Overview

Panch Pokhari is a serene and sacred collection of five alpine lakes situated in the Northeastern region of Nepal. It is 4100 meters above sea level. Located in the Langtang National Park, a trek to Panch Pokhari is one of the most picturesque treks close to Kathmandu. Revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, this hidden gem offers a blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty. As it is one of the less-traveled routes, people seeking solitude can embark on the Panch Pokhari trek.

This trek promises solitude, cultural immersion, and authentic wilderness, making it a must-visit for tranquility seekers. It takes you through Sherpa and Tamang villages, where trekkers can learn more about their culture and daily lifestyle. In this article, we’ll take you through this amazing trek.

Location Of Panch Pokhari & Getting There…

Panch Pokhari is located in the Sindhupalchowk district of Bagmati Province. You cannot reach Panch Pokhari in any kind of vehicle, so walking is the only option. However, you can reach Chimti by private vehicle or a public bus from Kathmandu. Chimti is 72km from Kathmandu, taking 4 hours to reach. From there, you must walk the entire route up to Panch Pokhari.

The trek starts from Bhotang after reaching there via a drive from Kathmandu. The trek further from Bhotang will take you to Deurali and, eventually, Nasempati. As you ascend, you’ll cross beautiful valleys, rivers, and small water streams. You’ll reach Laure Bhanjyang before getting to Panch Pokhari. After exploring Panch Pokhari, you can return to Tangu and trek to Bhotang. From Bhotang, you can get a return drive to Kathmandu via Melamchi.

Highlights Of Panch Pokhari

  • Sacred Lakes at an altitude of 4100 meters above sea level. These lakes are religiously significant to Hindus and Buddhists. These lakes get frozen during the winter.
  • The trek offers outstanding views of Langtang, Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar mountains.
  • The trail passes through Langtang National Park, offering a chance to glimpse unique flora and fauna.
  • Unlike more popular trekking destinations, Panch Pokhari is less crowded, offering a peaceful, secluded trekking experience.
  • The trail takes you through varied landscapes, which change as you ascend.

Facts of Panch Pokhari Trek:

  1. Location: Sindhupalchowk, Bagmati Province, Nepal.
  2. Altitude: 4100 meters
  3. Trek’s Duration: 4-5 days
  4. Starting Point of the Trek: Bhotang
  5. End Point: Panch Pokhari

Itinerary

  • Day 1- Kathmandu to Bhotang and Deurali: The drive from Kathmandu will take you to Melamchi, and the drive will take you to Bhotang. After walking for an additional 2 hours, you’ll reach Deurali.
  • Day 2- Deurali to Nasempati and Laure Bhanjyang: As you ascend to Nasempati, you’ll see a change is the region’s landscape.
  • Day 3- Laure Bhanjyang to Panch Pokhari: On this day, you’ll reach Panch Pokhari, where there is a temple and some rest houses. The scenery from the top is mesmerizing as you’ll see many distant mountains, too.
  • Day 4- On the final day, you can return to Bhotang and then drive back to Kathmandu in the evening.
Panch Pokhari
Panch Pokhari (Source: Wikipedia Commons)

 

Religious Significance of Panch Pokhari

This place holds a deep religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. The five lakes are considered sacred, representing the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. Hindu pilgrims visit Panch Pokhari during the Janai Purnima festival to take holy dips in the lake. The serene environment and untouched nature of Panch Pokhari add to its status as a sacred site, drawing both devotees and trekkers.

Best Time to Visit Panch Pokhari

The two most prominent times to visit Panch Pokhari are Autumn and Spring. During these seasons, the views of the mountains are also gorgeous. The temperature drops significantly during winter, so it is very cold around this region. You must have the appropriate gear to deal with the cold and snow this season. During the Spring and Autumn seasons, the weather is pleasant and stable.

Conclusion

The Panch Pokhari trek offers an extraordinary journey through remote villages, rich cultural settlements, and the pristine beauty of nature. The sacred lakes, combined with mesmerizing views of the stunning Himalayas, create an unforgettable experience for trekkers. With fewer crowds compared to other popular treks, Panch Pokhari provides an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and local traditions.

Also Read: A Perfect Alternative To The Crowded ABC Trek: Khopra Ridge