Trip Highlights
- An adventure around the hidden corners of Manang and Manaslu region
- Walk into a serene mountain wilderness in between massif snow mountains
- Lovely dense forest of rhododendron and pines to arctic glacial zone areas
- On least ventured region by trekkers to the beautiful glacial lake of Ponkar
- Trek from mainstream trail to on off the beaten tracks of scenic Manang
Trek Short Profile
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Hotels in Kathmandu and in local standard to basic, simple lodges on treks
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Moderate to Adventurous walks
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At Ponkar Lake 3,965 m / 13,009 feet high
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Exciting drives and trekking
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Nepal Far North Mid-West around Manang area
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07 Nights & 08 Days with drives both ways
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12 Days
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2
Short Outline Itinerary
Embark on an adventure to the hidden frozen glacial lake of Ponkar, nestled below the challenging Larke-La Pass and near the high Manang area, facing the northwest side of Mt. Manaslu.
While the route coincides partly with the Manaslu Circuit trails and isn’t far from the popular Annapurna Circuit path, the region beyond Bhimthang remains largely unexplored by only a handful of trekkers. This makes the week-long adventure even more exciting, offering a chance to delve into the untouched corners of the Manang region.
The glacial Ponkar Lake, veiled by moraine and glaciers, lies close to the towering peaks of Manaslu Himal. A strenuous climb to the lake rewards you with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Him Chuli, Ponkar Peak, and Nike Peak.
This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers a day of tranquility amidst pristine wilderness. The walk is enjoyable, with some steep sections, but the surrounding scenery makes the effort worthwhile.
The Trek: A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
The exclusive Ponkar Lake trek leads you through a charming forest of tall rhododendrons, magnolias, and pine trees. As you progress towards the highest point, the verdant vegetation gradually gives way to rocky moraines and glaciers. Upon reaching an altitude of 3,965 meters (13,009 feet), you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of Ponkar Lake, embraced by towering snow-capped peaks.
After soaking in the magnificent scenery, you’ll descend on the same scenic trail, with fewer uphill sections and a predominantly downhill path leading back to the roadhead at Dharapani.
The Adventure Begins
The adventure to Ponkar Lake commences with a thrilling overland journey from Kathmandu. The drive takes you to Besisahar town, the Lamjung district headquarters, leaving behind the low, warm farmlands for cooler hills. From the hilltop village of Jagat, the gradual uphill walk begins, leading you into the Manang region at Tal Besi.
A delightful walk takes you to Dharapani village, where you’ll diverge from the main Annapurna Circuit trail. The journey then progresses towards the highlight of the adventure: the pristine Ponkar glacial lake nestled amidst the mountain wilderness.
Following a truly captivating experience amidst the high scenic surroundings of giant peaks, you’ll make your way back to Tal Besi for a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, concluding your unforgettable adventure.
Why Choose Ponkar Lake Treks?
Ponkar Lake Treks, established and well-organized by MCT, understands that every trip is unique and caters to individual needs. Traveling can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with local regulations.
By leveraging our expertise and connections with local governing bodies for travel and tourism in Nepal, we ensure a safe and secure trekking experience in Nepal, led by professional guides with over 10 years of experience.
We warmly welcome you to Nepal. Book with us today to embark on a life-changing experience filled with joy and fulfillment. Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 feet. Overnight at tourist standard Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Trekking Preparation day & Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) Meals: Breakfast Included only.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Jagat via Besisar town 820 m / 2, 690 feet.
Altitude: 1,425 m / 4, 676 feet at Jagat. Overnight in local lodge.
Approx. 06 hours drives. Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani village.
Altitude: 1, 800 m / 5,904 feet. Approx. 6 hours walks.
Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
Day 05: Trek to Gho.
Altitude: 2,560 m / 8399 feet. 05 hours walks.
Approx. 5 hours walks. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner. 8398.95
Day 06: Trek to Bhimthang.
