| Destination | Panch Pokhari |
|---|---|
| Activity | Trekking |
| Accomodation | lodge stays and tented camps |
| Region | Langtang Region |
| Start / End point | Kathmandu |
| Duration | 12 Days |
| Max. Altitude | 4,100m |
| Meals Included | Meals during the trek |
| Group size | 2-20 |
| Nature of Trek | Trekking |
| Best Season | Spring (March - May) & Autumn (Sept - Nov) |
| Activity Per Day | Approx. 4-6 hrs walking |
| Transportation | Kathmandu to Chautara and Melamchi to Kathmandu (trek end) on a local bus. Trek |
| Grade | Medium |
About the Trip
Panch Pokhari (Five Ponds) trek follows a famous pilgrimage route to the wetlands of Sindhupalchowk, recognized as the world's ninth highest wetland. This region is relatively newly discovered, allowing you to observe nature in its pristine form. From the trail paths to Panch Pokhari, you can witness the Gauri Shanker, Langtang Himalayan range, DorjeLakpa, and Jugal Himalayan range.
Highlights
- The holy five ponds of Panch Pokhari (five ponds) at 4,100m
- High altitude mountains including Dorje Lakpa, Phurbi Chhyachu, Rolwaling Himal ranges, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal ranges
- Traditional Tamang villages and their culture
- Rhododendron, Pine, and Juniper forests
- High altitude valleys, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls
- Spiritual and calm trek
- High-altitude wildlife like Himalayan black bear, wild goats, and musk deer
- Drive from Kathmandu to Chautara during the trek start and Melamchi to Kathmandu at the end.
Benefits of trekking with Discovery World Trekking
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Easy payment system
- Free airport-to-hotel transfer on arrival and hotel-to-airport transfer during departure
- Pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation level at high altitudes to recognize early signs of altitude sickness and other potential health risks
- Medical kit
- Sleeping bags and down jackets arrangements if you do not have them
- Duffle bags for porters
Online Trip Briefing
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available date and time for the trek briefing. Please note that we conduct trip briefing only once either online or in person.
Comprehensive Trek Overview
Panch Pokhari trek is a newly added trekking route, where you will find pristine trails and regions relatively untouched by human activities. This trek route lets you experience the unspoiled culture, stunning scenes, and untouched natural beauty.
This trek got its name from the five holy Hindu ponds that are the main attractions for this trek. Panch Pokhari means "five lakes" in English, and these lakes form a pilgrimage site for the Hindus. During the Hindu festival of Janai Purnima, which falls on a full moon day either in July or August, pilgrims dip in the icy-cold waters of these ponds.
Panch Pokhari lies at an altitude of 4,100m, and this trek allows you to enjoy the views of Mt. Dorje Lakpa, Rolwaling, Jugal Himal, and Langtang ranges.
The trek begins with a bus ride from Kathmandu along the Araniko Highway and heads to Chautara, the district headquarters of Sindhupalchowk. From Chautara, your trek begins leading you to Sano Okherani, then Thulo Okherani, and to Kami Kharka. At Kami Kharka, you will find summer pastures for cattle heders in this region.
After Kami Kharka, you will continue your journey, often through forests full of pine, rhododendron, and juniper trees, to reach Pauwa Bas. Next on the route comes Hile Bhanjyang, then the Narsim Pati. Narsim Pati is very near to Panch Pokhari, and the next day you will reach Panch Pokhari, the pristine five lakes sacred to the Hindus. Near the lakes, you will find huts meant for the pilgrims, a temple of Lord Shiva, and several of his tridents.
From Panch Pokhari, the return begins, but you will not return without seeing Mt. DorjeLakpa, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and Langtang ranges from a hill near Panch Pokhari. The return route progresses to Tupi Danda, then Dhap. You will rest for a day at Dhap, a unique Tamang ethnic village. We are sure you will be delighted to observe the Tamang culture, tradition, and architecture.
After a rest day at Dhap, you will trek for about six hours to reach Melamchi, a large town. You will be spending the last night in the trek region at Melamchi. The following morning you will return to Kathmandu, perhaps fully satisfied with your trek experience.
This package includes local transport costs from Kathmandu to Chautara at the trek start and from Melamchi to Kathmandu at the trek end. However, you can hire a private jeep for an additional cost.
Photos & Videos
Day to Day Itinerary
- day1
Kathmandu (1350m) by bus to Chautara (1440m) - 5 hrs drive
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours 3:30hrs (82km) Highest Altitude 1440m Your trek to the Panch Pokhari starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Chautara, the district headquarters of Sindhupalchowk district. The bus will follow the Araniko Highway, which connects Nepal with Tibet. The drive will take around five hours. As the bus moves to the destination, you can enjoy the views of high mountains, terraced farms, roaring rivers, and traditional villages.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day2
Trek from Chautara (1,440m) to Sano Okhareni (1,960m) 5 to 6 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 1,960m Trek Duration 5 to 6 hrs We leave Chautara early morning and head to Sano Okhareni. The trail gradually ascends while passing through several ethnic settlements and small streams. The Sano Okhareni lies by the side of a pine forest, and we will set our camp at Sano Okhareni.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day3
Trek from Sano Okhareni (1,960m) to Kami Kharka (2840m) – 5 to 6 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 2840m Trek Duration 5 to 6 hrs We leave Sano Okhareni and head for Thulo Okhreni, which will take around four hours. The path passes through forests full of rhododendron, Juniper, oaks, and pine woods, and if you are vigilant, you might catch sight of mountain deer, langur monkeys, and Himalayan monal (Danphe). After a gentle walk from the forest, you will arrive at Kami Kharka, the summer pasture, where we will set up our camp.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp.
