Ponker Lake Trek - 6 Days

Escape the hustle and bustle and dive into a world of tranquility with our Ponker Lake Hike adventure! Traverse secret trails nestled in the Himalayas, passing through charming villages and lush greenery until you reach the awe-inspiring Ponker Lake at 4100m. Experience nature's beauty in its purest form, away from the crowds, and soak in the serenity of this high-altitude glacier lake. Come join us for an unforgettable journey off the beaten path!

Ponker Lake Trek

Price: USD $750 USD $650
    Price per person
  • 2-4 pax$650
  • 5-7 pax$550
  • 8-13 pax$450
  • 14+ pax$350
Group price only includes if you have your own group.

Ponker Lake Trek Facts

Trip Duration 6 days
Region Manaslu Region
Difficulty Moderate
Max. Altitude 4100m / 13451ft.
Distance 132 Km/ 82Miles
Meals Included Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation Tourist Standard Hotels
Activity Per Day 4-5 Hours
Transportation Local Bus/ Jeep
Start/End Point Kathmandu - Kathmandu

Ponker Lake Trek Highlights

  • Short & Quite Trek
  • Witness Himalayas, Glacier Lakes, and Lush Green Forest
  • Myriad of rare Flora & Fauna
  • A road trip through the Hills of Nepal
  • Chance for Cultural Immersion Indigenous People Mountains

Ponker Lake Trek Overview

Ponker Lake is a breathtaking glacier lake at 4100m above sea level. Ponker Lake Hike is a quiet trail hidden between the mighty Manasalu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can emerge yourself in nature like never before in the embrace of the mighty Himalayas and the best part is the solitude. 

The trail to Ponker Lake begins with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Lamjung. Besishar is approx. 176.2 km away from Kathmandu and takes anywhere from 6 to 7 hours ride through hilly roads. Bus rides may sometimes be a little bumpy but pit stops made for lunch and other activities make it an adventurous one. Budigandaki, the mighty river will always be on our side reminding us we are not alone throughout the journey. 

Another early morning jeep ride from Besishar will take us to Dharapani, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit trek of Nepal. Once we reach Dharapani, we will hike to the lovely village of Guha. The following 4-5 hours hike from Dharapani will take us to Guha, where we will rest for the night.

From Guha, we will hike up to Bhimthang and you will be surprised to see local people carrying heavy loads and Himalayan horses in the steepest of hills. The hike will be filled with a serene walk through the rhododendron forest where different animals and sheep rest. From Guha, it will take about 6-7 hours of slow walking to reach Bhimthang, one of the most beautiful valleys of Nepal. 

Once we reach Bhimthang, we will rest for the hike to Ponker Lake (4100m) and Bhimthang Phedi (4400m). Ponker Lake is a beautiful high-altitude glacier lake formed between two big glaciers, Ponker Glacier and Salpudanda Glacier. After spending two at Bhimthang, we will descend to Tiliche. From Tiliche, a jeep ride will get us to Besisahar, and from there we will return to Kathmandu.

Ponker Lake2.webp

The journey through the hike will be a quiet one as not many trekkers follow this route. We will meet many trekkers returning from the Larke La Pass & Manaslu Circuit trek but we will mostly enjoy solitude throughout the hike.

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Ponker Lake Trek Itinerary

Driving Distance
177km /109 miles.
Altitude
760 m / 2,490 ft.
Duration
6-7 hours

On the first day, we will depart from Kathmandu on a bus to Besisahar, Lamjung. The bus ride will take about 6-7 hours via Prithivi Highway. The bus ride is the perfect way to get introduced to the landscape of Nepal as it passes through many hills with a river always by our side.

We will stop for lunch on the way and reach Besisahar in the evening. Once we get to Besishar, your guide will bring you to your hotel, where you will stay the night.

Meals Included - Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Tourist Standered

Trek Distance
9km / 5.5 miles
Driving Distance
44km / 27miles
Altitude
2560m / 8398 ft.
Duration
5-6 hours

Following an early breakfast, we will grab a ride from Besishar to Dharapani. The ride is going to be a bumpy but scenic one as we will be driving literally on a cliffside. It will take us about 2 to 3 hours and we can enjoy our lunch at Dharapani. We will then commence our hike to Goa. The way to Guha is a short one but as we climb ascent it might be a little overwhelming. 

