Holidays
Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek

New

Holidays

Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek

Nepal

Available Departures: Nov

16 days from

US$4,480

without flights

View Dates & Prices

Pioneer

Guided Group

CHALLENGING

A trek into a spectacular and largely unvisited part of the Nepal Himalaya

Trip Code: PXJH

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Section:

Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek

Highlights

Close up views of the striking peaks of the Jugal Himal from base camp
Picturesque Panch Pokhari, 5 lakes sacred to Hindus
The hidden valley of Ne-Pemachhal
The Jugal Himal is accessed by road - no internal flights
FREE sleeping bag and down jacket hire is available for this holiday

At a Glance

Group Size 5 to 14
3 nights hotels and lodges
12 nights camping
12 days trekking. Max elevation 5000 metres
Join In Kathmandu

Accommodation & Meals

All meals included
2 nights Hotel
1 nights Lodge
12 nights Camping

Overview

North-east of Kathmandu, between Langtang and the Tibetan Border, the Jugal Himal is an accessible and yet surprisingly overlooked group of mountains. Accessed by road through Melamchi, most trekkers and Hindu pilgrims get no further than the group of five picturesque and holy lakes at Panch Pokhari (4055m) from where the principal Jugal peaks, Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Madiya (6257m), Jugal Yangri (6535m) and Phurbi Chhyachu (6637m), can be glimpsed from afar. Leaving the lakes behind, challenging and rarely travelled trails take us down to the Balephi Khola, through the ‘Shangri-La’ valley of Ne-Pemachhal and onwards to the Jugal Himal base camp at Yang Kharkha (4700m). Alongside the Jugal Glacier and overlooked by the encircling snow-clad giant peaks of the Jugal Himal, this is a dramatic location which up to now has been visited by very few. As yet unspoiled, the heart of this region offers cascading streams, mature forest, sacred caves, hidden shrines and soaring peaks. Suitable only for experienced trekkers, it has many of the elements that we like to include in one of our Pioneer trips.

A KE team completed a reconnaissance of this route in September 2024 and were more than impressed by the experience - the untrekked trails, the pristine landscape and the unsurpassed mountain views.

Is this holiday for you?

Jugal Himal Base Camp has remained off the radar for adventure travellers, in part because the Jugal peaks were not opened for climbing by the Nepal Mountaineering Association until 2023. Trails into this core area are not well-established as a result. There is interest from local people to develop tourism in the region and some trails have been improved, including some quite incongruous sections of well-made steps. But, you will also need to be comfortable negotiating long sections of poor trail, across unconsolidated landslide areas, with steep, slippery and overgrown sections, as well as riverside boulder hopping and unbridged river crossings. The final short stage to the basecamp involves some basic scrambling, protected by fixed ropes and cable in places. This will be a challenging outing, suitable for experienced high mountain trekkers.

Why KE?

With our proven track record of providing new and adventurous trekking holidays, KE is your No 1. choice for Nepal!

Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Day 1

Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided.

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Your holiday starts at the hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the immediate vicinity of the hotel and get acclimatised to this bustling city. Alternatively, you may prefer to recover from your journey by relaxing at the hotel. Your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

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Day 2

Drive to Thulo Bhotang (2000m).

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After breakfast, we will set off on the scenic 5 to 6-hour drive to the hill village of Thulo Bhotang, gateway to the Jugal Himal. Initially, we follow a surfaced road for an hour and a half to the hilltop town of Dhulikel where the views extend northwards to the Langtang and Jugal peaks. Descending, we pass through a number of settlements, including Panchkhal, before turning off northwards to the bazaar town of Melamchi. We will have a lunch stop and then continue on a winding dirt road to Thulo Bhotang (2000m) which is home to people of several different ethnic groups including Sherpas and Tamangs. We will set up camp on the outskirts of the village.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

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Day 3

Trek up through forest to the Tuppi Danda (2700m).

