Panch Pokhari Trek

Itinerary of Panch Pokhari Trek

Includes/Excludes

Best Time for the Panch Pokhari Trek

Spring and autumn are typically the best times for the Panch Pokhari Trek, as trails are usually stable and mountain views are excellent. In spring, the days are warmer and rhododendron flowers; in the autumn, mostly clearer after monsoon.

Rain is one of the issues that can occur during the monsoon season, as can muddy trails or road problems. It can be very cold around the higher sections in winter and snow may occur. Experience also varies depending on the weather conditions of the year.

Panch Pokhari Trek Difficulty and Daily Walking

This is a moderate to difficult hike due to the long days of walking and relatively steep climb. The steepness of the course is not the only challenge; the uphill stretches to Nyasim Pati and Panch Pokhari are also quite tough.

The trail to Panch Pokhari involves hiking in the forest, climbing stone steps, steep sides of hills and high altitude areas. The trekkers should be prepared to walk for several hours a day and should be ready for a long hike home from Panch Pokhari to Chhimti.

Please note that distances on foot may vary depending on the trail you choose and road/trail conditions.

Altitude Gain and Acclimatization

The itinerary is short and goes from Chhimti to Panch Pokhari in a short distance, so the altitude change is important to consider. There is a significant increase, especially on the second and third days.

Acute mountain sickness can develop above (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). Maintaining hydration, walking slowly, eating well and reporting symptoms early are key precautions.

Trail Conditions and Terrain

The trail starts to really vary along the way. The lower stretch passes through forest and hillside settlements, steepening and becoming more open towards Nyasim Pati and Panch Pokhari.

Post-rain or snow conditions may change along the trail. Steep and uneven terrain is good for trekking poles and good footwear. Route information identifies the approach from Chhimti as a combination of forest trails, stairs, uphill sections and high mountain terrain.

Panch Pokhari Trek Permits and Required Documents

A set of required documents must be sorted before embarking on the journey. According to the latest information provided by the Nepal Tourism Board, the Panch Pokhari Trek is included in the Panch Pokhari Bhairabkunda Area, in which a Nepal Tourism Board (Nepalibama) issued TIMS card is mandatory.

Trekkers don’t have to process the permits and TIMS application process themselves; they are included in the package by Above the Himalaya.

However, it is important to have the original passport as well as a copy of the details of your passport with you. Be sure to have permits and a TIMS with you for the hike; papers can be reviewed during the hike. Requirements may vary, so please check with the agency for the current requirements prior to departure.

Accommodation and Overnight Facilities

Accommodation on this trail is less luxurious than on popular trekking trails. Teahouses and lodges offer basic lodging and accommodations get scarcer at higher altitudes. Additionally, Panch Pokhari is a more remote region and trekkers should be ready for minimal facilities, as per Langtang National Park management information.

The rooms are usually furnished with simple beds and blankets, but one should not expect facilities like those found in hotels. Bathrooms can be shared and hot showers/able to charge may not be available at all times.

Nyasim Pati and Panch Pokhari offer fewer facilities than big trekking centres. So, a warm sleeping bag is good to have, especially in colder weather.

Food, Drinking Water and Water Purification

The average menu for meals is very basic local teahouse fare. Dal bhat, noodles, rice dishes, soups, pasta, eggs, potatoes, tea and other basic meals may be available depending on the lodge and season.

The further away you are from the food source, the more restricted your food options are. A couple of energy snacks are helpful on a long day’s walk.

Water for drinking should be a priority. Trekkers must have treated water for their lodges or use an appropriate treatment tablet, filter, or another acceptable means of water purification. Never drink untreated water from streams. Bring enough water for sections where there isn’t a lot of water available.

Transportation and Road Conditions

The journey starts with a road trip from Kathmandu towards Chhimti. The duration of the drive is approximately 6 to 7 hours, but travel time may vary depending on traffic, construction, weather and road conditions.

Chhimti is a known entry point to the Panch Pokhari route and road transport plays a significant role in the route.

Roads off of main highways may be narrow, winding and rough. Rain may impact the surface of roads and travel times during the monsoon season. Private car service or appropriate local transportation is available as per package. Please note that the road conditions in the mountains can vary and the trekker should be prepared to be flexible with his/her schedule.

