PANCH POKHARI

Panch pokhari is a pond that has been formed with a combined group of 5 Hindu holy lakes in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal. This trekking destination is situated at an elevation of about 4100m above sea level and is considered as 9th highest altitude wetland in the whole wide world. Moreover, Panch pokhari is one of the famous destinations for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, particularly during Janai Purnima. Panch Pokhari is one of the main features of Langtang National Park, located in the Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchowk district of the central Himalayan region. 

However, Panch pokhari (Five holy lakes) is named Panch Pokhari because there are a total of five divine lakes in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal. It lies to the north of the Kathmandu Valley; the chain of the peaks is called Jugal Himal that includes Dorje Lakpa (6966m) Madiya (6257m) and Phurbi Chhyachu (6637m). Although being close to Kathmandu Valley this place is a remote and unfrequented region but is famous for short treks near Kathmandu valley. 

In the lower part of the Langtang region the trip consists of the base of the Jugal Himal range in the beginning and concludes. You can barely see some tourists as the destination is more popular among the natives’ trekkers and pilgrimages. Most of the people you see on the way to Panch pokhari are Natives because the trails are old which have been used by the shepherds for decades. It is believed that if you make a wish with a pure intention then your wishes will be fulfilled that is why this place holds the importance of both religion and culture.

Moreover, the place is not only surrounded by Ariel Himalayan landscapes but also it is famous for its own kind of species of flora and fauna like trees of Juniper, rhododendron, pine, and animals like wild boar, Blue sheep, Monjack. There is also found Yarsagumba ``CORDYCEPS”, it is half plant and half insect which is a rare species in the world.

How to reach Panch Pokhari?

To reach Panch pokhari there are two Trekking routes, one starts from Sano Okhareni via Chautara, headquarter of Sindhupalchowk and another starts from Bhotang village via Melamchi. The route is an easier and shorter path to reach Panch Pokhari. The best season to travel to Panch Pokhari is during the August season.

Day 1: Your arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive to Bhotamg village (1800m)

Your journey starts with 6-7 hours of bus or jeep ride from Kathmandu to Bhotang village. On the way, you pass by various villages of Tamang and other communities like Tipeni Bazaar, Dhap, Raithane, and Manekharka before arriving at Bhotang village. You will spend your first night there.

Day 3: Trek to Nasimpati

The third day is a long day of going up and up to reach Nasimpati where you will spend the second night. 

Rhododendron 

Day 4: Trek to Panch Pokhari Lake (4100m)

The fourth day starts with the early morning walk to Panch pokhari. To reach Panch pokhari you’ll have to cross the path filled with rocks from stairs to the ground. After reaching Panch pokhari you will see the mesmerizing beauty of the first three lakes and the other two little apart.

Day 5: Trek back to Bhotang village

Then on the next day, you can worship at the temple and take a tour of five holy lakes and then return to Bhotang village with hours of walk and spend the night there.

Day 6: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 7: Final departure

FAQ

1. How long is the Panch Pokhari Trek?

Panch Pokhari Trek is a short trek of 6 days.

2. How do we book this trek?

To book a trek, you can kindly either contact us directly or email us on info@shivalayaholidays.com.

3. Drinking water

Natural spring water is available. You can either drink water by putting on a water purifying tablet or it is also possible to buy boiled filter water. The Mineral water bottle has been banned in this area because of environmental issues. 

4. How hard is the Panch Pokhari Trek?

The trek is moderate, it is neither hard nor easy. But even if you are a beginner, it won’t be that hard for you to trek in this area.

5. Is electricity available?

The electricity isn’t available at higher points of the trek but you will get solar power to charge your devices which will cost an extra fare.

6. Is wifi available?

Yes, the wifi is available in many parts of the trek but for the wifi, they charge an extra fare.

7. How do we make the deposit for the trek?

You may choose according to your own convenience, you may either bank transfer, credit card, western union, or other options. 

8. Bank, ATM, or money exchange

There are no banks or atm or money exchange to the higher points of the trek.