Town or village
Basantapur
A high ridge bazaar on the Koshi Highway and the usual start for walks into the Tinjure-Milke rhododendron hills.
गुफा पोखरी
Gupha Pokhari
A small ridge-top lake in the Tinjure-Milke rhododendron hills, with views of the eastern Himalaya on clear days.
- Altitude
- 2,890 m*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Lake
- District
- Terhathum, Koshi
- Permit
- None needed
Why go
Gupha Pokhari is a small lake on the high ridge that runs north from Basantapur through the Tinjure and Milke hills, in the north of Terhathum district. A handful of lodges and houses stand beside it, and it is the usual overnight stop on walks through the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale area, often described as the rhododendron capital of Nepal.
From the ridges near the lake, clear mornings give a broad view of the eastern Himalaya, taking in the Makalu and Kanchenjunga ranges and, on the best days, peaks further west. In spring the forest along the ridge flowers in many shades of red, pink and white, and in autumn the air is at its clearest.
The lake is reached on foot along the ridge from Basantapur, or by rough roads that now climb parts of the way, and walkers usually continue north towards Sankhuwasabha or turn back after a night or two. Facilities are simple and the climate is cool even in summer.
History and culture
The ridge path past Gupha Pokhari has long been a route for traders and porters moving between the hill bazaars and the upper Tamor and Arun valleys, and older trekking routes towards Kanchenjunga and Makalu used it. Sherpa, Gurung, Limbu and Rai families live in scattered settlements along the ridge and run the lodges.
The lake is regarded as sacred by local people, and small shrines and prayer flags stand by the water. Conservation groups and local governments have worked to protect the rhododendron forests of the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale area and to promote them for low-impact tourism.
Things to do in Gupha Pokhari
Ridge walk
Walk the ridge from Basantapur to the lake over a few days, staying in lodges and homestays.
Sunrise view
Climb a nearby high point at dawn for the widest mountain view.
Extend north
Continue along the Milke and Jaljale ridges with a guide for a longer trek.
Weather and the best time to visit Gupha Pokhari
Weather in Gupha Pokhari
Forecast for 2,890 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November bring clear skies and the best mountain views.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold, with frost and occasional snow on the ridge.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March and April are the rhododendron season and the busiest walking time.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is wet and cloudy, with leeches and muddy trails.
Where to stay
TeahousesHomestaysCamping
A few basic lodges by the lake and homestays and teahouses along the ridge.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Travel to Basantapur on the Koshi Highway, then walk north along the ridge to the lake, or take a jeep part of the way on rough roads.
Nearest hub: Basantapur
- roadDharan to Basantapur by bus or jeep on the Koshi Highway, most of a day.
- trekBasantapur to Gupha Pokhari along the Tinjure ridge, usually over a few days through forest and small settlements.
- jeepRough seasonal roads reach parts of the ridge; ask in Basantapur which sections are drivable.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed for Gupha Pokhari.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Gupha Pokhari
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rain from June to September brings landslides and slips on the rough roads and trails along the ridge, and journeys can be delayed for hours or days.
Snowmoderate in a typical yearDec-Feb
Snow and frost can cover the ridge in winter, making trails slippery and nights cold.
Coldlow in a typical yearNov-Mar
Nights at the lake are cold for much of the year; lodges are simple and often unheated.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Carry a warm sleeping bag; lodges are basic and nights are cold.
- Hire a guide in Basantapur if you are not confident route-finding in forest.
- Start early for the best chance of clear views before cloud builds.
- Do not pick rhododendron flowers or disturb the forest.
Questions about Gupha Pokhari
Where is Gupha Pokhari?
On the Tinjure-Milke ridge in northern Terhathum, eastern Nepal, north of Basantapur.
When is the best time to visit?
March and April for rhododendrons; October and November for clear views.
How long is the walk from Basantapur?
Usually a few days along the ridge, depending on pace and route.
Can I see mountains from Gupha Pokhari?
Yes, on clear mornings the Makalu and Kanchenjunga ranges are visible from the ridges nearby.
Nearby
Town or village
Myanglung
The ridge-top headquarters of Terhathum, a Limbu town known across Nepal for its hand-woven dhaka cloth.
Town or village
Hile
A cool ridge bazaar on the Koshi Highway above Dhankuta, known for its hill food and mountain views.
National park or conservation area
Kanchenjunga Region
A remote trekking region below the world's third-highest mountain, with Limbu and Sherpa villages, two base camps and a restricted-area permit.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Terhathum District, Wikipedia, Koshi Highway, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board