Sacred five lakes at 4,100m · Pilgrimage & wilderness · Raw unspoiled Nepal
A spiritually significant trek to five sacred alpine lakes nestled at around 4,100m in the hills northeast of Kathmandu. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit during Janai Purnima, but outside the festival, the trail offers peaceful mountain scenery, traditional villages, and a genuine off-the-beaten-path feel.
Panch Pokhari is little-known outside Nepal yet deeply cherished within it. The approach through Sindhupalchowk's gentle ridgelines, the traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages, and the serene high-altitude lakes create a quietly magical experience distinct from Nepal's busier trekking corridors.
Panch Pokhari – five holy lakes revered by Hindus and Buddhists, set in a glacial basin below the Jugal Himal.
Sindhupalchok, Bagmati Province
4,100 m (Panch Pokhari)
7–9 days KTM–KTM
~70–80 km trekking
Moderate
Altitude main challenge
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Clear skies, stable weather
Five holy lakes · Jugal / Rolwaling views · Tamang & Sherpa culture · Jana Purnima festival
Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar – a stunning amphitheater.
| Peak Name | Range | Height (m) | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jugal Himal | Jugal | 7,098 | North |
| Dorje Lakpa | Jugal/Langtang | 6,966 | Northeast |
| Phurbi Ghyachu | Langtang | 6,637 | Northwest |
| Loenpo Gang | Jugal | 6,979 | Northeast |
| Gaurishankar | Rolwaling | 7,134 | East (far) |
| Kang Guru | Jugal | 6,981 | North |
TIMS + Langtang National Park + local municipality fee. No restricted permit.
| Permit | Cost (NPR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| TIMS Card (individual) | 1,000 | ~$7.50 |
| Langtang National Park | 3,000 | ~$23 |
| Local Municipality Fee | 500–1,000 | ~$4–8 |
| Total ~$35–38 | ||
| Style | Cost (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎒 Independent | $140–180 | Local bus, basic teahouses, no guide |
| 🚐 Standard (guide+porter) | $260–350 | Shared jeep, guide, porter, permits, some meals |
| ✨ Luxury / private | $450+ | Private jeep, best lodges, extra days |
From Kathmandu to Chautara, through Tamang villages to the sacred lakes and back.
Limited but welcoming teahouses up to Hille Bhanjyang; Panch Pokhari has only 1–2 very basic shelters.
Nights at 4,100m can drop to -5°C in autumn, -10°C in winter. Expedition‑ready layering required.
Acclimatize properly – ascend slowly, rest in Hille Bhanjyang, drink 4L water daily.
Headache, nausea, fatigue = mild. Vomiting, loss of coordination = descend 500m immediately.
Drink 3–4 liters of water daily. Dehydration mimics and worsens AMS.
Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills above 3,000m – they suppress breathing.
Must cover helicopter rescue up to 5,500m. Rescue from Panch Pokhari ~$2,500–4,000.
125mg twice daily – consult doctor. Start one day before reaching 3,000m.
Start from Hille Bhanjyang at 5:30 AM to reach lakes by noon before clouds roll in.
The lakes are holy to both Hindus and Buddhists – pilgrims flock during Jana Purnima (August).
Kathmandu → Chautara → Phurse → Kamidada → Hille Bhanjyang → Panch Pokhari → return
Book your Panch Pokhari trek with Lila – expert local guides, responsible trekking, and an unforgettable spiritual journey.