Panchpokhari Trek is a peaceful and less-traveled trekking route located in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal, northeast of Kathmandu. The trek leads to Panchpokhari, which means "Five Sacred Lakes" in Nepali — a group of five high-altitude lakes that hold religious and cultural significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.
These lakes are 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.
Panchpokhari was traditionally known by locals and pilgrims, but it 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, it has become a hidden gem
Quick Facts about Panchpokhari Trek
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Location: Sindhupalchowk District, Nepal
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Altitude of Panchpokhari Lakes: ~4,100 meters (13,451 ft)
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Distance from Kathmandu: ~90 km northeast (approx. 5–6 hours drive to trailhead)
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Trek Duration: 3 to 4 days
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Trek Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for beginners with preparation)
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Best Season: Monsoon Season and Winter Season [July - November]
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Highlights: Five sacred lakes, mountain views (Langtang, Jugal Himal), local Tamang culture
Why is Panchpokhari Special?
The lakes are visited by thousands of pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival (usually in August).
This Panchpokhari Trek was my very first trekking adventure, and everything I’ve shared in this post is based on my personal experience — from planning the route and figuring out the cost to facing the challenges on the trail. I’ve written this guide keeping beginners like myself in mind, so you can feel more confident if you’re planning to trek here for the first time too.
Panchpokhari Trek Route from Kathmandu
The Panchpokhari Trek can be done via two main routes: one from Sano Okhareni through Chautara, and another from Bhotang (Chimti) via Melamchi. I chose 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.
Panch Pokhari Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Chimti (Bhotang) – Trek to Rato Mato
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Transport: Public bus from Kathmandu (Jorpati Shiva Chowk – Ama Hyolmo Buspark) to Chimti (Bhotang)
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Departure Time: 6:20 AM
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Fare: NPR 650 per person
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Breakfast Stop: En route (~NPR 300)
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Trek Start: 12:30 PM from Chimti
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Route: Chimti → Deurali → Tupidanda (3.5 hrs) → short 15-min break → Rato Mato (reached at 6:30 PM)
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Stay: Rato Mato – NPR 600 per person (includes dal bhat, tarkari, achar, and shared room)
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Note: Private two-wheeler can reach up to Deurali, trekking starts from there onward.
Day 2: Rato Mato to Panch Pokhari
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Start Time: 7:00 AM
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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)
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Arrival at Panch Pokhari: Around 1:00 PM
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Stay: NPR 1000 per person (lodging and food included)
Day 3: Panch Pokhari to Chimti (Descent)
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Start Time: 9:45 AM
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Route: Same as ascent
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Arrival at Chimti: Around 6:30 PM
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Stay: NPR 600 per person (includes food, chicken and lodging)
Day 4: Return to Kathmandu
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Bus Departure from Chimti: 6:30 AM
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Arrival in Kathmandu (Jorpati Shiva Chowk): Around 12:00 noon
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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.
Panch Pokhari Trek Cost (For International & Nepali Trekkers)
Here’s a breakdown of the full Panchpokhari 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 |
| Morning Food [dal, Bhat, Chicken, Salad, Achar] | 300 |
| Stay at Rato Mato (Day 1) | 600 |
| 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) |
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| Total Estimated Cost | 5,420 NPR |
Keep in mind that the price of food and snacks at Panch Pokhari is usually double the price you’d pay at lower areas like Chimti. For example, a single boiled egg costs NPR 100, and a plate of chana is NPR 50. This is totally understandable because it’s very difficult to transport supplies up there, especially on foot.
As a beginner, I found the uphill trek quite challenging — so my advice is to pack your bag as light as possible and only carry what’s necessary (like 1–2 energy bars, basic medicines, water bottle, etc.). You can always buy small snacks along the way, even if the price is higher — and honestly, it’s worth paying for the energy boost!
What to Carry for Your Panchpokhari Trek
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At least 3 pairs of clothes — one pair should be warm yet lightweight.
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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).
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Energy bars and drinks for quick refreshment.
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A minimum of 1 trekking stick (2 recommended for better support).
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Handplast, Crepe Bandage, Move Spray, Painkillers, Zolamite for altitude Sickness.
Panchpokhari Trek Distance and Duration
The trek begins with a 70 km journey from Kathmandu to Chimti (Bhotang) by road, followed by an approximate 14 km hike from Chimti to Panch Pokhari.
Best Time to Visit Panchpokhari
The ideal time to visit Panch Pokhari is during the monsoon and winter seasons, from July to November.
Panchpokhari in Photos
