Panch Pokhari Trekking is a famous religious and tourist place in the Sindhupalchok district, north of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Panchpokhari, which has five (5, Panch) natural lakes, is a holy place for Hindus, Bons, and Buddhists. It is in the lap of the Jugal Mountain Range. Developed as a new route for trekking in Nepal, Panch Pokhari is very close to the capital Kathmandu. Panchpokhari is the 9th highest wetland in the world. Panchpokhari is located in “Bhotang” village, which is surrounded by cultural diversity, natural diversity, and a mysterious environment.

Panch Pokhari is an important destination among the 100 must-visit places. In 2011, the Nepal Postal Service Department also issued postage stamps marked with Panchpokhari.  Panchpokhari is a must-visit place for Hindu pilgrims.  It is believed that sins are washed away after bathing here. A big occasion is held here every year on the full moon day (Janai Purnima). Devotees from different places of Nepal come here on the occasion of Janai Purnima day. During Janaipurnima, one can observe the famous Jhakree dance at Panchpokhari. At that time, "Jhakree" from different parts of Sindhupalchok come to bathe in Panchpokhari according to traditional customs.

Panch Pokhari, located at a very close distance from the capital Kathmandu, is an excellent destination for every tourist and pilgrim. Panchpokhari is a piece of heaven hidden within the mysterious veil of natural beauty. Every tourist who comes here experiences a different kind of energy. Panchpokhari has the energy to connect with amazing natural forces.

Panch Pokhari Trek, Sindhupalchok

Where is Panch Pokhari located?

Panchpokhari lakes belong to Ward No. 3 Bhotang of Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchok. Panchpokhari is located at an altitude of about 4100 (13,500 ft.) meters from the sea. Recently Panchpokhari is one of the new destinations opened for trekking in Nepal. Panchpokhari is known as the center of faith for Hindus and Buddhists. This place is famous for religious and adventure tourism in Nepal.

The Panchpokhari region is home to Hyolmo, Tamang, Sherpa, and Gurung communities. Panchpokhari has natural as well as cultural diversity. Therefore Panchpokhari trekking is also very important for cultural tourism.  Panchpokhari is short-distance trekking from Kathmandu. At the same time, Panchpokhari can be considered an important center of attraction in Langtang National Park. It is the base camp of various mountains of the Jugal Mountain range.

Center of attraction

  • Five ponds at an altitude of about 4100 meters above sea level and the temple of Mahadev at the side,
  • Mesmerizing view of many mountains located in Jugal glacier range,
  • Local dress, culture, lifestyle, Local food,
  • Locals who keep cattle temporarily in cowsheds,
  • Locally produced Cheese from Yak's milk,
  • “Raithane” lakes and temple located on the way to Panchpokhari,
  • Artificial dragon waterfall constructed in “Chimti” ,
  • Paragliding: From Nagi Danda to Thangpal Dhap,

Weather

Panchpokhari ponds is located at a very high altitude (4100 meters above sea level). Mostly the daily weather in Panchpokhari is cold. It rains heavily in the monsoon (June, July, and August) months and snows heavily in winter (December, January and February) months. Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to go to Panchpokhari during the rainy and winter seasons. The weather of Panchpokhari is very favorable in the spring months (March, April and May) and autumn months (September, October, and November).

Best Season

The best season to go to Panchpokhari is the spring season and autumn season. At this time Panchpokhari shows its magical form. Spring and autumn are the best months for Panchpokhari trekking as there is not much rain, not much snow, and relatively less winter.

If you want, you can visit Panchpokhari in any month. This trekking is a moderately difficult route. Therefore, Panchpokhari is an evergreen destination for tourists who can cope with common problems.

Activities that can be done in Panchpokhari

In Panchpokhari, the most famous religious and tourist place of Sindhupalchok, we can taste sightseeing, religious tourism, and adventure tourism.

Visualization - Sightseeing

Tamang, Sherpa communities especially live around Panchpokhari lakes. The religious, touristic, and cultural aspects can be observed here, which are rich in nature. As it is located in the corner of the Jugal Ice Range, one can closely observe the mountains such as “Dorje Lakpa” (6966 meters), “Phurvi Chyachhu” (6637 meters), “Madia”, Rolling, and other mountains under the Jugal Ice Range.