Altitude: 3, 700 m / 12,201 feet. Approx. 4 hours walks.
Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner
Day 07: At Bhimthang for local exploration and hike to Ponkar Lake.
Altitude: At Ponkar Lake 3,965 m / 13,009 feet high.
Approx. 5 hours walks both ways. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Gho, afternoon at leisure for short walk.
Altitude: 2,560 m / 8399 feet. Approx. 5 hours walks. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House. Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
Day 09: Trek to Tal Besi via Dharapani.
Altitude: 1,740 m / 5, 709 feet. Approx. 6 hours walks. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House. Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisar town-06 hrs.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 feet. Overnight at tourist standard Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 11: In Kathmandu free day for individual activities.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 feet. Overnight at tourist standard Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meal Included: Breakfast only.
Day 12: International Departure for Homeward Bound.
Meal Included: Breakfast Only.
Detailed Itinerary
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 feet. Overnight at Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
Meal Included: Welcome Dinner in a nice typical Nepalese Restaurants.
On first arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal International Airport received by our staff and guide, with warm Nepali traditional welcome. After, getting organized and then a short transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city.
At the hotel check into your lovely rooms with refreshing rest after a jet-leg.
Then join in with other members of the group, for briefing at meeting halls or garden.
Our guide and leader will provide you with useful information regarding the trek, standard of lodge, foods and so on. If in doubt, can ask questions to make yourself at ease, after briefing enjoy the dinner in a typical Nepalese Restaurant.
Meal Included: Breakfast only. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Moring after a hearty breakfast, as per the time informed by our guide and staff our tour guide will meet. A short drive and walk in the heart of Kathmandu city, where the famous old Durbar Square located. An ancient palace and courtyard of earlier kings from Malla to former Shah Period. Interesting areas adorned with temples and old palace, as well with resident of famous Living Goddess the Kumari. Includes a temple of Kasthamandap, where Kathmandu name derived from, meaning a temple built from the wood of a single tree.
The temples and monuments of Durbar Square, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After an interesting tour, a short drive leads west of the city to another famous landmark of Nepal. The Swayambhunath Stupa of Buddhist monuments, located on a hillock, one can enjoy views of Kathmandu city and the valley.
The Stupa one of the oldest in Nepal and probably in the world of more than 2,600 years of history. After an impressive morning tour back to hotel, rest of the day preparation for the wonderful Ponkar Lake around Manang and Manaslu areas trekking.
Altitude: 1,425 m / 4, 676 feet at Jagat. Overnight in local lodge.
Approx. 06 hours drives. Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
Depart from the hotel, for a long exciting drive to Nepal Mid-West around the district of Lamjung at Besisar town. An early morning drive having good breakfast, the journey leads beyond Kathmandu valley, to low warm farmland through villages and towns. Soon drive diverts from the main highway heading into Lamjung area and reaching at large town of Besisar.
From here on same vehicle or transfer to another four wheel drives, as journey continues following Masrsyangdi River. A warm country with large paddy fields as drive reach Syangja and then drive climbs on winding road. Finally reaching Jagat village for overnight stop. A moderate farm village above the Masrsyangdi River with number of nice lodges.
Altitude: 1, 800 m / 5,904 feet. Approx. 6 hours walks.
Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
Morning from Jagat following the village trail and up into a cool shade of forest to Chamje village. From here across the river, as walk leads on gradual trail within a forest and then a short climb. From the ridge top looking over Tal Besi village, a short pleasant walk to Tal for lunch stop and the start of Manang district.
Afternoon a few hours walk on a good trail with few ups and down to cross a bridge then reaching at Dharapani village for overnight stop.
Located on the main trails of Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit route, transfer into a nice lodge, with time for short walk to explore the Dharapani village.
Altitude: 2,560 m / 8399 feet. 05 hours walks.
Approx. 5 hours walks. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
From Dharapani our adventure begins heading north, on leaving the main trail of Annapurna circuit. Down to cross a bridge reaching at Tilje village, as walk continues entering into rhododendron and pine tree forest. Then finally day ends at Gho, a small settlement amidst forest surrounding with few small lodges.
