Panch Pokhari Trek – 7 days

Trek Difficulty

The Panch Pokhari Trek is a moderate trek, which means most people with normal health can do it comfortably with a little preparation. You do not need any climbing experience. You simply walk at a steady pace for five to seven hours a day on mountain trails that go up slowly. Some sections are steep, especially near the higher areas, but your guide will help you take it easy.
Even first-time trekkers can finish this journey if they train a little by walking, climbing stairs, or doing light exercise before coming to Nepal. It also helps to carry only a small day bag and let a porter take the heavier things if you want.

Nepal now requires all trekkers to walk with a licensed guide. This makes the trek safer and also more relaxing, since your guide will handle directions, safety, and daily planning for you.

Weather and Best Season

The best time to enjoy the Panch Pokhari Trek is during spring and autumn. In spring, the weather is pleasant, the sky is often clear, and the forests are full of colorful rhododendron flowers. Autumn is also wonderful because the days are bright, the views are sharp, and the air feels fresh and clean.

These two seasons give you the most comfortable walking conditions. During summer, the rain can be heavy, and the trails can get muddy, although many pilgrims visit the lakes during the Janai Purnima festival.

Winter can be very cold at higher places, and there may be snow on the trail. No matter when you trek, mountain weather can change quickly. Mornings can be cold, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again. If you carry warm clothes, a rain jacket, and a pair of gloves, you will feel comfortable throughout the journey.

Food and Drink

Food on the Panch Pokhari Trek is simple, warm, and perfect for keeping your energy steady. Tea houses along the route prepare fresh dal bhat, vegetable curry, noodles, soups, and rice. Breakfast often includes porridge, toast, eggs, or warm tea. The meals are not fancy, but they are filling, clean, and prepared with care. In some places, you may also find snacks like biscuits, chocolate, or popcorn.

Water from taps must be purified before drinking, so it is best to use a water filter or purification tablets. Drinking enough water is very important at higher altitudes, so refill your bottle often. Hot tea and soups are very comforting in the mornings and evenings when it gets cold. As long as you eat well and stay hydrated, you will feel strong and ready for each day of the trek.

Altitude Sickness (AMS)

As the Panch Pokhari Trek goes up to about four thousand one hundred meters at the lakes, there is a possibility of mild altitude sickness. The typical symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, or feeling of exhaustion. This normally occurs during the times the body requires time to adapt to the thinner air. To minimize the threat, you are to walk slowly and comfortably and take little rests when necessary.

We have planned a stay at Nasimpati one night so that your body can get time to get used to the height before a higher one. It also helps your body to more easily adjust by drinking lots of water. One should not drink or smoke at altitude. In case you are ill, you are supposed to inform your guide immediately so that he/she can keep a check on you.

When symptoms get more severe, the optimal option is to go to a lower place. It is beneficial to have altitude drugs like Diamox and a basic first aid kit. The majority of trekkers are able to complete this journey safely with appropriate care.

Preparation and Fitness

The Panch Pokhari Trek is not very challenging in terms of fitness, but it is a lot more fun when one is in good overall health. In case you are not an experienced trekker, then it is best to train for about six or eight weeks prior to the trip.

Basic activities such as brisk walking, climbing stairs, jogging, or cycling will make legs strong and give stamina. Another practice to do is carrying a small backpack so you can get used to the weight.

Flexibility will be enhanced by light stretching and core exercises to make you flexible on long walking days. Comfortable shoes are also essential, and you are advised to break them in before the trek. In case of any medical issues, you should discuss them with your doctor.

Through gradual training, you will also be in a position to walk at your own pace in a confident manner and enjoy the peaceful woods, mountainous landscape, and cultural charm of Panch Pokhari Trek to the fullest.

Visa and Permits

In order to participate in the Panch Pokhari Trek, the majority of the visitors will require a Nepal tourist visa, which they can obtain on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You are supposed to bring your passport for at least 6 months and some cash to pay the visa fee. In the case of trekking, two permits will be required.

