Monsoon in the Mountains

Our Panch Pokhari journey begins with an approximately 6-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chhimti, passing through Bhotechaur and Melamchi. Leaving the busy Kathmandu Valley behind, the drive gradually takes us into the peaceful countryside of Sindhupalchok, with changing landscapes, small settlements, terraced fields, and green hills along the way.

From Chhimti, we begin our first walk toward Tuppi Danda, following a quiet local trail through the hills. This introductory walk gives us our first taste of the natural surroundings and rural landscapes that characterize the Panch Pokhari journey.

We reach Tuppi Danda (2,320 m), where we settle in for the evening and prepare for the journey deeper into the Panch Pokhari region.

Driving: Approx. 6 hours Starting point: Kathmandu Drive to: Chhimti (2,400 m) Overnight: Tuppi Danda (2,320 m / 7,611 ft)

Today is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of our Panch Pokhari journey. After an early breakfast at Tuppi Danda, we begin a steady uphill walk toward the sacred lakes of Panch Pokhari.

As we gain altitude, the landscape gradually transforms from lush forest and green hills into more open and rugged alpine terrain. Along the way, we pass through Deurali and Nasimpati, important resting points on the route, where we can take short breaks and enjoy the changing mountain scenery.

The climb becomes more demanding as we approach the higher elevations, so we continue at a comfortable pace with plenty of time for rest and hydration.

Eventually, we arrive at Panch Pokhari (4,100 m)-a spectacular collection of five sacred high-altitude lakes surrounded by the peaceful Himalayan landscape. Panch Pokhari holds deep spiritual significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, and every year pilgrims make their way here, particularly during Janai Purnima.

After a long day of walking, we settle in and experience the quiet atmosphere of this sacred Himalayan destination.

Starting altitude: Tuppi Danda - 2,320 m Highest/overnight altitude: Panch Pokhari - 4,100 m / 13,451 ft Altitude gain: Approx. 1,780 m Trail: Tuppi Danda → Deurali → Nasimpati → Panch Pokhari Difficulty: Challenging - significant altitude gain

We begin our morning surrounded by the peaceful high-altitude landscape of Panch Pokhari (4,100 m). After breakfast, we take time to explore the five sacred lakes, enjoying the calm surroundings and learning about their spiritual and cultural significance to local Hindu and Buddhist communities.

For those who wish, we can start early and walk to a nearby viewpoint above Panch Pokhari, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys when the weather is clear. We then return to Panch Pokhari for breakfast and prepare for our descent.

Leaving the sacred lakes behind, we retrace our trail through the changing alpine landscape toward Nasimpati and Deurali. As we descend, the rugged high-altitude terrain gradually gives way to greener hills and forested trails.

After a long but mostly downhill walk, we arrive back at Tuppi Danda (2,320 m), where we rest for the night and reflect on our experience at one of Sindhupalchok’s most sacred Himalayan destinations.

Starting altitude: Panch Pokhari - 4,100 m / 13,451 ft Overnight: Tuppi Danda - 2,320 m / 7,611 ft Route: Panch Pokhari → Nasimpati → Deurali → Tuppi Danda Walking: Long descent Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

After breakfast at Tuppi Danda, we begin the final walk of our Panch Pokhari journey toward Chhimti. We follow the familiar trail through peaceful forests, small settlements, and the beautiful hilly landscapes of Sindhupalchok.

This is a relatively relaxed day compared with the previous high-altitude sections of the journey, giving us time to enjoy the surroundings and reflect on our experience at the sacred lakes of Panch Pokhari.

Upon reaching Chhimti, we conclude our walk and celebrate the completion of our memorable Panch Pokhari journey.

Starting point: Tuppi Danda - 2,320 m Ending point: Chhimti Trail: Mostly descending and undulating Difficulty: Easy to moderate

We will take our early bus at 8:00 am and after 5-6 hrs drive we will back to home with lots of memories