Discover the Enchantment of Ponkar Tal

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car, start from the town of Soti Khola, which is the common starting point for the Manaslu Circuit. Drive towards the village of Machha Khola, which is approximately 20 km away. From Machha Khola, continue driving to the village of Jagat. After Jagat, the road gets rough and you will need a 4WD vehicle. Proceed on the road towards the village of Deng, which is about 24 km from Jagat. From Deng, continue towards the village of Namrung where you can park your car. The last leg to Ponkar Tal involves trekking. It is approximately a 6 km trek from Namrung to Ponkar Tal, which will take about 2-3 hours depending on your pace.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Ponkar Tal using public transportation, start from Kathmandu. You can take a bus or a jeep to Soti Khola, which can take approximately 8-10 hours depending on the traffic. From Soti Khola, take a local bus to Machha Khola. Once you reach Machha Khola, you will need to find a local jeep or shared taxi to take you to Jagat. After reaching Jagat, the road gets bumpy, so you will need to hire a 4WD taxi to Deng. Once you arrive in Deng, you can trek to Namrung. From Namrung, it is about a 6 km trek to Ponkar Tal, which will take around 2-3 hours. Make sure to check local bus schedules and taxi availability as they can vary.

• Trekking

  After you have reached Namrung, prepare for the trek to Ponkar Tal. The trek is scenic and takes you through lush forests and local villages. Follow the marked trail leading from Namrung, which is relatively easy to navigate. Be sure to carry enough water and snacks, as there may not be any shops along the way. The trek is about 6 km and should take approximately 2-3 hours. Look out for the stunning views of the surrounding mountains as you make your way to Ponkar Tal.