Panchpokhari Trek, Complete Guide

 This hike will take a special blend of the uncontaminated beauty, cultural, and a trek at a reasonable level of difficulty to be suitable for beginners, low-end travelers, and those with limited time.

This guide will offer a first-person account of how to plan and enjoy this trek to the maximum, based on our personal experience with this trek only recently.

Why Panch Pokhari is Special

Panch Pokhari is literally translated to mean Five Lakes and it depicts the five glacial lakes that are scattered all over the highlands of the region. 

The lakes lie with panoramic views of the Jagal Himal range, which is characterized by the tall peaks of Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m) and Madiya (6,257 m) that surround the lakes with a height of 4,100 meters.

Panch Pokhari is a smooth but varied path as opposed to steep and crowded Himalayan treks. You will pass by falls, walk through forest valleys, and through highland meadows.

The fact that it has a spiritual meaning as well is even more impressive: the location is a pilgrimage place with a temple devoted to Lord Shiv, and a lot of people come to cleanse themselves in the sacred waters.

Panch Pokhari Trek Itinerary

The line below is a day-by-day breakdown as it was experienced:

Day 1: Kathmandu to Chimti, Chimti to Deurali

The trekkers usually begin at Chautara, though we began at Chimti, which is approximately 7 7-hour drive away Kathmandu. We left the city around 11 a.m. and arrived at Chimti at 6 p.m. in a rented jeep. 

The roads are in bad condition, however, it is possible to drive through Melamchi and Bhotang.

It is a one-hour walk to Deurali; however, at Chimti, jeeps may reach there in case some people do not want to walk so much. To stay, the local teahouse has rooms and meals costing approximately 450Rs.

Day 2: Chimti to Nasimpati (3,700 m)

We began our walk at 6:30 am, but became rather lost at first. Red and white markers are used to mark the trail, and they are necessary to follow. On adjusting our course, we walked two hours to Tuppi Danda (2,320 m) and ate lunch there.

Between Tuppi Danda and Nasimpati is a distance of 4-5 hours up the mountain, through the forest, falls, and rock-steps. This section of the trail does not have lodges, and you should have enough snacks and water.

A teahouse we stayed a,t Nasimpati, had plenty of lodging even during Janai Purnim, which is one of the major religious festivals in Nepal. Evenings were cold but tolerable in warm things.

Day 3: Nasimpati to Panch Pokhari (4, 100 m) and Viewpoint(4, 300 m)

We started at 6 a.m. and by 9 a.m., we reached Panch Pokhari. The journey towards the lake is a three-hour walk at Nasimpati. There are steep slopes and some parts of the terrain are rocky, but the view is worth climbing.

Upon arrival, we visited the five lakes, took a quick bath in the river, and went to the temple of Shiva. It is a panoramic place to visit due to the perspective of 4,300 meters, which has panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding mountains. 

We do advise that you would spend more time at the lakes or even camp overnight provided the weather is favorable.

After another three hours, the road led down to Nasimpati, where we stayed the night. It is the best day of the trek, so do not hurry up and enjoy the scenery.

Day 4: Nasimpati to Deurali

The descent is more difficult than anticipated, and it requires about 8 hours. We had lunch at Tuppi Danda and then proceeded to Deurali where our jeep was waiting. It is also challenging to the knees, and trekking poles are very much welcome.

Trek Preparation Tips

Panch Pokhari trek can be done best with appropriate preparation. Here’s what to consider:

Fitness Level

This walk is defined as beginner to moderate. Although the actions become exhaustive, there are rest stops in between. Frequent exercising of the heart, walking, or even light hiking before the trek will go a long way to help.

Packing Essentials

Clothing: Layering is key. Carry a moisture-wicking base, a slick $$ fluffy jacket, and a down jacket. It is cold at night, particularly beyond 3,500 meters.

Accessories: Winter cap, walking stick for uneven grounds, gloves, and sunglasses.

Sleep Gear: Sleeping bag in case you are going to camp.

Electronics: Solar charger and power bank. There is not much electricity in high-altitude lodges.

Food and Water

Food selections are simple: Dal Bhat including vegetables, potato curry, and ghee. Snacks such as nuts, chocolate, and energy bars are high-calorie foods that can be carried to areas that do not have lodges.

Acclimatization

Even though the trek does not involve extreme elevation, slight acclimatization is required at levels higher than 3,500 meters. Calm down, drink a lot of water, and be attentive to your body.

Best Time to Go

The best trekking seasons are:

Spring (March-April): It is mentioned that wildflowers are blooming and the weather is not hot.

Autumn (September-October): It is clear skies and a beautiful mountain view.

When you want to visit the Janai Purnima festival, you can schedule it on the full moon of August, and that is when pilgrims take a bath in the holy lakes and put on the sacred thread.

Spiritual and Cultural Importance

Panch Pokhari is yet not only a place of nature but also a holy place. The pilgrims go to take a bath in the sacred waters, and the temple of Shiva gives the pilgrimage a spiritual dimension. 

Panch Pokhari camping is the only chance to immerse in a quiet or spiritual atmosphere created by the lakes. This area is similar to a high-altitude picnic unlike most of the Himalayan treks where a camping spot is hard to find.

Why Panch Pokhari Trek is Recommended to First-Time Trekkers?

The altitude and the length of the trek are manageable; therefore, the trek is a good introduction to Himalayan trekking for a beginner. 

To people with limited finances, the accommodation is cheap and the trip can be made in 3-4 days without having to sacrifice on any of the scenery or experience. 

Such a variety of landscapes, forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows provides a whole Himalayan experience in a small time period.

Final Thoughts

Panch Pokhari has natural beauty, spiritual feelings, and friendly topography, which makes it ideal for brief vacations. 

Be it a hiking trip, camping trip, or just to have a panoramic view of the rugged landscape of the Jugal Himal range, this trek is an experience in itself that you will always remember as a Himalayan experience.

Panch Pokhari can be considered as the destination of those willing to spend a few days in Kathmandu to experience the beauty of cascading rivers and forested trails, the lakes of glaciers.

Think before you plan, make a plan, and be a slow traveller to enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of this Himalayan jewel.