JUGAL BASECAMP THROUGH PANCHPOKHAI

Jugal Mountain Range: north east from Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the shortest remote trekking destinations at a distance of 145 kilometers from Kathmandu. There are a total of 14 Peaks (majority of them are unclimbed) of above 6,000m in the Jugal Mountain Range.

Day 01: Kathmandu to Bhotang

Day 02: Trek to Tuppi Danda

Day 03: Trek to Nosyampati

Day 04: Trek to Panch Pokhari

Day 05: Acclimatization & Exploration at Panch Pokhari

Day 06: Trek to Chhendang

Day 07: Trek to Ne-Pemachhal

Day 08: Hike to Gyap Kharka (Jugal Viewpoint) & Return to Ne-Pemachhal

Day 09: Trek to Palmothang

Day 10: Trek to Jugal Base Camp (Yang Kharka)

Day 11: Trek Back to Ne-Pemachhal

Day 12: Trek to Chhendang

Day 13: Trek to Tembathang

Day 14: Drive Back to Kathmandu

Day 01: Kathmandu to Bhotang (2,000 m)

Accommodation: Homestay

Drive: 6–7 hours

Distance: 90 km

The adventure begins after breakfast with a scenic four-wheel drive journey towards Bhotang via Melamchi Bazaar, following the Indrawati River. The drive includes off-road sections through rural landscapes. After a lunch stop en route, we continue on winding dirt roads to reach Bhotang (2,000 m), home to diverse ethnic communities including Sherpas and Tamangs. Overnight stay at a local homestay.

Day 02: Trek to Tuppi Danda (2,700 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 800 m

Descent: 100 m

Trekking Time: ~5 hours

Distance: 6 km

To ensure proper acclimatization, we trek at a relaxed pace. The trail passes through terraced farmland of Chhimti Village before ascending through mixed rhododendron and pine forests. We camp on the open ridge of Tuppi Danda, offering expansive mountain views.

Day 03: Trek to Nosyampati (3,700 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 1,100 m

Descent: 100 m

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

Distance: 8 km

The trail becomes steeper today as we ascend via stone steps, crossing small streams and ridges. Rich alpine flora and fauna accompany us throughout the hike. After reaching Nosyampati, we settle into camp for the night.

Day 04: Trek to Panch Pokhari (4,060 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 550 m

Descent: 150 m

Trekking Time: ~3 hours

Distance: 5 km

A shorter trekking day. We ascend steadily on well-constructed stone steps, emerging above the treeline. Stunning views of the Jugal Himalayan Range unfold ahead. Passing through the narrow rocky cleft of Chhata Ghabha and the Lauribina high point (4,074 m), we arrive at the sacred five lakes of Panch Pokhari.

Day 05: Acclimatization & Exploration Day

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent/Descent: 200 m

Early morning hike (approx. 40 minutes) to a viewpoint to witness sunrise over the Jugal Himalaya range. Peaks visible include Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Phurba Ghechyu (6,637 m), Jugal Yangri (6,535 m), and many others. Afterward, return to camp, visit Panch Pokhari Temple, and rest.

Day 06: Trek to Chhendang (2,636 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 300 m

Descent: 1,400 m

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

Distance: 8 km

A long descent brings us to Chhendang, a wide and scenic area of religious importance. An old monastery here—damaged during the earthquake—is currently under reconstruction. The open landscape makes this an excellent camping site.

Day 07: Trek to Ne-Pemachhal (3,500 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 900 m

Descent: 90 m

Trekking Time: ~5 hours

Distance: 8 km

We trek through a steep-sided, forested valley revered as a pilgrimage and meditation site linked to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Passing narrow and exposed trails, we reach Tongsyup Gufa, an ancient meditation cave, before continuing to Ne-Pemachhal for overnight camping.

Day 08: Hike to Gyap Kharka Viewpoint (4,400 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Ne-Pemachhal)

Ascent/Descent: 1,100 m

Trekking Time: ~6 hours

Distance: 7 km

A challenging but rewarding day hike to Gyap Kharka. We climb steeply via stepped trails to Bumpasherpu (4,200 m), then traverse to Gyap Kharka (4,400 m). The viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Jugal Glacier, surrounding peaks, and the future base camp area. Return to Ne-Pemachhal for the night.

Day 09: Trek to Palmothang (3,900 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 500 m

Descent: 100 m

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours

Distance: 5 km

A pleasant trek through forested trails with river views. Palmothang lies at the foothill of Phurba Ghechyu Mountain and serves as a relaxing campsite. The afternoon is free for rest and exploration.

Day 10: Trek to Jugal Base Camp – Yang Kharka (4,700 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 1,000 m

Descent: 200 m

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

Distance: 4 km

Today’s route includes some technical sections, requiring careful footing. We pass a small glacial lake below Phurba Ghechyu before reaching Yang Kharka, a stunning and safe base camp surrounded by glaciers. This area serves as the gateway to peaks such as Phurba Ghechyu, Jugal Yangri, Gyalzen Peak, and the Jugal Himal series.

Day 11: Trek back to Ne-Pemachhal (3,500 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 400 m

Descent: 1,900 m

Trekking Time: 7–8 hours

Distance: 9 km

After enjoying the serene base camp views, we begin our descent via steep riverside trails, passing Palmothang and atmospheric forests before reaching Ne-Pemachhal for the night.

Day 12: Trek to Chhendang (2,600 m)

Accommodation: Camping

Ascent: 90 m

Descent: 900 m

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours

Distance: 8 km

Day 13: Trek to Tembathang (2,200 m)

Accommodation: Homestay

Ascent: 200 m

Descent: 970 m

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

Distance: 8 km

Tembathang is a traditional Sherpa village with around 150 households, stupas, and Mani walls. The villagers warmly welcome trekkers into their homes, offering a chance to experience authentic Sherpa culture. Yak herding is the primary livelihood here.

Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Drive: 5 hours off-road + 2 hours paved road

Distance: 119 km

A short walk takes us to the roadhead at Nesam Khola, where we board our vehicle for the return journey to Kathmandu. After lunch at a roadside restaurant, we arrive in the city by late afternoon. In the evening, we gather in Thamel for a celebratory farewell dinner.