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To allow us to acclimatize adequately we need to take our time and walk short stages as we approach the holy lakes at Panch Pokhari. On this first day we follow a trail that leads across the pretty, terraced farmland of Chhimti Village an then up through a mixed forest of rhododendron and pine to a camping place on the open ridge of the Tuppi Danda at an elevation of a little over 2700 metres.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

800 M

Descent

100 M

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

6 KM

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Day 4

Trek up to to Nosyampati (3700m).

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Today's trek starts out amongst a picturesque forest of rhododendron and fir trees. We pass clearings where cattle gaze and a couple of trailside teahouses. We will stop for lunch at one of these basic lodges at the place called Chokergyang and then and continue on a well-made stone trail, marked in places by chortens and colourful prayer flags, to Nosyampati (3700m). Trails converge here from several directions and there is a scattering of simple homes and teahouses. We set up camp here for a 2-night stay.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1100 M

Descent

100 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM

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Day 5

A day at Nosyampati for acclimatisation.

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Having gained 1000 metres yesterday we need to spend a second night at this elevation before going higher. Quiet and unspoiled, with far-reaching views across the surrounding Himalayan foothills, Nosyampati is a great place to spend a day. Getting up early to witness the sunrise is highly recommended. We will have the option to hike up to a nearby viewpoint to make the best of the views and can look out for eagles and bearded vultures as they soar along the ridge. The distant lights of Kathmandu can be made out as night falls.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

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Day 6

Trek to the sacred lakes at Panch Pokhari (4055m).

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No need for too early a breakfast today, as it's just a short morning's walk up to Panch Pokhari. Heading steeply away from Nosyampati, on sections of carefully constructed stone steps, we are soon above the trees and there are views northwards to the snow-peaks of the Jugal Himal. We pass a narrow, rocky cleft at Chhata Ghabha and beyond a high point at the Laurebina La (4074m) continue to the five lakes at Panch Pokhari. We will set up camp, have lunch and then hike up (30 minutes) to the viewpoint above the lakes. Festooned with prayer flags this is one of the best places from which to view the principal Jugal Himal peaks of Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Madiya (6257m) and Phurbi Chhyachu (6637m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

550 M

Descent

150 M

Time

3 hrs trekking

Distance

5 KM

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Day 7

Morning at Panch Pokhari and short trek to Nema-Gchukpa Kharka (3580m).

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We have a leisurely start to the day, time for more exploration, before setting off on an exciting, and recently established trail that will (tomorrow) take us down to Chhendang at the junction of the Balephi Khola and Ne-Pemachhal streams. We start out by ascending to the 'ridge top' viewpoint at 4229 metres and from here descend in a north-easterly direction, following a basic shepherds' track. The trail descends along a forested ridge to our camping place at the largest of several clearings, Nema-Gchukpa Kharka (3580m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

200 M

Descent

675 M

Time

3 - 4 hrs trekking

Distance

4 KM

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Day 8

Decend to the Balephi Khola and cross it to Chhendang (2635m).

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After breakfast at camp, we continue to descend on the shepherds' trail through a forest of fir trees and rhododendron to the Balephi Khola river. We cross the river on a makeshift bridge and hike away from the river to our camping site at Chhendang (2635m). There is an old monastery here which is in a state of disrepair following the 2015 earthquake.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

150 M

Descent

1095 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

4 KM

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Day 9

Trek to Ne-Pemachhal (3500m).

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Steep-sided and well wooded, the beautiful valley of Ne-Pemachhal is the location of a pilgrimage and meditation site which celebrates the belief that the Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) visited the valley in the 8th century. Heading up into the valley, with some sections of narrow and exposed trail, we reach the rock overhang at Tongsyup Gufa, historically a place of meditation for Buddhist monks. Then, crossing a tributary stream, we complete a more level final kilometer of trekking to our camping place at Ne-Pemachhal (3500m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

930 M

Descent

90 M

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM

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Day 10

Acclimatisation walk to Gyap Kharka (4400m). Second night at Ne-Pemachhal.