It might take us longer than anticipated but we will reach there before the sun sets, just in time to catch a wonderful sunset from our hotel in Goa.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
26.3 km / 16.3 miles
Altitude
3700m / 12100ft.
Duration
5-6 hours

We will start early for our Trek to Bhimthang. Our trail will take us through a thick lush green forest, filled with flowing plants and giant trees. Throughout the rivers will accompany us showing us the way and acting as a friend. 

If you get here during the rhododendron, you will witness dozens of rhododendron variations and other fruit plants. On the way, we will meet trekkers returning from Larke La Pass as well as see Yaks, sheep, and other horde of domesticated animals grazing in the fields.

We can stop for lunch at a place called Surke and continue our trek to Bhimthang.

 

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
8km/ 4.5miles
Altitude
4400m / 14435 ft.
Duration
3-4 hours

It is a special day, the Himalayas will greet you with a 360 view of mountains such as Mt Manaslu, Larke Peak, Samdo Peak, Himchuli Peak, and Lamjung Peak among many others. Following an early breakfast we will head towards Ponker Lake and Bhimthang Phedi. 

We will see Ponker Lake and the glaciers feeding it. Following a few photos, we will continue towards Bhimthang Phedi for lunch. Bhimthang Phedi is the first stop for Larke La Pass trekkers so get ready to be greeted in many languages.

Following lunch, we will descend towards Bhimthang and call it a day.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Trek Distance
26.3 km / 16.3 miles
Altitude
2300m / 7545 ft.
Duration
5-6 hours

It will be hard to say goodbye to Bhimthang and it will be a common feeling in every mountain village we stay. As always, we will grab an early breakfast and head to the town of Tilche, Manang. We will be returning the same way we ascended so we can explore places ignored while going up. We will reach Tiliche in the evening and stay there for the night.

Tilche is a great place to celebrate our completion of the trek and it is easier to arrange for the vehicle to get us to Kathmandu from here.

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay at Guesthouse

Driving Distance
228km / 141 miles
Altitude
1350m / 4430ft
Duration
7-8 hours drive

It will be a long day of driving for us today. We will take an early morning jeep ride from Tiliche to Besisahar. Following a quick lunch we will grab another ride that will bring us back to Kathmandu. Places Nepal representative will drop you off at your hotel and officially end our journey together.

Until next time!

Meals Included - Breakfast,Lunch
Overnight Stay at 3-Star Hotel

What’s Included in the package?

  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Tourist standard accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) while on the trek
  • Sharing Transportation (private Jeep will cost extra)
  • Good English or Spanish Speaking Guide
  • Required Permits & Entry Fees for National Park and Conservation Area 
  • All Government and Local taxes

What’s Excluded?

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepal Entry Visa Fee
  • Lunch or Dinner in City
  • Extra night accommodation than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, and Porters

Ponker Lake Trek Map

Ponker Lake Trek Dates

Ponker Lake Trek - Useful Information

When is the Best Time for Ponker Lake Trek?

Ponker Lake trek can be done throughout the year and can be completed during any season. Saying that the best time for Ponker Lake Trek is from February to April and during the October season. During this period you can find the forest and hills in their glory. This period also helps us avoid rain, which might cause some minor landslides along the trail.

The trek can also be done during the Monsoon and Winter seasons.

How Difficult is the Ponker Lake Trekking Trail?

Ponker Lake Trek is probably the least challenging but most thrilling trek in Manaslu, taking just 6 days in total. It is suitable for beginners and offers stunning natural beauty, cultural diversity, and potential weather challenges.

However, some tricky hilly trails along the way might be overwhelming and a way to Bhimthang will surely break a sweat too. These difficulties can be overcome but some physical exercise before the trek. 

Just in case the weather gets awful and starts acting harshly, you should come prepared. You need to be very cautious in winter as it gets too cold while you approach the lake.

In anticipation of potentially inclement and harsh weather, it behoves you to be well-prepared. Exercising is paramount during the winter season, as temperatures plummet and the lake becomes a frigid environment.

Permits and Fess Required for Ponker Lake Trek?

Ponker Lake is located in the district of Manang and under the protection of Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest conservation area in Nepal. You’ll need to obtain an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit. The permit costs between $25 to $30 depending on the exchange rate. 

Places Nepal will help you collect all the necessary permits and tickets required to enter national parks and conservation areas while trekking in Nepal.

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We are associated with
gov

Department of Tourism

ntb

Nepal Tourism Board

nma

Nepal Mountaineering Association

taan

Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal