Panch Pokhari

Panch Pokhari is a collection of 5 (Panch) Hindu holy lakes, and famous Pilgrimage sites in Sindhupalchowk, Nepal.

About Panch Pokhari, Sindhupalchowk

Panch Pokhari is a group of five Holy lakes which lies in the Sindhupalchowk District of Nepal. The Lakes is famous for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage, during Janai Purnima. This lake is an excellent destination for yoga and meditation due to its mysterious natural beauty and peaceful environment. Which is situated at an elevation of about 4100m above sea level.

Panch Pokhari means five ponds and collections of five holy lakes, located in "Bhotang" village under Panch Pokhari Thangpal rural municipality of Sindhupalchowk District. It lies to the north of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.  This is a famous pilgrimage site in Nepal. The Pamchpokhari trek heads north through rural Tamang/Sherpa villages and forests.

Panch Pokhari is one of the main features of Langtang National park, located in the Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhuplachowk districts of the central Himalayan region. 

The best Seasons to visit in Panchpokhari is Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) are ideal when  weather is clear skies, mild days, and rhododendron forests in bloom. Monsoon (Jun–Aug) brings heavy rain, slippery trails and leeches, so it’s generally avoided.
Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold and snowy; lodge-keepers often close at the lakes. With proper gear you can trek in winter, but expect icy passes and fewer services. Spring blossoms on the Panch Pokhari trail – one reason to trek in Mar–May for clear weather and rhododendron blooms. 

Attractions

The major attractions of Panchpokhari are: 

Five Glacial Lakes: The lakes themselves are the main draw. Pilgrims often take ritual dips in the clear waters.
Panoramic Viewpoints: From about 4,100 m above the lakes you get sweeping views of the Jugal Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling and other peaks (notably Dorje Lakpa, Madiya, etc.). 
Nature & Wildlife: Trek through alpine meadows and conifer forests (vibrant with rhododendrons in spring).

Culture & Villages: The trail passes small villages and monasteries. You may visit local tea-houses or interact with Tamang/Sherpa families.

Camping: Because there are few lodges on the route, many tours camp at night. Camping under the stars beside the lakes is a highlight. (If camping, bring a warm sleeping bag; if not, expect basic tea-house rooms with shared facilities.)

Accommodations & Food: Lodging is very basic. Lower villages (Chimti/Deurali, Nasimpati) have a few simple teahouses. Above ~3,700 m there are hardly any inns, so many groups camp or use very rustic guesthouses. Rooms are often cold and shared. Food consists of typical Nepali mountain fare – dal-bhat (rice and lentils), soups, noodles and simple curries. Carry snacks (nuts, chocolate) and stay hydrated. Be prepared for occasional shortages.

Trail Details & Difficulty: The Panch Pokhari trek is considered moderate. Expect steady uphill hiking every day, with a final push above 4,000 m. Some sections (like the Lauribina Pass) are steep and can be tricky in bad weather. The trails are rocky and uneven; good trekking boots, warm layers and trekking poles are recommended. Altitude is a factor: ascend slowly, know the symptoms of altitude sickness, and consider carrying medication. 

Facts about Panch Pokhari

1. The Panch Pokhari trek is one of the most popular camping treks that can be done in Nepal.
2. Panch Pokhari is situated at an elevation of about 4100m above sea level.
3. Panch Pokhari is a collection of five holy lakes that lies in the Sindhupalchok district of Nepal.
4. The Weather is favorable in the spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) seasons because banks are blooming.
5. This is one of the famous Hindu Pilgrimage sites in Nepal.

Things to do in Panch Pokhari

1. Camping
2. Sightseeing
3. Religious Merits
4. Trekking
5. Yoga and Meditation

Route to Panchpokhari

From Kathmandu you’ll travel by road to the trek start (via Melamchi Bazaar to Bhotang/ Chimti). Then trek up through Deurali and Nasimpati (3700m) to the lakes. The return usually descends via Tupi Danda to Dhap/Melamchi, where you rejoin the highway back to Kathmandu.There are various ways and routes to reach in Panchpokhari. The most popular route are:

 Kathmandu: Melamchi - Tipeni - Thangpaldhap - Manikharka - Chhimti - Deurali - Tupi Danda - Nyasim Pati - Panchpokhari