Most trekkers hurry down from Bimthang the morning after the pass, so the trail to Ponkar Lake sees few people. It follows the lateral moraine of the Bimthang Glacier south-east from the meadow, climbing steadily on a rough path marked with cairns. After 2.5 to 3 hours you reach the lake, a pool of grey-blue water in a bowl of moraine with glaciers and rock walls above.
From the moraine crest the views take in Manaslu's west face, the Bimthang and Salpudanda glaciers and, behind you, the peaks of the Larkya and Himlung ranges. Blue sheep graze the slopes and in autumn the scrub turns red and gold. The atmosphere is wild and remote, very different from the busy meadow below.
Allow 5 to 6 hours return, carry lunch, water and warm layers, and go with your guide, because the moraine path is faint in places. The hike works best as a rest-day outing after the pass, when you are well acclimatised and sleeping at 3,590 m.
Good for
- Photographers
- Solo
- Couples
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How high is Ponkar Lake?
Ponkar Lake lies at about 4,100 m, roughly 500 m above Bimthang. Figures vary slightly between maps. The hike takes 2.5 to 3 hours up and about 2 hours down on a rough moraine trail, so plan a full morning or a rest day in Bimthang.
Is the Ponkar Lake hike worth an extra day?
For photographers and anyone who enjoys quiet places, yes. You see glaciers and Manaslu's west side up close with almost no other trekkers. The extra day also gives your legs a rest between the pass and the long descent to Dharapani.
Can I go to Ponkar Lake without a guide?
No. On the Manaslu Circuit you must trek with a licensed guide throughout, and the moraine path to Ponkar Lake is faint and loose in places. Your guide will check the route and conditions with lodge owners in Bimthang before you set out.