Weather and Temperature at Different Elevations

Changes in the weather are noticeable as the trail rises in elevation. Lower villages may feel relatively warm during the day while Nyasim Pati and Panch Pokhari may be cold even if comfortable at lower altitudes.

The climate is subject to variations according to the month, the weather pattern, wind and the sun. Proper layering is more useful than just a set temperature range.

Mobile Network, Internet and Charging Facilities

Not all the trail is covered by mobile signal. Network coverage may be available in some lower settlements and may be weak or nonexistent in higher and more distant areas.

Do not assume that Internet access will be available. Where available, Wi Fi may be slow or require a cellphone or mobile network connection.

There are also some overnight stops where charging is limited. If you use your phone for photos, navigation, communication, or as an emergency tool, the power bank is highly recommended.

Print off important documents, maps and contact numbers before leaving Kathmandu. Don’t forget to keep the phone on low power mode and bring a spare battery in case you have a long day of walking.

Health, Altitude Safety and Emergency Evacuation

Altitude is the main health consideration on this trek. The route ends at around (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), where it is important to listen to symptoms including headache, dizziness, unusual tiredness, nausea, or difficulty breathing.

Walk at a leisurely pace and do not hurry when going uphill. Drink plenty of water and have regular meals. If symptoms get worse, report to your guide and don’t try to continue in silence.

• Don’t think the symptoms at altitude are getting worse.
• Take rest breaks as necessary and work at a consistent speed.
• Steer clear of alcohol when at higher elevations.
• Stay warm, particularly after dark.
• Bring your personal medication and basic first aid kit.
• If a change of itinerary is required, follow the guide’s instructions.

It is recommended to bring group trekking supplies, first aid supplies, rain protection and appropriate precautions for high altitude travel. It also recommends calling a local agency for helicopter evacuation services, if necessary.

Money, Cash and Extra Trekking Expenses

Use of cash is a crucial component because one can’t expect cards or ATMs on this far-flung journey. It is preferable to leave or exchange enough Nepalese currency in Kathmandu prior to travel.

The services listed in the inclusions are typically included in your main package. You may have to pay extra for personal expenses like extra drinks, snacks, charging, hot showers (if available), tips and extra transportation.

Keep some extra cash on hand for unexpected expenses instead of only for discretionary items. Do not leave all the cash in your daypack.

Useful small notes; some local shops and lodges might not have any change. Your guide will also be able to give you a rough idea of how much money you’ll be spending a day before you go on the trek.

Travel Insurance for the Panch Pokhari Trek

The route has fairly high altitudes (around 4,100 m / 13,451 ft) and long stretches away from the safe zone, so travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy needs to cover trekking at the highest point of your trip.

Make sure to read the policy carefully and not assume that a general travel policy automatically applies to mountain trekking. Helpful places to look are emergency medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption and delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

If your insurance company does provide helicopter evacuation on your route, this should be covered. Inquire about any restrictions for altitude sickness and whether the insurance company needs to be notified beforehand.

Have your policy information, emergency contact phone number, passport information and the instructions of your insurance company on your phone and in print.

Packing Guide for the Panch Pokhari Trek

Packing should take into account the upper trail’s warm clothing needs, while taking into account the lower trail’s lighter clothing needs. Personal essentials should be brought from Kathmandu, as there is limited availability of facilities.

• Waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.
• Warm base layers & fleece
• Insulated jacket for use at high altitudes.
• A waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Warm hat, gloves and additional socks.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottles
• Tablets or filters to purify water.
• Headlamp and spare batteries.
• Power bank and charging cable
• Personal medicines and basic first aid supplies.
• Sleeping bag appropriate for cold weather.
• Trekking poles
• Passport & Permit copies
• Personal toiletries

The daypack is for items that are required during the walk; heavier items will be arranged as per the package that includes porter service.

Guides, Porters and Trekking Support

A guide is particularly useful on this route because the trail becomes remote and the elevation rises quickly. Current Nepal Tourism Board rules list Panch Pokhari Trek among the routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS card.

Above the Himalaya can arrange the selected package’s guide and porter support. The guide helps with route planning, booking accommodation, pace and communicating with the local community.

With porters, you can have a lighter daypack and take the heavier portion of your trekking gear. Carry personal belongings, valuables, paperwork, water and anything else that might be needed during the day’s hike in your personal pack.

