To the north-east of Kathmandu lies a chain of peaks called Jugal Himal, which includes Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Madiya (6257m) and Phurbi Chhyachu (6637m). From the south it is an easily accessible area, although it requires a long uphill climb. Just above Dolalghat on the Kodari road there is a road to the large bazaar of Chautaara (1410m). The trek mentioned here climbs from Chautaara to a ridge, which it then follows north to Panch Pokhari (‘five lakes’) at 3600m. From Panch Pokhari, trails lead to Tarke Gyang in Helambu and then back down the ridge through Sermathang to Panchkal on the Kodari road. Many other routes also described trail lead back to Kathmandu from Tarke Gyang.

Another trail from Chautaara descends to the Balephi khola, and then follows a ridge to Bhairav Kund, a holy lake at 3500m. You can return from there to Tatopani on the Kodari road or make a circuit around the head of the Balephi Khola valley to Panch Pokhari and join the route described here.

This is a remote and unfrequented region, in spite of 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.

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