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Before continuing our approach to Jugal Himal Base Camp, we take the opportunity to visit a great viewpoint at the place known as Gyap Kharka (4400m) on the north side of the Ne-Pemachhal Valley. We hike up directly and steeply, in part on a new stepped trail, to the single shelter at Bumpasherpu (4200m) and then traverse the valley slopes to Gyap Kharka (4400m) where the trail ends. From here we can look across to the location of base camp and the ring of peaks that encircle the Jugal Glacier. Phurbi Chhyachu (6637m) is the dominating mountain to the east. We return to spend a second night at Ne-Pemachhal.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1100 M

Descent

1100 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

7 KM

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Day 11

A short and easy trek to Palmothang (3900m).

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This morning we cross the Ne-Pemachhal River and trek easily through forest on the south side of the river. We can see the peaks of the Jugal Himal ahead, including Phurbi Chhyachu, as well as the steepening of the valley through which we must pass tomorrow. We set up our camp in a side-valley at Palmothang, have lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

500 M

Descent

100 M

Time

3 - 4 hrs trekking

Distance

5 KM

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Day 12

To Jugal Himal Base Camp, Yang Kharka (4700m).

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Today's short and at times steep and complicated stage takes us beneath the precipitous lower slopes of Phurbi Chhyachu before making its way up on a poor trail that involves some easy scrambling, protected in places by short sections of fixed rope and cable. We pass a small glacial lake below Phurbi Chhyachu and continue, traversing around, to Yang Kharka (4700m), the spectacular basecamp area for the Jugal peaks.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1000 M

Descent

200 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

4 KM

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Day 13

Trek out from Yang Kharka to Ne-Pemachhal.

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We have some time in the morning to enjoy the experience of being in the special place, very much a 'mountain sanctuary' and a place that few have visited. The views of the encircling peaks are sensational. Mid-morning we will begin our walk-out, making a slow and careful descent of the steep riverside trail and then continuing more easily via Palmothang and through the atmospheric forest to Ne-Pemachhal (3500m) where we camp.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

300 M

Descent

1500 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

9 KM

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Day 14

Ne-Pemachhal to Tembathang (2200m).

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This long final trekking stage takes back to the Balephi Khola and then southwards on a reasonable trail, through a number of small settlements, including Dippu, the highest permanent settlement in the valley. The trail climbs and descends beyond Dippu through forest and terraced fields and there are a couple of river crossings en route to our final camping place of the trip at Tembathang (2200m). This is a Sherpa Village with about 150 homes, as well as the usual stupas and mani walls. The inhabitants are keen to show off their Sherpa culture. The raising of livestock, including yaks, is the main occupation.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

600 M

Descent

1900 M

Time

7 - 8 hrs trekking

Distance

17 KM

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Day 15

Drive from Tembathang to Kathmandu.

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We have a short walk to the roadhead at Nesam Khola, where we meet our transport for the 6 to 7 hour drive back to Kathmandu. We will stop off for lunch at a roadside restaurant and reach the city in the late afternoon. After checking in at the group hotel, we have some to relax and freshen-up before heading out to one of the Thamel restaurants for a celebratory dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

50 M

Descent

250 M

Time

1 - 2 hrs trekking

Distance

4 KM

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Day 16

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided.

Show Details

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in Nepal, why not pre-book a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley, or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. Contact our office for details.

Meals

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Download Trip Notes

The Route

Point

Peaks

Direction

Walk/Trek

Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

A professional and qualified Nepalese tour leader

Kathmandu Airport transfers

All land transport involved in the itinerary

Accommodation as described

All meals

Full trekking service including all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

Once on trek the group will be assisted by porters and a local guide

FREE Sleeping bag and down jacket hire is available for this holiday on request

What's not Included

Travel Insurance

Nepalese Visa

Tips for porters and other trek staff

Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

The group will meet at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Transfers are provided from/to Kathmandu Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Meal Plan

All meals are included in the holiday price from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 16.

