18 daysExtreme6,189 mIsland Peak Climbing — 18 Days
From / person
$3,600
TrekChallenging
Panch Pokhari Trek - 8 Days
8 days4,100 mFrom Kathmandu (drive to Chautara, Sindhupalchowk)Best: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Photo by RiCEKiLLER on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Duration
8 days
From
$690/person
Max Altitude
4,100 m
Difficulty
Challenging
Starts
Kathmandu (drive to Chautara, Sindhupalchowk)
Group Size
2-10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Trek to the five sacred glacial lakes of Panch Pokhari at 4,100 m
An authentic Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, busiest during Janai Purnima
One of central Nepal's quietest, least-crowded high-mountain trails
Sweeping views of the Jugal Himal, Dorje Lhakpa and Langtang peaks
Cultural encounters in Tamang, Gurung and Sherpa villages
Easy road access from Kathmandu - no domestic flights needed
Diverse landscapes from terraced farmland to high alpine pasture
Mix of tea-house and supported tented camping experience
An off-the-beaten-path pilgrimage trek to the five sacred high-altitude lakes of Panch Pokhari (4,100 m) in Sindhupalchowk, near the Jugal Himal and Langtang.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(8 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 4,100 m · Day 6Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Meet your guide for a trek briefing, gear check and permit arrangements. Overnight in Kathmandu.
1,400 m---Hotel
The Panch Pokhari Trek leads to a cluster of five sacred glacial lakes set at roughly 4,100 metres in the remote Sindhupalchowk district, on the eastern fringe of the Langtang and Jugal Himal region. Long revered by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims - thousands gather here each August during the Janai Purnima festival - Panch Pokhari remains one of central Nepal's quietest and most authentic high-mountain trails, far from the crowds of Everest and Annapurna.
Beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chautara, the route climbs steadily through Tamang and Sherpa villages, terraced farmland, rhododendron and pine forest, and high alpine pasture before reaching the lakes. From the ridges above Nasim Pati you'll take in sweeping panoramas of the Jugal Himal, Dorje Lhakpa, Madiya and the distant Langtang peaks. It's a demanding but deeply rewarding trek that rewards fit walkers with solitude, raw landscapes and a genuine sense of pilgrimage.
A sacred Himalayan pilgrimage
The five lakes are believed to have formed where Lord Shiva once rested, and the site is dotted with small shrines and a Shiva temple. Reaching them on foot, surrounded by prayer and silence, is the heart of this journey.
Off the beaten path
Because the trail sees few foreign trekkers, accommodation is a mix of simple community tea houses and tented camps in the higher sections. Coming well prepared, with an experienced local guide, makes all the difference on this rugged, rewarding route.
What's Included
Included
- All ground transport: Kathmandu-Chautara and return drive by private vehicle
- Langtang National Park permit and TIMS card
- Experienced licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (one porter per two trekkers)
- Tea-house and tented-camp accommodation during the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Two nights' hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Camping equipment, tents and full kitchen crew on high sections
- Guide and porter wages, insurance, food and lodging
- All government and local taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers and charging on the trek
- Tips for guide, porter and crew
- Any expenses arising from early return or itinerary changes due to weather
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Kathmandu. If you are already in Pokhara, we can bring you across (Pokhara and Kathmandu are about 200 km apart: 25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus).
Pickup in Kathmandu
Trip starts hereLanding in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)We quote
- Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
- Kathmandu hotel pickupIncluded
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Pokhara
Staying in Pokhara? We can bring you to Kathmandu for the start.
- Pokhara hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. We confirm the price with you.We quote
- Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- Kathmandu: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)Included
- Kathmandu: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
Best Time to Go
Spring (Mar-May)
Clear skies, blooming rhododendron forests and warm days make spring one of the best times for Panch Pokhari, with excellent mountain views.
Low: -5°C High: 15°C Lingering snow possible near the lakes early in the season.
Summer / Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
Heavy monsoon rain makes trails wet, leech-prone and slippery, though the Janai Purnima pilgrimage in August draws large crowds to the lakes.
Low: 4°C High: 18°C Little snow but frequent cloud, rain and limited views.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The most popular season - stable weather, crisp air and the clearest panoramas of the Jugal Himal and Langtang ranges.
Low: -8°C High: 12°C Occasional early snow at the highest camps late in the season.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold and quiet with snow blocking the higher trail; only well-equipped, experienced trekkers should attempt the route in deep winter.
Low: -15°C High: 5°C Significant snow above Nasim Pati often makes the lakes hard to reach.
Permits Required
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)Mandatory protected-area permit; Panch Pokhari lies within the Langtang National Park region. SAARC nationals pay a reduced fee.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Required for all trekkers; organised trekkers pay a lower rate than independent trekkers. We arrange this for you.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Merino or synthetic base layers — two sets, one worn one drying
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Waterproof shell jacket
Trekking trousers (not jeans, not cotton)
Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is fierce above the treeline
Warm hat and gloves for early starts and evenings
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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