Panch Pokhari

Panch Pokhari (पाँच पोखरी, 'five ponds') is a cluster of five sacred glacial lakes set at about 4,100 metres in northern Sindhupalchok, at the foot of the Jugal Himal. It is one of the highest wetland systems in the world and a deeply important Hindu pilgrimage site.

Each year at Janai Purnima thousands of pilgrims trek up to bathe in the lakes and worship at the small Shiva shrine on the shore. The lakes are also revered by the Buddhist and indigenous communities of the region, and shamans perform rituals here. A small temple and pilgrim shelters stand beside the water.

The Panch Pokhari trek is a relatively offbeat 6–9 day route from Chautara or Bhotang, climbing through Tamang and Sherpa villages, dense forest, and high yak pasture. From the lakes the view sweeps across the Jugal, Rolwaling, and Langtang ranges, and on a clear morning the reflections in the still water are extraordinary.

The region was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake and infrastructure remains basic — expect simple lodges and camping. The lakes are frozen and inaccessible in winter; spring and autumn are the seasons to go.