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day4
Trek from Kami Kharka (2,840m) to Pauwa Bas (3,000m) – 5 to 6 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,000m Trek Duration 5 to 6 hrs Today’s trek will be relatively gentle, with a few ups and downs. The trek passes through several forests with oak, pines, junipers, and rhododendrons. In addition, you will also see huts used by the migrating cattle herders. Once we reach the Pauwa Bas, we set up our camp to spend the night.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp.
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day5
Trek from Pauwa Bas (3000m) to Hile Bhanjyang (3400m) – 5 to 6 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,400m Trek Duration 5 to 6 hrs The morning trek lasts about three hours and gradually takes you to higher elevations. You are free to take enough breaks not to exhaust yourself. Then, the descent to Hile Bhanjyang begins. Throughout the trek, you will catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks. You will be spending your night at a camp.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day6
Trek from Hile Bhanjyang (3400m) to Narsim Pati (3700m.) – 5 to 6 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,700m Trek Duration 5 to 6 hrs One more day of easy trek awaits you. The first hour is comparatively more challenging as the trail ascends. Then, you will mostly descend over rocky hills through rhododendron forests to arrive at Narsim Pati. There is a small rest house for pilgrims at Narsim Pati, and we will set our camp near this pilgrim hut.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day7
Trek from Narsim Pati (3,700m) to Panch Pokhari (five ponds) (4,100m)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 4,100m Trek Duration 6 hrs This will be your grand day as you will reach the Panch Pokhari (Five ponds). However, you need to walk for about four hours through steep uphill. These ponds are sacred to the Hindus, and on the day of Janai Purnima (the full moon day during July or August), the pilgrims take a dip in these ponds. There are two huts and a small temple dedicated to the lord Shiva and several tridents near these ponds.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day8
Trek from Panch Pokhari (4,100m) to Tupi Danda (2,310m) – 6 to 7 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 4,100m Trek Duration 6-7 hours We will wake you early morning and take you to the nearby hilltop to let you enjoy the sun rising at Mt. DorjeLakpa, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and Langtang ranges. Then you will be retracing your steps back to Panch Pokhari, and now you will start your journey to Tupi Danda. The path includes some steep slopes that pass through rhododendron forests.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day9
Trek from Tupi Danda (2,310m) to Dhap (1,200m) - 4 to 5 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 2,310m Trek Duration 4 to 5 hrs From Tupi Danda, you will be trekking on a downhill path by the side of the terraced hillsides and deep gorges. As you approach Dhap, a small Tamang village, the trail becomes flatter.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day10
Rest Day at Dhap (1,200m)
Though Dhap is a small village, it has much to offer in terms of culture and tradition. So on this day will have the opportunity to observe the lives, culture, and typical architecture of the Tamangs.
- Overnight stay at a tent camp
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day11
Trek from Dhap (1,200m) to Melamchi (800m) – 5 to 6 hrs
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 1,200m Trek Duration 5 to 6 hrs As the trek winds down, you will head to Melamchi from Dhap. The trail progresses by the side of terraced fields along the Indrawati river. You will also see a hydroelectricity project near Tipini just before arriving at Melamchi Bazaar, a large marketplace. You will be staying in a local lodge at Melamchi.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- day12
Drive from Melamchi (800m) to Kathmandu (1,350m)
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours. 2:30 hours Highest Altitude 1,350m Today you will bid goodbye to the trek region and head to Kathmandu on a bus. The bus ride will allow you to appreciate the beautiful terraced fields, streams, high mountains, and green forests. Your trek ends at Kathmandu.
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
What is Included?
- Kathmandu to Chautara (trek start) and Melamchi to Kathmandu (trek end) on a local bus
- Tea house/ lodge accommodation during the trek (Twin Sharing Rooms) where available, Tent Camp at others. Total 11-night stays.
- All standard meals 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners in trek regions
- Costs of Government licensed, experienced trek leader (guide). An assistant trekking guide for groups of 12 or more. Porters to carry trekkers' luggage. 1 porter for every 2 trekkers. The luggage weight limit per trekker is 9kg.
- Guide and porter cost their salary, meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and necessary equipment.
- Water purification tablets
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Souvenir - a company's T-shirt & a cap
- TIMS Card and Langtang National Parks entrance fees.
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Rescue arrangement service in case of emergency (funded by travel insurance)
- Farewell dinner after trek completion at Kathmandu
- Discovery World Trekking trek appreciation certificate after the successful trek
What is excluded?
- International flight costs
- Visa fees on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. The current rate is USD 50 for 30 days.
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled/ bottled water, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear.
- Excess luggage charges (limit is 9kg per person)
- All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the trek
- Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, and early return from trekking (for any reason)
- Travel insurance, which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control like landslides, bad weather conditions, illness, change of government policy, political instability, etc
- All the costs and expenses not listed in "What is included?" will be counted as excludes
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