Altitude: 3, 700 m / 12,201 feet. Approx. 4 hours walks.
Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner
The final highlight of the adventure, having a hearty breakfast walk leads to a short climb. As walk proceeds on gentle trail into woods, a walk of few hours reaching at a lovely place at Bhimthang. Staying in this lovely place for two overnights, situated amidst forest with views of high snow peaks.
Bhimthang, a small settlement a few hours walk to the bottom of Larke-La pass. Which forms the boundary of Manang and Gorkha districts of Manaslu valley.
Altitude: At Ponkar Lake 3,965 m / 13,009 feet high.
Approx. 5 hours walks both ways. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House.
Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
An early morning start, carrying pack lunch for the day hike to Ponkar glacial lake. Walk follows on the trail towards the bottom of Larke-La Pass near to the ridge of Tambuche. Our route diverts leaving the forested areas towards barren mountain wilderness.
After few hours of steady walk with steep climb reaching above the Ponkar Lake, facing incredible views of towering snow peaks. The view includes Manaslu North (7,157 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Larke Peak (6,249 m) and Himlung Himal (7,126 m) towards north-west. As well enjoy looking at Cheo Himal (6,812 m) with an array of high peaks from the scenic View-Point of Ponkar Lake.
Feeling in great spirits on reaching the highest point of the adventure at 3,965 m high. After an exciting day hike to Ponkar Lake, return to Bhimthang for overnight stop after a long adventurous hike of the day.
Altitude: 2,560 m / 8399 feet. Approx. 5 hours walks. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House. Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
After a wonderful amazing time at Ponkar Lake and Bhimthang, return journey on the same pleasant trail back to Gho for overnight halt.
Altitude: 1,740 m / 5, 709 feet. Approx. 6 hours walks. Overnight at Guesthouse / Lodge-Tea House. Meal Included: Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner.
A long day walk of the adventure, having breakfast setting off to the end of the trekking at Tal Besi. The trail follows on the same scenic and interesting path through lovely woodland reaching at Tilje village. From here a short climb and over a bridge, reaching at Dharapani for possible lunch stop.
Afternoon a pleasant walk with few short ups and down to nice village of Tal Besi where our wonderful trek completes.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 feet. Overnight at tourist standard Hotel in Kathmandu.
Final day around the Himalayan hills of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas, an exciting drive to Kathmandu. Having a good breakfast, board on a local vehicle, depending upon the size of a group.
A long overland journey but interesting on winding downhill to low warm farm areas of Lamjung district. As drive stops for short while at Besisar, from Besisar on the good road, after hours of drive joining on the main Pokhara and Kathmandu highway at Dumre town.
Drive of more than four hours from Dumre town on winding uphill to the outskirt of Kathmandu valley. Finally drive ends on reaching at the hotel, arriving by late afternoon or evening time. After a grand adventure of a lifetime experience on Ponkar Lake around Manang and Manaslu areas trekking.
Altitude: 1,350 m/ 4,428 feet. Overnight at tourist standard Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meal Included: Breakfast only.
A free day in Kathmandu after an enjoyable walk around Manang and close to Manaslu area to Ponkar Lake. Enjoy the day relaxing with individual activities or join in for another exciting tour.
Meal Included: Breakfast Only.
Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after a great memorable adventure on
Ponkar Lake around Manang and Manaslu areas trekking.
Our staff transfer you to the international airport terminal, and then bidding farewell to the guide and staff. As you head for the smooth flight homeward bound.
Major Information
Best Seasons:
The best seasons for the Ponkar Lake Trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Spring offers longer days with more sunshine, perfect for clear mountain views and pleasant walks. However, expect occasional cloud cover in the afternoons, with possibilities of light rain or snowfall at higher elevations. Temperatures can drop significantly in the early mornings and nights. The landscape comes alive during springtime with blooming wildflowers, especially the rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. Autumn boasts clear skies ideal for trekking and breathtaking views. However, days are shorter due to less sunlight. Similar to spring, expect colder mornings and evenings with a chance of snowfall at higher altitudes.
