avoid your plans for trekking in the winter and rainy seasons.
Permit for Panch Pokhari Trek
- Foreign visitors to Langtang National Park must pay a charge of 3,000 NPR plus 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (about $34).
- The entrance cost to Langtang National Park for SAARC citizens is 200 NPR.
- Permit for TIMS: 1,000 NPR (about $10 USD)