Food & Water

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Our camping holidays in Nepal are accompanied by an experienced and well trained trek cook and his team of assistants. Breakfasts will include porridge or cereals and sometimes eggs, with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Lunches are generally prepared on the trail and can include cooked or tinned vegetables, rice, chips, freshly made Tibetan bread, as well as tinned tuna, meats or cheese. On occasion this can be augmented by noodle soup. Dinners always start off with soup, followed by a locally inspired main course such as rice, dal and spicy vegetables, or a more international dish like pasta with a tomato sauce or pizza and chips. Dessert can be tinned fruit with custard or rice pudding or cake with custard. The emphasis is on providing a high-carbohydrate and largely vegetarian diet, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. During this trek there will be very few opportunities to purchase snacks and drinks from simple shops and tea houses. All meals while on trek and also while staying at your Kathmandu hotel are included in the trip price.

Accommodation

We have 2 nights in Kathmandu at the new and very comfortable 4 star Aloft Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers a range of first-class facilities including fast and free WiFi and a spa and fitness centre. We have a single night at a lodge in Thulo Bhotang and 12 nights full-service camping. This is camping in style, where we provide spacious 2 person tents (foam mattresses are also provided), a dining tent complete with table and chairs where you will eat your meals and relax, a kitchen tent in which the cook crew produce your meals and one (or more usually two) toilet tents. Your local crew will set up the camp each evening and take it down again in the morning. You will be served with a cup of bed tea each morning and provided with a bowl of water with which to wash. Water for hand washing is also provided at each meal. On arrival into camp each afternoon hot drinks and snacks will be provided in the dining tent. All accommodation is arranged on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on trek for an additional cost. Please note single tent hire does not include single rooms in hotels. For the 2 nights in Kathmandu single room occupancy can be arranged at supplementary cost. Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu can also be pre-booked.

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group will be led by a professional and qualified Nepalese tour leader, assisted by an experienced team. As well as the regular trekking crew of Sherpas, porters and the cook team, we have included an additional, experienced climbing Sherpa to provide assistance and reassurance on any challenging sections of trail.

Altitude

This holiday involves going to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending at least one night above 4000 metres and/or trekking to 5000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. Unless you have previous experience of trekking above 4000 metres you should consult one of our trekking experts before embarking on this holiday. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.

Spending Money

Approximately £200 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc.) changed into local currency, should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including porter and trek crew tips, drinks etc. It is not necessary to obtain local currency prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Nepal. Please note: Scottish and Northern Ireland bank notes are not accepted in Nepal. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash, since you will exchange the majority of this on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money from ATMs in Kathmandu using your debit or credit card. During the trek there are few opportunities to purchase anything.

Guidance on Tipping

Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Your Nepali tour leader will advise the group on an appropriate level of tipping. Most groups will hand out the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the holiday. As a guide, we recommend that each group member contributes around £80 (in rupees) to these tips. At the end of their trek many people also like to donate various items of equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks are always warmly received by the porters, whilst technical clothing and equipment such as head-torches and trekking poles is highly prized by the Sherpa team. Your tour leader will make arrangements for a fair distribution (possibly by raffle) amongst the trek crew. Please note that you will have the opportunity to tip your tour leader separately (and additionally) during dinner on the final evening of the holiday.

Beat the Jet Lag

Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling across time zones, leaving you refreshed and ready for your holiday. We can easily arrange for you to have additional nights and airport transfers.

Baggage Allowance

Your main item of luggage should be a sturdy kit bag, duffle bag or similar. This will be carried during the trek by porters or pack animals and must weigh no more than 15kg. If you are picking up a sleeping bag and down jacket from KE in Kathmandu, you need to factor in the weight of these items (around 3kg) and allow space in your bag for them. You should also take on your holiday a daypack of approximately 30 litres capacity. It is possible to leave items not required on trek at the hotel in Kathmandu. For your international flights, please check the baggage allowance with your airline.

