Panch Pokhari Trek | 3 Nights 4 Days Trekking Guide

Panch Pokhari Trek is a peaceful trekking route located in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal, northeast of Kathmandu. The trek leads to the  "Five Sacred Lakes"  namely jethi Pokhari, Mahili Pokhari, Sahili Pokhari, Kaili Pokhari, and Kanchi Pokhari in Nepali — a group of five high-altitude lakes that hold religious and cultural significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. The lakes are visited by thousands of pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival (usually in August).

These panch pokhari is situated at an altitude of around 4,100 meters (13,451 feet) above sea level and are among the highest freshwater lake systems in Nepal.

Panch Pokhari Trek gained wider attention in the early 2000s when it was officially promoted as a trekking destination by the Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). Since then, thousands of nature lover and pilgrims visit here through out the year.

Quick Facts about Panch Pokhari Trek

• Location: Sindhupalchowk District, Nepal

• Altitude of Panch pokhari Lakes: ~4,100 meters (13,451 ft)

• Distance from Kathmandu: ~70 km northeast (approx. 5–6 hours drive to trailhead)

• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 days

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for beginners with preparation)

• Best Season: Monsoon Season and Winter Season [mainly July to November]

Highlights

• This is a short trek near Kathmandu, ideal for beginners and families seeking a peaceful Himalayan adventure.

• The trail goes through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, and terraced fields.

• You'll get to experience the local culture and lifestyle as you cross beautiful rivers and streams.

Panch Pokhari Altitude

The main attraction, the cluster of lakes, sits at a high altitude of 4100 meters (13,451 feet) above sea level. For trekkers, there is also a viewpoint nearby that offers an even more spectacular panorama of the lakes and surrounding peaks at an altitude of approximately 4300 meters.

Facilities at Panch Pokhari Summit

Despite its remote location, you can expect the following amenities:

• Comfortable Stay: Basic rooms with blankets and bedsheets are provided.

• Hot Water: Free hot water is available.

• Wi-Fi: You can stay connected with Wi-Fi access.

• Fresh Water: Enjoy unlimited fresh water.

• Meals: Traditional Nepalese vegetarian meals, such as Dal Bhat and Aloo Tarkari, are served. Please note that no meat options are available as it is a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus.

• Drinks: Local traditional alcohol, soft drinks, and tea are also available.

Panch Pokhari Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Your journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Chimti (Bhotang). From there, you'll trek approximately 7 km to Rato Mato.

Day 2: Trek from Rato Mato to the Panch Pokhari.

Day 3: Descend from Panch Pokhari back to Chimti.

Day 4: Return to Kathmandu.

Kathmandu to Panch Pokhari Ticket and Bus Stop

As of July 29, 2025, the bus fare from Kathmandu to Chimti was NPR 650. Please note that bus fares in Nepal can fluctuate due to factors like season, fuel prices, and road conditions.

The journey is known for its challenging road conditions, with the bus navigating a very rough and often unpaved path. While the final destination is Chimti, the bus may sometimes drop passengers off at an earlier point due to the difficult terrain but luckly we manage to sneak to chimti final stop.

📞 For panch pokhari trek bus ticket or inquiries, you can contact/WhatsApp +977 9851038278

Panch Pokhari Trek Route and Road Conditions

The Panch Pokhari Trek can be done via two main routes:

• Sano Okhareni through Chautara
• Bhotang (Chimti) via Melamchi.

I choose the Bhotang (Chimti) route as the bus from Jorpati Shiva Chowk (Ama Hyolmo Buspark) was nearby. The early bus departs at 6:20 AM, costs NPR 650, and takes about 5–6 hours to reach the starting point. I recommend taking this early option, as it gets you to Chimti by 11–12 noon. Keep in mind: road conditions during the monsoon can be rough, with much of the route unpaved.

Note: Road conditions during the monsoon can be rough—much of the route is still unpaved.

Panch Pokhari Trek Detailed Itinerary

Panch Pokhari Trek Route From kathmandu will be something like this:

Day 1: Kathmandu to Chimti (Bhotang) – Trek to Rato Mato [7 KM Walk Approx]

• Transport: Public bus from Kathmandu (Jorpati Shiva Chowk – Ama Hyolmo Buspark) to Chimti (Bhotang)

• Departure Time: 6:20 AM

• Fare: NPR 650 per person

• Lunch: Khana  NPR 350 for Chicken and NPR 300 for Veg.

• Trek Start: 12:30 PM from Chimti

• Route: Chimti → Deurali → Tupidanda (3.5 hrs) → short 15-min break → Rato Mato (3.5 Hrs)

• Stay: Rato Mato – NPR 700 per person (includes dal bhat, tarkari, achar, and shared room) while sekuwa cost  NPR 500  per plate, Churpi cost  NPR 300 per slice, Jhaikhutte cost 100 NPR per Glass.

• Note: Private two-wheeler can reach up to Deurali, trekking starts from there onward.

Day 2: Rato Mato to Panch Pokhari

• Start Time: 7:00 AM

• Route: Rato Mato → Chokar Danda (1 hr, steep climb) → Nosyampati (2 hrs) → Lauribina (136 steps at a 45° incline) (2 hrs) → Panch Pokhari (1 hr)

• Arrival at Panch Pokhari: Around 1:00 PM

• Stay: NPR 1000 per person (lodging and food included)

• Meat Not available while single egg cost NPR 100, Black Tea Cost NPR 50, Energy Drink NPR 200 per pack and Jhaikhatte NPR 100 per glass.

Day 3: Panch Pokhari to Chimti (Descent)

• Start Time: 9:45 AM

• Route: Same as ascent

• Arrival at Chimti: Around 6:30 PM

• Stay: NPR 600 per person (includes food, chicken  and lodging)

Day 4: Return to Kathmandu

• Bus Departure from Chimti: 6:30 AM

• Arrival in Kathmandu (Jorpati Shiva Chowk): Around 12:00 noon

• Fare: NPR 650 per person

This itinerary is based on my experience from July 26th, 2025, and costs mentioned are subject to change. As Langtang National Park Office  is currently undergoing infrastructure development, an entry fee may be introduced in the near future. Additionally, accommodation and food prices may vary depending on the season, demand, and local circumstances.

Altitude Map of Panch Pokhari

Panch Pokhari Trek Cost For Nepali

Here’s a breakdown of the full Panch Pokhari Trek cost based on my actual experience in July 2025. This includes transport, food, lodging, and personal snack expenses.

Item	Cost (NPR)
Snacks (Energy Bars – 4 × NPR 130)	520
Energy Drinks (2–3 × NPR 100)	300
Bus Fare (Kathmandu → Chimti)	650 per person
Morning Food [dal, Bhat, Chicken, Salad, Achar]	300 for Veg and 350 Non - Veg
Stay at Rato Mato (Day 1)	700
Stay at Panch Pokhari (Day 2)	1,000
Stay at Chimti (Return, Day 3)	600
Return Bus (Chimti → Kathmandu)	650
Extra Food/Tea (3 days combined)	800 (avg.)
Total Estimated Cost	5,570 – 5,620 NPR  | 6000 NPR Approx.

What to Pack for a Monsoon Trek to Panch Pokhari

• At least 3 pairs of clothes — one pair should be warm yet lightweight.

• 1 liter of water (no need to carry extra food, as there are enough places to eat and stay every 1–2 hours along the trail).

• Energy bars and drinks for quick refreshment.

• A minimum of 1 trekking stick (2 recommended for better support).

• Handplast, Crepe Bandage, Move Spray, Painkillers, Zolamite for altitude Sickness. 

• Not a fan of leeches? Too bad—they love you. Bring salt. Lots of it. I got 12 on me.

Panch pokhari Distance From Kathmandu

The trek begins with a 70 km road journey from Kathmandu to Chimti (Bhotang), which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours by bus. From Chimti, the trail to Panch Pokhari spans around 14 km and involves a 13–14 hour uphill hike, typically split across two days.

On the return (descent), the same trail can usually be covered in about 10 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit Panch pokhari

The ideal time to visit Panch Pokhari is during the monsoon and winter seasons, from July to November.

Panch Pokhari Photos and Videos

Beginner's Guide to the Panch Pokhari Trek

• Train Your Legs 
  Build some stamina by doing short hikes a few weeks in advance. Before this trek, I completed the Latarambeshwor Mahadev hike and Dhap Dam hike, both in a single day. These helped me prepare mentally and physically for Panch pokhari.

• Stay Hydrated & Take Breaks
  The trail can be long and steep—take regular breaks and drink plenty of fluids to stay energized and avoid altitude-related fatigue.

• Don’t Overpack
  There are teahouses or lodges every 1–2 hours along the trail. You don’t need to carry camping gear, which lightens your backpack and makes hiking easier.

• Start Early Each Day
  Begin your trek early in the morning. Visibility, weather, and trail conditions are generally better before noon.

• Use Trekking Poles
  They come in handy, especially during the steep downhill on Day 3. If you’re not used to long descents, they’ll save your knees.

🎬 Watch Full Video of Panch Pokhari Trek 

Curious about the trek? Join us on a virtual journey to Panch Pokhari! This video captures the real-time experience—the trails, the views, and the culture—to give you a genuine feel for what awaits you on this unforgettable adventure.