Timbung Pokhari
In Nepali: तिम्बुङ पोखरी
Timbung Pokhari lies at about 4,480 m on the ridge that divides Taplejung from Sikkim. It is a place of pilgrimage for the Limbu, who come in their thousands at the August full moon, bathing in the icy water and camping on the shores.
Outside the festival it is almost deserted: a quiet trek of several days through forest and yak pasture, with the Kanchenjunga range rising behind. You need to be self-sufficient with a tent and food, and a local guide is strongly advised.
What to see and do
The lake sits in a stark, high basin of rock and grass, often with snow patches into early summer. During the Janai Purnima festival the shores fill with pilgrims, shamans (phedangma and yeba) perform rituals, and devotees take a ritual dip in the freezing water. At other times you may have it entirely to yourself, with only yaks and the wind.
The approach passes through forest and high pastures used by herders in summer, and on clear days there are views of the Kanchenjunga range and across into Sikkim.
Good to know
There are no lodges near the lake; you must camp and carry food, fuel and warm gear. Weather changes fast at this altitude. Go with a local guide who knows the route and the festival dates, and check whether any restricted-area permit applies to your chosen approach.
Quick answers
- Where is Timbung Pokhari?
- Timbung Pokhari is in Taplejung district, Koshi Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Timbung Pokhari?
- About 4,480 m (14,699 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Timbung Pokhari?
- For a 9-day trip from Biratnagar, about NPR 48,000 (≈ US$355) per person on a budget, or NPR 78,000 (≈ US$580) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 25,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Timbung Pokhari?
- Plan 6 nights there for the trek; with travel from Biratnagar and back, about 9 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Timbung Pokhari?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Timbung Pokhari?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Timbung Pokhari?
- August (Janai Purnima) or October
- How do I get to Timbung Pokhari?
- Multi-day camping trek from the Taplejung road network. It is about 134 km (straight line) from Biratnagar.
- What is Timbung Pokhari called in Nepali?
- तिम्बुङ पोखरी
