Paanch Pokhari Trek

About this journey

Paanch Pokhari means five ponds — a cluster of glacial lakes at around 4,100 m below the Jugal Himal, and one of the highest wetlands in the world. Hindus walk up for the Janai Purnima festival in August. The rest of the year it is close to empty, which is remarkable for a trek that starts a half-day's drive from the capital. Teahouses are basic and intermittent; this is a trek that rewards being prepared.

Highlights

• The five glacial lakes and their shrine
• Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa and Ganesh Himal on the skyline
• Rhododendron and oak forest below Kami Kharka
• Tamang and Sherpa villages through the lower valley

Typical itinerary

The standard route. We shorten, extend or reverse it around your dates.

1. 1

   Day 1

   Kathmandu to Chautara by road, on to Dhap

2. 2

   Day 2

   Dhap to Kami Kharka through oak forest

3. 3

   Day 3

   Kami Kharka to Pauwa Bas

4. 4

   Day 4

   Pauwa Bas to Hile Pati

5. 5

   Day 5

   Hile Pati to Paanch Pokhari, 4,100 m

6. 6

   Day 6

   Lakes and the Jugal Himal viewpoint, descend to Hile Pati

7. 7

   Day 7

   Descend to Kami Kharka

8. 8

   Day 8

   Kami Kharka to Chautara, drive to Kathmandu

Permits

• Langtang National Park entry permit
• TIMS card

We process these for you. Bring your passport and passport photographs.

Getting there

• Drive Kathmandu to Chautara or Dhap, 4–6 hours
• Teahouses are sparse above Kami Kharka — camping support on longer runs
• Guide strongly recommended; the upper trail is poorly marked