The first is the Langtang National Park entry permit that provides you with access to the safeguarded zone. The second one is the TIMS card, under which you need to register your trekking details to ensure your safety. The permits are generally organised by your trekking company. The paperwork will require you to have passport photos and copies.

Nepal has now made it obligatory that all trekkers come along with a licensed guide in places such as Panch Pokhari, which also assists with the checking of permits on the way. Your trip will start in a pleasant way with the appropriate papers.

Health & Safety

Health and safety are major factors during the Panch Pokhari Trek since the path involves the remote mountainous regions. You should never ignore the instructions of your guide since they know the path, the weather, and the conditions of the area.

Bring your personal medications, and our guide will carry other necessities like bandages, painkillers, and water purification pills. Use the purified or boiled water to prevent stomach issues.

High altitude may be full of sunlight, so use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. This trek has no harmful wildlife, although you are still advised to maintain a proper distance from animals. In case you experience discomfort due to elevation, cold, or tiredness, just inform your guide immediately.

Trek evacuation travel insurance is highly advisable since, in severe cases, helicopter rescue is required. The most basic level of knowledge and love will provide you with a secure and comfortable experience of trekking.

Transportation

The Panch Pokhari Trek starts in Kathmandu. The city will be the starting point of the trek, as you will drive to the main starting point known as Bhotang. It is a six-seven hour road trip that covers approximately ninety kilometers. In the midst of it, you will be enjoying beautiful scenes of terraced fields, forested hills, and small villages.

The road is wide in some sections and provides beautiful views during the ride. The majority of passengers are more inclined towards individual transportation that is more comfortable and offers flexibility. The trek will finish in Kathmandu by the same road.

Back in the city, it is not that difficult to take a taxi, a bus, or some other means of transport in case you want to continue your journey. The journey by road ensures a smooth introduction to living in the hills and makes you ready for the natural beauty that you will be experiencing during the trek.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly relevant in the Panch Pokhari Trek because it is a remote area with insufficient medical services. You must have trekking to at least four thousand five hundred meters covered by your insurance, and emergency evacuation and medical treatment should be included.

Helicopter rescue can be required in case of sickness or injury, and the cost can be very expensive in the absence of insurance. Ensure you always have a printed and electronic copy of your policy.

When your trekking agency arranges your TIMS card, they will usually ask for your travel insurance details, so it is wise to buy insurance that covers trekking and helicopter rescue.

Being covered with a reliable cover will provide peace of mind and guarantee that in the event of an emergency, you will be assisted in time. It is among the vital preparations for a secure trek in Nepal.

Alternative Routes

There are various ways of doing the Panch Pokhari Trek depending on the time available and the kind of adventure you want to do. The usual road over Bhotang is the easiest and most appropriate one in a seven-day journey.

There is also another path starting in Chautara and going through the area of the Helambu to the lakes in approximately six days. It is a route that provides more cultural insights and an alternative perspective of the mountains.

Others continue their adventure and connect the route with Melamchi, Langtang Valley, or even to Gosainkunda Lake, but this involves extra days and permits. Our seven-day schedule is comfortable, safe, and meets the required acclimatization, but we can always modify the schedule in case you desire to have a longer trek, cultural tour, or a blend of other areas. Both of the routes are beautiful and serene with mountains.

Your Extra Expenses

The Panch Pokhari Trek has certain personal costs that you need to consider during the trip. These can be soft beverages, desserts, hot showers, laundry, snacks, and a battery charge at the tea houses. In more rural areas, Wi fi might not exist, and even where it does, it is normally charged at a very low additional fee.

Another tradition in Nepal is the act of tipping guides and porters, as it is a way of appreciating their help. Your personal expenses also include souvenirs, gifts, and any shopping in Kathmandu.

The price does not include your visa fee, which is to be paid upon coming to Nepal. It is also prudent to have adequate cash, because the mountain area has no ATMs. Preparation allows you to have fun in the journey without concerns.

Language & Communication

In the Panch Pokhari Trek, the majority of the people speak Nepali, the national language in Nepal. Other local languages, like Tamang or Yolm,o can also be heard in certain villages. Your guide will serve as the interpreter between you and the locals should a need arise, and most lodge owners already know some basic English.

