13 Days of Trekking to high lakes
Maximum Elevation 4050 metres (13,290 feet)

To the north-east of Kathmandu lies a chain of peaks called Jugal Himal, which includes Dorje Lakpa (6966 metres), Madiya (6257 metres) and Phurbi Chhyachu (6637 metres). The trek starts from the large bazaar of Chautaara (1410 metres), descends to the Balephi Khola, then follows a ridge to Bhairav Kund, a holy lake at 3500 metres. The route then makes a circuit around the head of the Balephi Khola Valley to Panch Pokhari ("five lakes") at 3600 metres. From Panch Pokhari, the trail leads to Tarke Gyang in Helambu, then back to Kathmandu. This is a remote and unfrequented region, despite its proximity to Kathmandu. Treks in this area involve a lot of climbing on narrow trails. There are few villages and no hotels on this route and water is very scarce on the ridge.