Group Size & Holiday Status

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Passport & Visas

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa Nepal

All nationalities require a visa. The visa process is partly automated and the fee is $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. The visa is FREE for children under 10 years. The visa allows multiple re-entry. Payment must be made in cash and USD, GBP or Euros are accepted.

Part of this on-arrival visa process involves filling in a ‘Tourist Visa Application Form’ and you can simplify the procedure at Kathmandu Airport by filling this form in online (within 15 days of travelling) at this link. This generates a receipt which you present (hard copy or saved on your phone) on arrival. This should allow you to go straight to the cashier to pay for your visa and has the potential to save you time in the visa queue.

Whilst these are not now needed for the visa process, we recommend that you travel with at least 2 spare passport photographs.

Health & Vaccinations

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

Currency

The unit of currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee.

Preparing for your Holiday

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking or climbing trip getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. For this trip you need to be aerobically fit and also comfortable with walking for around 5 to 6 hours each day We would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime. Regular walking in hill country is the best preparation for a trip of this nature, but running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing better stamina. Whatever your chosen method of training, before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.

Climate

October-December and March-May are the best times to visit Nepal. These months either side of the monsoon are neither too hot nor too cold, offering the best conditions for trekking. At either of these periods you will encounter a wide range of daytime temperatures during your trip, from approximately 25ºC in Kathmandu to around 10 to 15ºC at 3000 metres and around 5 to 8ºC at 4000 metres. The ‘real feel’ temperature in the middle of the day will be much warmer than this in the sun. At night in the rarefied air the temperatures plummet. You can expect to experience overnight temperatures at 3000 metres of around freezing and at 4000 metres of minus 7 or 8ºC. Extended periods of rain or snow are very unlikely outside of the monsoon period but short lived storms can and do occur.

Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Books

· Jugal Himal – A Trekking Guide. Himalayan Travel Guides

· Lonely Planet Guide to Nepal. Lonely Planet

· Rough Guide to Nepal. Rough Guides

· Trekking and Climbing in Nepal. Steve Razzetti.

· Manaslu- Trekkers and Visitors guide – Cicerone Press.

· Field Guide to Birds of the Himalayas. Bikram Grewal

· Portraits of People:Nepal Himalayas. Eric Valli

· Nepal: Lonely Planet Pictorial. Richard I'Anson

· The High Himalaya. Art Wolfe

Maps

Jugal Himal. Map House. Ref. NL514. 1:55,000

Contours at 80-metre intervals, with spot heights and relief shading, Trekking routes are clearly marked An index of settlements also lists peaks and passes. Available from stanfords.co.uk

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your kit bag while trekking should be no more than 15 kgs.

You must bring the following items

You must bring the following items:

Hiking boots
Gaiters
Trekking trousers
Waterproof overtrousers
Travel clothes
Baselayer shirts
Baselayer leggings
Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat
Sunglasses
Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens
Headtorch and spare batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 Litre x2 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
Water purification tablets
Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Selection of dry bags (to keep your kit bag contents dry)
Daypack approximately 30 litres
Sleeping bag (comfort rated -10°C)*
Warm jacket (down)*
Climbing helmet*
Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
Small padlock (to lock your kit bag)

The following items are optional:

**Thermarest or similar camping mat
Trainers or similar for camp use
Shorts
Sleeping bag liner
Swimwear
Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
Camera
Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes

*FREE sleeping bag and down jacket hire is included in your KE holiday booking on request.

*Climbing helmets will be worn on the final approach to and descent from the base camp at Yang Kharka. These are provided on request.

Please make all requests at least 4 weeks prior to the trip departure date. Please note all hire / rental equipment is issued in Kathmandu. Please remember to allow room in your kit bag for these items.

**Foam mattresses are provided. Taking an additional Thermarest or similar mattress is optional.

The Nepalese are still traditional and conservative in the way they dress. Therefore to avoid embarrassment on both sides we recommend that you respect this and do not wear revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are acceptable, but they should reach to just above the knee and be modest and for women it is preferable to wear trousers or a trekking skirt.