Nevertheless, knowing some basic Nepali words can help you to enjoy your trip. Greetings are warm with a pleasant Nama ste or a thank you, Dhanyabad. The people are friendly to people who are interested in their culture. Trekking in Nepal is a peaceful and friendly experience, with communication on the trail that contributes to the welcoming nature.

Mobile Network, Internet & Charging

The coverage of the mobile network can be low in some areas of the Panch Pokhari Trek, particularly in the higher altitudes. In the lower villages, such as Bhotang, you will have a signal, but when you pass above the line of the forest, the network becomes either poor or non-existent. The internet is hardly accessible, and therefore, it is better to notify family and friends that you will be out of the internet for much of the trek.

In other tea houses, it is possible to charge a minimal fee, but when the weather is cloudy, the supply of electricity can be low. It is quite convenient to have a power bank or extra batteries to charge your phone and camera.

The absence of the internet turns out to be an opportunity to relax in the serene mountains without getting distracted. This disconnection is one of the most relaxing aspects of the experience of many trekkers.

Don’ts on the Trip

Simple measures may be observed during the Panch Pokhari Trek to conserve the natural and cultural environment. Keep no rubbish on the trail. Rather, bring your garbage till you get to a disposal location.

By refilling your water bottle, you can also try to avoid single-use plastics. Do not touch or take off prayer flags, stones, or offerings at religious places. The lakes of PanchPokhari are holy, and hence you should not smoke, shout, or do anything that will disturb the peaceful environment of the lakes.

Keep on the main trail in order to be safe and also avoid causing damage to farmland or local paths. Do not feed animals or disturb wildlife. Be sensitive to local traditions by dressing up and acting in a soft manner in villages. By observing these few tips, you can contribute to the maintenance of the clean, safe, and spiritually significant environment of the Panch Pokhari region.

Trip Extension

Once you are done with the Panch Pokhari Trek, you might consider spending a bit more time in Nepal. You can have lots of great extensions to your trip based on your likes. Others visit Kathmandu Valley, and in this case, the destinations are Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. Some of them go to Pokhara to rest by the lake and have a beautiful view of the Annapurna mountains.

In case you are a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast, you can include visiting Chitwan National Park, where you can walk in the jungles and do some bird watching. You can also participate in an Everest mountain flight in Kathmandu, in case you desire to view Mount Everest without hiking.

In case you are more interested in trekking, you can join this trip in the Helambu region or Langtang Valley. Extensions are customizable, and we can assist in designing a program that fits your time and your interests.

Photography & Drone Rules

The Panch Pokhari Trek has numerous beautiful locations to take photos of, both in secluded forests and prayer flags, and clear lakes. It is ok to take normal photos anywhere, but it is better to be polite and ask people before taking photos of local people, especially the elders or monks. When visiting religious places, you should take pictures in a respectful manner without obstructing places of worship.

The use of drones in Nepal is regulated, and a special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority is required to fly a drone. Unauthorized flying of a drone may lead to issues, particularly around national parks, villages, festivals, or sacred sites. The lakes of Panch Pokhari are also considered spiritually significant, and hence, the drones are not permitted near the lakes.

Drones may not be carried by many trekkers due to the length of time it may take to get a permit and the severity of the rules. One will only need a basic camera or phone to seize the beauty of nature and the calmness of the atmosphere in this trek.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

In case this is your first experience in the Panch Pokhari Trek, it is worthwhile to adopt a relaxed but gradual pace during the trek. Walk slowly, take a lot of water, and take a rest at any time you feel like it. Bring warm clothes; mountain weather is unpredictable. You must always have a pair of gloves, a warm hat, and a waterproof jacket.

Carry easy items, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and high-energy snacks, in order to make you comfortable. Trekking poles facilitate climbing as well as descending on your knees. Bring enough cash since the ATMs are not available in the mountains. You must carry along duplicates of your passport, permits, and travel insurance.

Above all, you should not ignore your body and contact your guide when you feel fatigued or unhealthy. Even your first trekking experience will be a soft and memorable one with the help of some minor arrangements and a positive mindset.