Panch Pokhari Trek - 5 Days

Trip Overview

Panch Pokhari Trek, very close to Kathmandu but yet remaining a wilderness trekking without a teahouse on the route, is a fantastic camping trek to Panch Pokhari. The group of five high-altitude lakes is one of the main features of Langtang National Park, located in the Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhulpalchok districts of the central Himalayan region.

Panch Pokhara is situated at an elevation of about 4,100 m above sea level. This is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal. Panch Pokhari trekking lies to the north of the Kathmandu valley; the chain of peaks called Jugal Himal includes Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), Madiya (6,257 m), and Phurbi Chhyachu (6,637 m). This is a remote and unfrequented region, despite being close to Kathmandu. The lakes comprise one of Nepal's many high-altitude wetlands (HAW), but it is not listed as a Ramsar site.

WE (Wilderness Excursion) offers a 5-day Panch Pokhari Trek package with a short itinerary, though the trip can be expanded up to one week or 8 days:

Outline Itinerary of 8-Day Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu to Simpal (1813 Masl) by local bus/private jeep, 5 to 6 hours drive.
Day 2: Trek from Simpal to Kami Kharka 2810m/6 hours
Day 3: Trek from Kami Kharka to Pauwa Bas 3000m/6 hours
Day 4: Trek from Pauwa Bas to Hile Bhanjyang (3400 m/6 hours)
Day 5: Trek from Hile Bhanjyang to Panch Pokhari (4100 m/6 hours)
Day 6: Trek from Panch Pokhari to Tupi Danda 2320m/7 hours
Day 7: Trek from Tupi Danda to Dhap 1200m/6 hours
Day 8: Trek from Dhap to Melamchi 800m/5 hours and drive back to Kathmandu by a private vehicle for 4 hours