The Panchase trip is ideal for those looking for an authentic Himalayan trekking experience with incredible views without the time (or endurance) commitment of a long journey. It begins in Pokhara, takes only four days, and maybe completed in the autumn, winter, or spring.
Highlights Of The Panchase Trek
- Enjoy one of Nepal's less challenging treks, which are ideal for families or people with a moderate level of fitness.
- Views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung, and Manaslu are available.
- For one of the most fantastic views of the Annapurna Himal, climb to Panchase Hill (2,500m).
- Observe rural Nepalese life in the villages primarily populated by Gurung and Brahman people.
Overview Of The Panchase Trek
This four-day trip is one of Nepal's easiest treks, making it suitable for families, the elderly, or travellers who want to take it easy and enjoy the scenery. Because each day of trekking is only three or four hours long, there is plenty of time to soak in the picture, take photos, and rest in the villages after the day to observe—or perhaps participate in—local village life.
Image Cr: Wilderness Excursion
Caption: Panchase Village
The lovely forest you journey through and the magnificent mountain views are two of the hike's significant pleasures. The Panchase area's woodlands are incredibly biodiverse, with many of them designated as protected forests. It boasts a vast number of orchid species (over 100), so keep a watch out for the lovely blooms.
Three 8,000-meter-plus summits (Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu) may be seen from numerous spots along the way and several lesser-known (but still impressive!) peaks like Lamjung, Machhapuchhare, and Gangapurna.
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Boating across Phewa Lake and Trek to Bumdi
Day 04: Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang
Day 05: Trek to Bhadaure
Day 06: Trek to Nau Danda and a short drive to Pokhara
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary of the Panchase Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
You'll get staggering views of the valley, the Himalayas, and the terraced fields below as you fly into Kathmandu. After clearing customs, a representative will be waiting to help you get settled into your hotel and take you through the culture shock of Kathmandu's tiny, winding streets.
Majestic architecture in Kathmandu's Durbar Square enchants visitors
After you've settled down, see one of Kathmandu's cultural attractions. The tourist hub of Thamel is an excellent site to eat your first meal in the evening, with a selection of eateries serving both Western and indigenous Nepali cuisine.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu has a unique aura in the early morning hours when the city is slowly but steadily waking up. It's a fantastic time to go for a walk and explore the streets or relax with a cup of chai while looking out over one of the local courtyards or durbar squares.
There are various ways to spend the day, given the many magnificent vistas in the Kathmandu Valley. Later in the evening, go out to one of the city's famous restaurants for dinner, or have your specialist organize a home-cooked meal with a local family.
Day 03: Boating across Phewa Lake and Trek to Bumdi
To get to the starting site of the journey, take a boat ride over Phewa Lake. Japanese Buddhists built the Shanti Stupa (also better known as the World Peace Pagoda) was built in 1973 by Japanese Buddhists and is a little way up the walk. It is a famous tourist site in Pokhara, but the crowds will thin out as you proceed on the trekking track.
Beautiful Phewa Lake
The trail continues from the Shanti Stupa, passing through the forest before climbing steeply back up and into the settlement of Lukum Swara. The majority of the people residing in this area are Gurung and Brahman ethnic groups, and you'll have lots of opportunities to witness their rustic lifestyles on this walk. The hike today comes to a close in Bumdi village.
Day 04: Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang
Today's trek will continue through the forest, with glimpses of the mountains here and there. Lamjung, Machhapucchare, Gangapurna, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu are some of the peaks to look out for. Your guide should be able to tell the difference.
The forests you'll pass through are particularly intriguing for the variety of flora and wildlife they contain, including a plethora of birds, monkeys, orchids, and a wide range of plants. The Rhododendron, Nepal's national flower, maybe in full bloom in the spring. A moderate ascent to Panchase Bhanjyang rounds out the day.
Day 05: Trek to Bhadaure
Climb the stone steps that take up you to Panchase Peak around 500 meters early this morning (the sooner, the better if you want to see the sunrise). This is the highest point on the trail, and from here, you should be able to view an incredible vista of the mountains that have been poking out at you throughout the hike.
The serene beauty of Bhadaure
Breakfast at the summit, then spend the remainder of the day gradually descending to Bhadaure, your overnight destination.
Day 06: Trek to Nau Danda and a short drive to Pokhara
Today's walk descends gently, passing through various communities and following a jeep trail for part of the way. The trekking track meets the road at Naudanda, where you will be picked up and transported back to Pokhara. Alternatively, pursue one of the proposed variants below to lengthen the walk by one or more days.
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu
It's time to bid Nepal farewell. Enjoy one more breakfast at a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping in Kathmandu. A representative from the travel agency will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your return trip home. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
Variations of the Panchase Trek
Continue from Bhadaure to Sarangkot to extend the Panchase trek by another day. It takes roughly five hours to do this task. You can walk back to Pokhara Lakeside from Sarangkot, obviating the necessity for a shuttle pickup at the conclusion. Sarangkot is a popular day trek destination from Pokhara and a paragliding launch place. The views of Phewa Tal and the town of Pokhara are breathtaking.
Combine this walk with the Ghandruk trek to be a more prolonged and more strenuous adventure. This extends the trip to eight days. Continue to Bhirethanti, Ghandruk, the Australian Camp, and Kande from Bhadaure.
Best Time To Do The Panchase Trek
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best trekking seasons in Nepal. The Panchase walk, on the other hand, is an excellent winter trek since it doesn't climb very high, and the mountain views in December and January near Pokhara are outstanding.
How Can You Get To Panchase?
Pokhara is the start and the endpoint for the Panchase trek. The basic plan necessitates a vehicle pickup at the conclusion; however, specific versions allow you to return to Pokhara on foot.