Also, when it snows, you can see the snow all around and the scenic view of five ponds in the middle of the snow. Apart from that, in other seasons, the five ponds in the middle of the square attract everyone's heart. The “Raithane Mahadev” temple and pond on the way are another center of attraction during Panch Pokhari journey.

Apart from that, there are beautiful and traditional local settlements, villages, culture, forests, tar, grasslands, rivers flowing through forests, waterfalls, and bald dogs reared in the Himalayas, grazing sheep, Yak, goats, and cheese made from Yak's milk. You can observe various aspects such as uphill, downhill, etc. during the journey. Such views help to convey various sweet and sour memories of the journey.

Religious tourism - Meditation, Yoga

Panchpokhari is a sacred shrine, especially for Hindus and Buddhists. That is why the arrival of religious tourists in Panchpokhari is high. Panchpokhari is also an important destination from the religious point of view because it is associated with perfect men like Lord Mahadev, Guru Rimpoche, Mother Yangri, and Mahayogi Milarepa. There is a popular belief that by taking a bath here, one's thoughts will be fulfilled, all sins will be washed away and the path of the spiritual journey will be opened for every person. People who have faith in the Bon religion come from different places of the Sindhupalchok district to visit Panchpokhari on the day of Janai Purnima.

Panchpokhari is an excellent destination for yoga and meditation due to its mysterious natural beauty and peaceful environment.

Adventure tourism - Trekking

Traveling to Panchpokhari is adventure tourism in itself. Being located at an altitude of 4100 meters above sea level, the journey here is moderately difficult. This is an adventurous walk because you have to deal with geographical difficulties. Although it is difficult for those who travel at the beginning. And, it is not so difficult for those who continue to travel.

The journey to Jugal Base Camp is done through this trekking route. Panchpokhari is the entry point of the Himalayas under the Jugal Ice Range. Apart from trekking routes and mountain climbing, various infrastructures are being developed for the promotion of adventure tourism in Panchpokhari's surrounding areas. Recently, paragliding flights have been started around five ponds from Nagi Danda to Thangpal Dhap. This is an important step in the development of adventure tourism in Panchpokhari.

Apart from this, the development of adventure sports including rock riding continues.

Panchpokhari region receives a lot of snow in winter, so it is very cold here at that time. There is a fear of natural disasters due to heavy rains in monsoons and difficult geographical locations. The weather changes rapidly in a short time, and the geographical difficulty is the challenge of Panchpokhari travel. Avoiding lice bites is also a challenge in travel as many lice are found in cold areas with heavy rains during the monsoon season.

Camping

Camping is the main activities that can do in Panchpokhari. During this trekking journey, mid-range hotels and lodges are found on the way. There is no hotel in Panchpokhri. If you are thinking of living in Panchpokhari, then capping can be done.

On the whole, Panchpokhari journey is a moderately complex walk. Panchpokhari is a suitable destination for adventure travel as one can easily make a short and unforgettable journey from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, overcoming various challenges and complications, natural beauty, Yak and goats are grazing all day long, the forest, and loving the locals.

Important information about Panchpokhari

  • Two routes can be used to reach Panchpokhari: Melamchi via Bhotang and Sindhupalchok headquarters at Chautara Bazar via Sano Okhreni.
  • You can visit Panchpokhari within the time limit of at least one week.
  • In 2011, the Nepal Postal Service Department also issued postage stamps marked with Panchpokhari.
  • Things to Do in Panchpokhari: sightseeing, religious tourism, and adventure tourism.
  • Accommodation: Camping; there are a limited number of local hotels of average type at some places during the Panchpokhari journey. It is difficult to find a place to stay when there are many tourists.

How Panch Pokhari formed?

According to the history or studies of the locals, about 2300 years ago, a hunter named “Bumba Ruwa Waiba” reached a height of 4100 meters above sea level while hunting. The hunter saw some people cultivating rice in that place covered with snow. The hunter was surprised by the sight.  And when he came near the person who was cultivating, then all the people who were cultivating disappeared from place to place. The hunter was surprised. The hunter thought that this must be the work of Lord Shiva.  After that, the hunter removed the bell from his dog's neck and established it as a temple. The same temple is the temple in present-day Panchpokhari temple and the field cultivated by the same gods is the present-day Panchpokhari lakes.

Route to Panchpokhari

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

While travelling to Panchpokhri, you can use the means of transport from Kathmandu to Bhotang. Panchpokhari trekking starts from Bhotang.