Overview / Introduction
High
above the green valleys of Sindhupalchowk lies one of Nepal’s most peaceful and
spiritually powerful destinations — Paanch Pokhari, meaning Five Lakes.
Situated about 118 km northeast of Kathmandu, this area remains a hidden gem
for both trekkers and pilgrims. At an altitude of roughly 4,100 meters, the
five emerald lakes are believed to be abodes of divine energy and purity,
drawing hundreds of devotees every Janai Purnima.
The
Paanch Pokhari Trek Package by Guru Travels Ltd. takes you through a landscape
of dense rhododendron forests, remote Tamang villages, cascading waterfalls,
and majestic mountain views. Unlike crowded routes like Everest or Annapurna,
Paanch Pokhari remains serene and unspoiled. It’s a perfect blend of spiritual
retreat and Himalayan adventure, ideal for travelers seeking solitude and
authentic local culture.
At
Guru Travels Ltd., we focus on responsible tourism and community support. Our
experienced guides and local crew ensure your trek is safe, comfortable, and
meaningful — a journey of discovery that connects your soul with Nepal’s sacred
mountain heritage.
Tour Highlights
Major Sights & Attractions
Attraction |
Description |
Unique Fact |
Paanch Pokhari (Five Lakes) |
A series of five holy alpine lakes at approximately 4,100
m, worshipped by Hindus & Buddhists. Pilgrims bathe here during Janai
Purnima. |
Nepal’s 9th highest wetland; largest group of
high-altitude lakes in Sindhupalchowk. |
Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m) |
Snow-covered peak visible throughout the trek, a spiritual
symbol of peace and divine strength. |
One of the most photogenic mountains close to Kathmandu
Valley. |
Jugal Himal Range |
Cluster of lesser-known peaks forming the northern
skyline, visible from multiple ridges. |
Part of the southern rim of the Tibetan Plateau. |
Tamang Villages (Bhotang, Chimti) |
Home to Tamang & Sherpa communities known for their
hospitality and culture. |
Visitors can taste yak butter tea and millet wine. |
Rhododendron Forests |
Forests that bloom red, pink & white in spring,
offering colorful trekking routes. |
Rhododendron arboreum is Nepal’s national flower. |
Indravati River Source |
Glacial streams from the lakes feed the Indravati River,
vital for nearby villages. |
Forms a major tributary of the Sunkoshi River system. |
Viewpoint Ridge |
High vantage point ideal for sunrise, sunset, and
reflection photography. |
Best drone and landscape photography location of the trek. |
Duration & Destinations Covered
Trip Length: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Kathmandu → Chautara → Bhotang → Paanch Pokhari → Kathmandu
Trekking Distance: ≈ 55–60 km round trip
Highest Elevation: 4,100 m
Trip Grade: Moderate to challenging
Accommodation: Teahouses / Camping
Detailed Route Map: Kathmandu → Paanch Pokhari
Below is the detailed route breakdown for the journey from
Kathmandu to Paanch Pokhari. This includes road segments, trekking sections,
approximate distances, altitudes, and estimated travel times. It is designed to
help trekkers and travelers plan their route effectively
Segment |
Route Description |
Distance (Approx.) |
Altitude (m) |
Time (Approx.) |
Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Banepa |
Follow Araniko Highway (BP Highway), scenic valley views. |
27 km |
1,400 → 1,450 m |
1 hr |
Banepa → Dhulikhel → Panchkhal |
Gradual climb with green hills; tea stop at Dhulikhel. |
25 km |
1,550 m |
45 min |
Panchkhal → Melamchi → Indrawati Bridge |
Narrow mountain highway with river and terrace fields. |
32 km |
1,400 m |
1.5 hrs |
Indrawati Bridge → Bhotang Village |
Drive along gravel road; passes Gyalthum & Tipeni
villages. |
40 km |
1,700 m |
2 hrs |
Bhotang → Chautara → Trek Start Point |
Final stretch on jeep road to trailhead. |
12 km |
1,800 m |
45 min |
Trekking Route: Chautara → Phusre → Narsing Gumba → Paanch
Pokhari Lakes |
Trekking begins from Chautara; ascend through forests and
alpine zones. |
~55–60 km round trip |
Up to 4,100 m |
5 days trek |
Return: Paanch Pokhari → Bhotang → Kathmandu |
Descend same trail, drive back same highway. |
~100 km total |
4,100 → 1,400 m |
7 hrs drive |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day |
Route & Activities |
Altitude (m) |
Distance / Duration |
Meals (B/L/D) |
Day 1 |
Arrival in Kathmandu – Meet Guru Travels representative,
transfer to hotel, trek briefing and equipment check. |
1,400 |
1 hr transfer |
D |
Day 2 |
Drive from Kathmandu to Chautara – Scenic mountain drive
via Araniko Highway, acclimatization walk in the evening. |
1,450 |
5–6 hrs drive |
B/L/D |
Day 3 |
Trek from Chautara to Sano Okhreni – Through terraced
farmlands, pine and rhododendron forests. |
2,000 |
6 hrs trek |
B/L/D |
Day 4 |
Trek to Narsing Gumba – Visit a local monastery and
experience Tamang culture. |
2,700 |
5 hrs trek |
B/L/D |
Day 5 |
Trek to Paanch Pokhari Base Camp – Enjoy stunning views of
Dorje Lakpa and Jugal Himal. |
3,700 |
5 hrs trek |
B/L/D |
Day 6 |
Hike to Paanch Pokhari Lakes – Visit all five sacred
lakes, photography and meditation, descend to camp. |
4,100 |
4 hrs hike |
B/L/D |
Day 7 |
Descend via Bhotang Village, drive back to Kathmandu –
Farewell dinner and certificate distribution. |
1,400 |
6 hrs trek + 5 hrs drive |
B/L/D |
Day 8 |
Departure or optional sightseeing of UNESCO sites in
Kathmandu. |
- |
- |
B |
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation: Basic teahouses and camping on trek; 3-star
hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals: Three meals per day (B, L, D) during trek. Freshly cooked Nepali and
Continental food.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) are the best
seasons for clear skies and moderate temperatures. Winter brings cold but crisp
weather, while monsoon months (Jun–Aug) are not recommended due to rain.
Customization Options
Guru Travels Ltd. offers flexibility to customize your
Paanch Pokhari Trek. Combine it with Helambu or Langtang Valley, add Kathmandu
sightseeing, or opt for a helicopter return. Student discounts and private
group options are available.
Why Book with Guru Travels Ltd.
·
Nepal’s First Public Limited Travel Company –
transparent and reliable.
·
Local expertise with professional mountain
guides.
·
Personalized service and safety-first approach.
·
Support for local communities and eco-tourism.
·
24/7 customer support and emergency response.
Call to Action
Are you ready to walk to the sacred five lakes of Paanch
Pokhari? Contact Guru Travels Ltd. for expert-guided trekking packages,
flexible dates, and the best Himalayan experiences.