Panch Pokhari Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu to Chautara [1450m]
This morning we have a beautiful 5 hour drive to the little village of Chautara. While small, Chautara is the headquarter of Sindupalchok district and we will camp here tonight, ready to commence walking tomorrow. From our camp site you can relax and enjoy the stunning mountain views, or if you like to explore, you can gain some insight into the culture and daily life of the village.

Day 02: Trek to Sano Okhareni [1965m]
Today we have about 5 hours of gradual uphill walking to reach Sano Okhareni. Our path passes through small villages where we can see how the diverse ethnic groups live side by side. We camp at Sano Okhareni near a pine forest and with great views to the mountains!

Day 03: Trek to Kami Kharka [2810m]
This morning we can start gently with about 1 hour of gradual uphill walking to Thulo Okhareni. From here we get into the steeper climb with about 4 hours of walking through stunning, dense Rhododendron and pine forest. If we are lucky and observant, we might spot some wild animals such as mountain deer or langur monkeys and Nepali birdlife like the danfe. Tonight we camp on a summer pasture ground for nomadic cattle herders (kharka).

Day 04: Trek to Pauwa Bas [3000m]
Today’s walk is nice and gentle, being fairly level (‘Nepali flat’) and we can enjoy our forest trails and wildlife spotting. We have about 5 to 6 hours through the lush forest of rhododendron, oak, pine and juniper and we can see some nomad’s houses for cattle on the way. In Pauwa Bas there is a shelter for pilgrims to Panch Pokhari.

Day 05: Trek to Hille Bhanjyang [3400m]
This morning we have a steep uphill stetch for about 3 hours, taking our time. We get our breath back on the steep downhill though as we descend for 1 ½ hours through the forest. We have some great mountain views on our way down into our camp at Hille Bhanjyang.

Day 06: Trek to Narsim Pati [3700m]
Today we only have about 4 hours of walking. So we take it easy on the steep uphill section to start the day, taking about an hour. Then we enjoy the gradual descent of about 3 hours through rocky hills and rhododendron forest into camp at Narsim Pati. There is a small rest house for pilgrims on their way to the holy site of Panch Pokhari and we have great mountain views from our campsite.

Day 07: Trek to Panch Pokhari [4100m]
Today we arrive! We have about 3 hours of gradual ascent through rocky hills to reach our destination of Panch Pokhari (panch means ‘five’ and pokhari means ‘lake’). This stunning setting is a secluded pilgrimage site where the Janaipurnima festival is held in August. Many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this site each year and we can see two pilgrim houses and the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Day 08: Trek to Panch Pokhari top, trek to Tupi Danda [2320m]
This morning we have an early start to catch a stunning sunrise over the mountains! We have about 1 ½ hours uphill to see the beautiful sight of the sun rising over the Himalayas and our panoramic view includes Mt.Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal Range, Rolwaling Range and Langtang Range. After this incredible start to the morning, we head back down to Panch Pokhari to pack up and start heading for home. We have about six hours down some steep trails through the rhododendron forest to Tupi Danda (danda means ‘ridge’) and our camp.

Day 09: Trek  to Dhap [1200m]
Today we have about 5 hours of walking, 2 of which are quite steep downhill and the rest is quite level as we make our way through terraced fields to the beautiful village of Dhap. Dhap is home to Tamang families and is gives us a great chance to gain some insight into the lives, culture and traditional architecture of Tamang villages.

Day 10: Rest day and explore the culture

Day 11: Trek to Melamchi [800m]
Today we have about 6 hours of walking. We walk down through terraced fields, along the Indrawati River. We pass through stunning villages and also see a hydro electricity project on the way to Tipini and our re-introduction to a road! Melamchi Pul Bazaar which lies at the bank of Melamchi Khola (stream) and Indrawati River is comparatively a big town for this area. There are some lodges, tea shops, government offices, schools, colleges, post office and army police camp. We will camp by the riverside and if you like you can refresh yourself with a dip in the river!

Day 12: Melamchi to Kathmandu
Today we get back on four wheels and enjoy our five hour scenic drive back to Kathmandu.


IMPORTANT NOTE
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in the mountains, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of fellow travellers can all contribute to changes. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!