Recommended Outdoor Retailers

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Extensions

Chitwan Jungle Extension

3 Days

The jungles of southern Nepal are an interesting counterpoint to trekking in the foothills or the high Himalaya. Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge provides a relaxing and comfortable base for a wildlife safari and cultural village experience. During two days of wildlife viewing in the Chitwan National Park 'buffer zone' - the interface area between visitors and the animals that live at Chitwan – you will be accompanied by expert guides on safaris by jeep by boat and on foot.

Extension Code: CHTL

Extension Itinerary

Day 1

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KE extension package services begin with a transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Bharatpur. You are met by a Tiger Tops representative and transfer to the lodge. After a welcome briefing, you head off for the first of your jungle activities which may be by jeep, on foot or by boat. We can enjoy an excellent meal from the Tharu kitchen before retiring.

Meals

L D

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Day 2

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After an early wake-up call you will go out with your guide to catch the birds and animals at the watering hole. After breakfast at the lodge you will go out on safari again. As with yesterday your safaris can be by jeep, on foot or by boat. After a full day of wildlife viewing, you spend your final night at Tharu Lodge.

Meals

B L D

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Day 3

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Depending on your flight time, you may have another opportunity this morning to observe the animals at the watering hole, then after breakfast at the lodge, you transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu where KE extension package services end.

Meals

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Whats Included

Return flights - Kathmandu / Bharatpur / Kathmandu
Kathmandu Airport transfers
Transfers to the lodge on arrival at Bharatpur Airport
2 nights full board accommodation at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge
Jungle activities including jeep rides / boat rides / nature walks and birdwatching
Airport departure tax
National park buffer zone fee

What's Not Included

Any additional hotel nights required in Kathmandu before or after the extension
Expenses of a personal nature - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Kathmandu Tour - Nagarkot and Bhaktapur

1 Day

The Kathmandu Valley contains the cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu itself, all of which were once independent kingdoms. An exploration of the valley’s historic and cultural sights is an excellent way to begin or end your adventure in Nepal. Highlights of this tour includes a very early drive up to Nagarkot on the Kathmandu Valley rim, the perfect place to watch a Himalayan sunrise. This is followed by a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur, renowned for its temples and traditional buildings.

Extension Code: KTMV

Sharing Price from

US$175

Single Traveller Price from

US$270

Extension Itinerary

Day 1

Show Details

We have a long morning of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, beginning with a very early start (at around 0430). We drive for approximately 1 hour through the quiet streets to Nargakot on the valley rim to watch the sunrise light up the Himalayas. Dropping back down to the valley, you will then have a guided tour of medieval Bhaktapur before returning to your hotel towards midday.

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Whats Included

Experienced tour guide
Vehicle transport and driver
Entrance fees

What's Not Included

Packed breakfast to be provided. Other meals and drinks are not included

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FREE equipment hire in Nepal

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

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2025

Sun 2 Nov Mon 17 Nov

US$4,480 Adult

US$550

2 more to guarantee

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More Information

Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: PXJH/01/25/
This trip departs the UK on Sat 1 Nov returning to the UK on Mon 17 Nov

This trip begins on Sun 2 Nov and ends on Mon 17 Nov
This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
Single Supplement Price: US$220
Single Tent Upgrade: US$295
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Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary starting at the hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers are provided from/to Kathmandu Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

Vaccinations

You must bring the following items:

Extensions

Chitwan Jungle Extension

Extension Details

Chitwan Jungle Extension

3 Days

Extension Itinerary

Whats Included

What's Not Included

Kathmandu Tour - Nagarkot and Bhaktapur

Extension Details

Kathmandu Tour - Nagarkot and Bhaktapur

1 Day

Sharing Price from

US$175

Single Traveller Price from

US$270

Extension Itinerary

Whats Included

What's Not Included

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DATES & PRICES

2025

More Information

Land Only Information

Flight Inclusive Information

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

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