Solo Trekking vs Guided Trekking

There are many differences between independent trekking and guided trekking, especially on a less developed route like this.

For the Panch Pokhari Trek under these routes, it is recommended for trekkers to plan their trek according to the current regulations and assume that they don’t have to trek independently, as it is not permitted.

Panch Pokhari Lakes and Religious Significance

Panch Pokhari translates to five lakes and is a group of sacred lakes around (4,100 m / 13,451 ft). This site is considered to be of pilgrimage importance, especially for Hindu worshippers and the area is also culturally related to the wider communities around the Himalayas.

The lakes are particularly linked to the Janai Purnima period when people visit to do religious ceremonies. During this time, the weather can be wet and the season of pilgrimage and trekking is not ideal.

The lakes should not be visited for photography alone, but also as a place of religious significance to the trekkers. Do not enter the water unless authorized, maintain a low noise level and adhere to local instructions during religious events.

Local Culture, Villages and Trekking Etiquette

The trail winds through communities where agriculture, livestock farming, local commerce and traditional way of life are still significant aspects of daily living. Beyond that, Tamang, Hyolmo and other communities of the Himalayas live in the broader region, where Buddhism is intermingled with Hinduism in various places.

• Do not take pictures of anyone or private property without permission.
• Respect the dress code around temples, shrines and religious places.
• Play by local rules at festive events, ceremonies, etc.
• Don’t make loud noises in religious buildings.
• Please refrain from entering homes or monasteries without permission.
• Avoid littering the trail and village areas.
• Respect local traditions, regardless of their opposition to yours.
• Buy local products or services wherever possible.

Interactions with the locals are more comfortable if they receive a friendly greeting and respectful behavior.

Photography, Drones and Responsible Tourism

Photography is part and parcel of this journey; whether you’re in the forest, along a mountain ridge, or visiting the five lakes, the landscape is changing all the time. Yet photographs should not be in the way of religious activities and local privacy.

• Do not take photographs of local people without permission.
• Don’t take pictures or videos of religious services without permission.
• Do not leave your camera or phone behind in challenging areas.
• Carry spare batteries or a power bank.
• Don’t dispose of packages or other trash while taking pictures.
• Verify the current aviation regulations before carrying or using a drone.
• Do not fly near people, settlements, or aircraft routes or areas of restriction.
• Obey local officials and the trekking company.

It is important to practice responsible photography around Panch Pokhari, which is a sacred pilgrimage site of the lakes.

Wildlife, Forests and Natural Environment

The vegetation along the lower and middle portion of the trail is mostly woodland and as the trail rises to higher elevations, the vegetation becomes more alpine. The Langtang area and the Panch Pokhari area have a wider range of plants, including rhododendron, pine, fir, oak and more.

In addition to being seen in the zoo, wildlife can be seen in the surrounding areas, including musk deer, Himalayan tahr, goral, Himalayan black bear and red panda.

Wildlife feeding and approaching animals should be restricted for trekkers. Carry rubbish back to designated disposal points and avoid collecting plants, flowers, rocks, or other natural materials.

Low noise levels can also minimise disturbance to wildlife. Waste and water use are critical to the condition of remote mountain environments.

Emergency Communication and Rescue Arrangements

It is important to plan for emergencies as some parts of the Panch Pokhari route are remote and mobile communications might be poor. Itinerary, emergency contacts and pertinent travel information should be on your guide’s or agency’s list prior to departure.

If a serious health problem occurs, it is essential that the guide is notified at once. The guide can evaluate the situation and communicate with the agency and local services available.

Helicopter evacuation should be considered if it is medically indicated and the weather and operational circumstances are conducive to it. It must not be regarded as an automatic service. It is important to have travel insurance with the proper evacuation coverage.

It is advised that the trekkers use the designated route, trek in groups, carry basic safety equipment and contact their local agency for arrangements to be made for helicopter evacuation as necessary.

Other Treks in the Region

It can be compared to several different treks in Langtang and northeastern central Nepal as it is part of the region. There are lake walks, cultural trails, high mountain walks and longer hikes through the wilderness.

This will depend on the amount of time available, walking experience, scenery that is preferred and capability of being accommodated to remote conditions. The routes of Jugal Himal, Ganja La and Tilman Pass are considerably more challenging than the basic Panch Pokhari trek.