Panch Pokhari lake is the famous tourist destination for nature lovers as well as Pilgrims. It is a group of 5 Hindu holy lakes in the Sindhupalchowk District of the central Himalayan region of Nepal. It is in the Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality ward no. 3 Bhotang. It is the 9th highest altitude wetland in the world where birds can be found. It is situated at an elevation of about 4100m above sea level. This is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal. The lake in Janai Purnima is a popular destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. This area is in the Lantang National Park and contains a surprising amount of forests and wildlife too.
During Janai Purnima, local devotees visit this lake wearing traditional dresses and other devotees around Nepal visit this pilgrimage. The famous Jhankri Naach can be observed here during Janai Purnima.
Panch Pokhari is a relatively unexplored, pristine and best-kept secret of nature. It has amazing beauty and moreover, indescribable sceneries.
The Government of Nepal’s Postal Services Department issued a stamp featuring Pokhari in 2011
Table of Contents
Things to do in Panch Pokhari
Trekking
Panch Pokhari trekking is a non-tourist trekking trail in Nepal. This ( five lakes)trekking offers beautiful Himalayan views including the Gauri Shanker, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Himalaya range, Jugal Himalayan range, Rolwaling Himalayan range, Tibetan Himalayan range, etc and also the pristine nature with district culture. Also, the Panch Pokhari stands for 5 holy ponds and Hindus religiously respect the place.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is a universal concept that brings scattered things together. It has been traditionally practiced for thousands of years in the Himalaya regions. The Yoga that we have today has been innovated by Lord Shiva, Lord Budhha, great sage Patanjali and Yogis. Mediation is a must-do activity in our daily lives. It gives us calmness, peace of mind and a sense of well-being. It also helps us to have better relationships, better health, and a better life.
Nepal is one of the best places in the world to practice Yoga and Meditation. It has many beautiful scenic places where tourists can practice yoga and meditation themselves. Nowadays Many institutes are also offering Yoga and meditation classes in a clean, peaceful and astounding environment.
Camping
Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home in a shelter, such as a tent. Typically participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more natural ones in pursuit of activities providing them enjoyment.to be regarded as “camping” a minimum of one night is spent outdoors, distinguishing it from day-tripping, picnic, and other similar short term activities. Moreover, camping can be enjoyed through all four seasons.
Panch Pokhari camping trek through untouched traditional villages in spectacular Himalayan landscapes. Ultimate trekking experience in an off-the-beaten-path through untouched wilderness and unspoiled settlements in the mountain of Nepal. This trek to Panch Pokhari at the base of Jugal Himal also offers pristine mountain views, rich culture, and genuine adventure. This spectacular region certainly offers a combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty, and biological diversity as you trek to a group of high altitude holy lakes, sacred to Buddhist and Hindu people.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Nepal is a popular activity. Nepal is one of the best countries for sightseeing, with its long history, fascinating art, and distinctive and varied architecture. The sights in the Panchpokhari are something you’d never fed of. Moreover, the very beautiful views of Dorje lakpa, Phurbu Chhyachu, Madiya, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling and Langtang range can be seen from Panch Pokhari.
Religious merits
Every year, on the occasion of Janai Purnima, hundreds of pilgrims from around the country pay a visit to the ponds. The festival of Janai Purnima usually falls in August. It is the festival when the Brahmin people of Nepal change their Janai, which they wear around the body. They go to the Panch Pokhari, takes a bath in ponds and also they change their Janai. As, the ponds are situated inthe shadow zone of Jugal Himal, the ecological system is of diverse nature. So, it adds more reason to go for camping trek as it promotes green tourism.
Weather of Panchpokhari
The time of autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May); you can see the clear view of the mountain range in the surrounding, blue sky with beautifully scattered patches of white clouds. Rainfall occurs during the monsoon time (June to September), making it a little difficult to reach there. The weather is a bit harsh during the winter (December to February) as it experiences heavy snowfall during the time.
Best time to visit Panch Pokhari
The most popular seasons for Panch Pokhari is the seasons of spring and autumn. Autumn falls in the months of September, October, and November. Spring falls in the months of March, April, and May. Moreover, a moderate amount of sunshine and a low amount of precipitation are some of the reasons why these seasons are popular for completing this trek. The views of the mountains are also gorgeous. You can also complete Panch Pokhari in the winters (December, January, February). You have to have the appropriate gear to deal with the cold and snow in this season though. Appropriate gear and planning, you can also complete Panch Pokhari in the summer (June, July, August) season.
Making the trip towards to Panch Pokhari surreal feeds you the amazing moment of Life. This lets you both the adventurous walk and pilgrimage at the same time because of the steep and slippery the way you pass through, the more it rewards you the heavenly sceneries with along. The colorful flowers and the differently structured lush jungles make the journey more romantic and exciting. There we found the very specific settlement of the Sherpa and Tamang people in the middle of the way, providing accommodations to the visitors, which make arrival through the restless journey. Otherwise, we needed to carry out our own essentials like food and tent with our self-due to the lack of stable hotels and tea houses around the way.
But Near Panch Pokhari there are no facilities of Accommodation so we suggest you to be prepared before traveling to Panch Pokhari.
How to reach
There are two main ways to reach Panch Pokhari.
One can reach to Melamchi Via Kathmandu ( which is about 68 Km far from Kathmandu) in a bus that is available from old Buspark after passing through Banepa, Dhulikhel, Lamidanda and Kunta on the way. Alternatively, Melamchi can be reached through Sankhu of Kathmandu (Melamchi is About 38 Km far from Sankhu) upon which you have to pass through Jaharisanga and Bahunpati.
- First Way to Panch Pokhari: After reaching Melamchi, one can Trek for two-three hours to reach Panch Pokhari.
- Second Way to Panch Pokhari: Move for Chautara (The district headquarters of Sindhupalchok) and then walk for two-three days through village and forest of Bamboo and Pine while enjoying the views of Gaurisankar, Langtang and Jugal Himal through Syaule and Chyochyo Hill to reach Panch Pokhari.