Culture & Religion:
The lower areas of the Lamjung district (Jagat to Tal Besi) showcase a mix of ethnicities like Gurung, Magar, and Brahmin communities. As you reach Tal Besi, the starting point of the Manang district, the culture shifts towards a strong Buddhist influence. Manang people, with roots similar to their Tibetan neighbors, have preserved their unique heritage. Traditional monasteries adorned with prayer walls and spinning prayer wheels are a common sight in the higher villages. The trek from Jagat and Dharapani onwards falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
The trek requires permits from ACAP and TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems).
Ponkar Lake Trek Difficulty
While the Manaslu region offers a variety of challenging treks, the Ponkar Lake trek is considered one of the easiest. Despite its remote location, the trail from Bimthang is well-established and requires minimal technical skills. The moderate climb to the lake (around 4,000 meters) can be completed in a week, even for beginners with a decent level of fitness. Experienced trekkers will find the well-defined paths relatively easy to navigate.
What Makes it Special
Beyond the stunning beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains, the trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of the region. The various ethnic groups living along the trail showcase their warm hospitality and rich traditions.
Things to Consider
Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions, especially during winter when temperatures can plummet. Ensure you have the appropriate gear for the season.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
The Ponkar Lake has come into focus for few trekkers and adventure companies in Nepal just few decades ago. It remained hidden till unknown to many travelers, but Core treks guides are expert of the areas. We have added in our list of program the Ponkar Lake of a week trek, which is an exceptional adventure.
Many beautiful and good things that one can expect on this wonderful Ponkar Lake trekking. Located near Manaslu and around Manang areas, change of diverse landscapes in a short duration of time.
From low warm paddy fields to cooler hills and towards an arctic cold zone of remorseless fields of ice and snow. Various cultures of Nepalese hills and mountain people, with a breathtaking panorama of Himalayan peaks.
As well as testing your own endurance, and how fit and capable you are for this moderate to adventurous trekking.
Yes, certainly quite different from other popular mainstream trekking of Annapurna and Everest region. Encountering less trekkers, walking on a tranquil surroundings amidst beautiful forest to arid and barren windswept country.
At the end of the trek, one will be in high spirits and feel glad that one made this trekking. A great adventure of a lifetime experience to enjoy.
Most large villages like Jagat, Tal Besi and Dharapani have hydroelectricity power. Some lodge at Gho and Bhimthang have their own private solar power as well so that you can charge your electronic gadgets and items.
Yes, for using hot/cold showers as for charging electronic items one needs to pay a fee. The price differs from one village lodge to another, first ask your guide if the cost is reasonable.
In springtime from Jagat onwards to Dharapani at the end of the trekking, the morning and late afternoon till night time are cold. Depending upon the altitude from a minimum of 5 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The wind chill factor adds extra cold, but most days are warm and pleasant except for the morning and nighttime.
In the autumn/fall seasons, the sunlight reaches late morning can be much colder morning, late afternoon, and nighttime. Can reach a minimum of 0 to -5 degrees Celsius with a maximum of + 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Days are shorter during autumn times to sunlight hours, but pleasant late morning till mid-day.
Depending upon own expenses for extra snacks, soft drinks or having a beer as well buying local souvenirs on treks. Average of US $ 300 to 500 per person, the money required for tipping the guide, staff, and porters also at the end of the trek.
For mild sickness, our guide carries First Aid and a comprehensive medical kit, for serious unfortunate accidents and illness. Immediate evacuation by fastest means of transport to nearest medical center or hospitals.
The best and fastest means is using Helicopter Services that is why all trekkers have to purchase Medical and Travel Insurance in case of emergency situations.
