Trip Introduction
Panchase Trek is one of the short treks around Pokhara away from the actual Annapurna trail but it is a rural-cultural off-the-beaten trek that offers an ideal way to discover natural beauty around Pokhara for those visitors on visit, without missing out on the incredible views over the Annapurna Himalayan Range and experience the village life. Our short trek starts in style with a gentle boat trip across Lake Phewa to take you to the start point, where a short climb will be rewarded with stunning views out across the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, which will form the backdrop to much of the trek. The trail will take you up to the World Peace Pagoda, through the forest where you can see the flora and fauna of Nepal, and past several villages where you can experience the daily lives of the local people. It takes you up to an elevation of 2500m on the summit of Panchase Hill, from which (if you are willing to get up early enough!) you can see a dramatic sunrise over the Himalayas giants.
Panchase is one of the closest short treks near Pokhara. Panchase is a point of five tall hills where they meet on the top. On the top of Panchase; there is a temple of Sidda Baba, Dharmasala, Mahadev temple, a view tower, and Buddha statues. The intersection of Kaski, Parbat, and Syangja districts is called Panchase. Panchase Hill offers impressive views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu and some stunning views of sunrise and sunset. There is a Pancsila Lake and Barah temple at the top. It is said that saints used to stay there because if fire caught in 1966 they moved elsewhere. However; it is a sacred site for yoga and meditation.
People and locals.
Panchase and its surrounding area are home to some 70,000 population including Kalabang, Chitre, and Bhadaure. Deurali, Talibarang, Arthare and Sidhane villages. Most of these villages have homestay facilities with welcoming hospitality. One needs to inform in advance if you are going to stay in one of those and you have to be there before sunset.
Nature and wildlife
Panchase; resting on the lap of the Himalayas is a complete package with its pristine beauty, and topographical diversity to go with the blend of historic, religious, and cultural hues. Panchase which abuts Kaski, Syangja, and Parbat districts is a place of bio-diversity and is home to endangered bird species of the world. In case you have not noticed. Panchase has biological diversity as there are different kinds of birds, animals, butterflies, flowers, and vegetation. Harpan Khola – the origin of the famous Phewa Lake, Adhikhola, Ratikhola, Jarekhola, and Seti Khola all these small river and rivulets flows from Panchase. The world-famous rhododendron, Sunkhari, and Leksallo among other flowers are the staple products of the area. Panchase is also known as the depot of endangered herbs and herbal medicine. The world's endangered herbs such as Satuwa, Chattre Unyu, and Loth Salla have existed since the time of dinosaurs. It is also home to animals like leopards, bears, deer, and many species of birds.
How are the accommodation and food in Panchase?
The accommodation in this route is quite basic compared to other popular trekking trails such as Ghorepani Poon Hill or Annapurna Circuit in Annapurna. Local people run homestay services at Kalabang and Pumdi villages offering staying in local homes. We saw one new lodge at Bhumdi that is a bit away from the village. For those; who love experiencing local culture and don’t mind going through basic facilities then it is a firsthand opportunity to discover the locals and their lifestyle. The food is usually rice, potatoes, noodles, eggs, momo, chapati etc and tea, coffee for table drinks. Dal Bhaat (a Nepalese set meal that comes with boiled rice, lentil soup, fried/cooked vegetables, and pickles) is served in homestays. For beverages and bars, there are cold drinks, beer, distillery drinks, and Raksi (local wine).
When to go / what is the best time to trek?
Panchase Trek can be done year-round. The best advised time to trek there is fall (September – November) however it can be one of the wet areas in the Annapurna region. There are high seasons that suit this trek and the following months have traditionally been used as a guide for the favorite times of the year to do the Panchase trek.
Mid-September - November - early December: this is Nepal's best time to go trekking however if the Monsoon is late then Panchase can remain cloud-covered until early October rarely. Otherwise, the views at this time of year in Panchase are usually just gorgeous.
Mid-December to February: This is the winter season in Nepal; has a clear sky but it can be cold in Panchase, so warm clothing is advised. Little chance of snowfall this time at Panchase.
March - April: this is the spring season; the end of the dry season and the second best time of the year for trekking. At this time there are rare chances of showers rain and storms in Pokhara hence Panchase is likely to have cloud cover sometimes.
May - June: This is Nepal's hot pre-monsoon period and it can be quite warm. The valleys around Panchase flourish with flowers and new leaves though which makes for a very nice trek. However cloud cover can be an issue.
June – Early September: Monsoon season and not a good time to go trekking to Panchase. The leeches in this area are so active when it is wet and the trail is slippery, that downpours also increase greatly. For more details please write us to go trekking in Nepal at the best time. Nepal offers some of the best summer treks in Nepal's other areas.
How to get there?
There are three options to start the hike. 1) Start the trek from Phewa Lake near Halanchowk via Kalabang and spend the first night in Bhumdi. 5-6 hours of walking bring you to Panchase Bhanjyang on the second day. There are half a dozen hotels at Bhanjyang and it is 1.5 hours to Panchase Hill from there and just one hotel on the top. The next day after enjoying the sunrise and hot breakfast descending to the Chitre village of Parbat would be best via Pancsila Lake. 2) The second option is to start the hike from Peace Stupa and trek to Panchase via Pumdi Bhumdi. 3) The third option is to ride a local bus or take a taxi to Kande and then Bhadaure and trek to Panchase.
Distance and elevation
Panchase lies at a height ranging from 800 to 2,500 meters above sea level which tells us of its diverse topography. The mountain ranges of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Mt Manaslu, and Mt Ganesh can be seen from Panchase, which is the source of Fewa Lake, and rivers like Rati, Jare, Andhi, and Seti. The area lies at a distance of 28 kilometers from Pokhara, making it one of the attractive trekking destinations from the scenic city.
This trek is also a great extension to any of our tours of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour.
How long is Panchase Trek?
Normally; Panchase Trek is 2 to 3 days long though it can be extended up to 4 days via Australian Camp and Dhampus. Our pre-set 3-day itinerary is standard and starts at Pokhara at Phewa Lake. If you would like to customize it please email us.
2 Days itinerary (Cost US$ 139/person based on a minimum of two people)
Day 1: Drive to Kande or Bhadaure then trek to Panchase Bhanjyang
Day 2: Trek to Pokhara via Bhumdi, Peace Stupa, and cross Phewa Lake. Transfer to hotel.
3 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cross the lake Phewa trek to Bhumdi
Day 2: Trek to Panchase Hill
Day 3: Trek to Bhadaure and drive to Pokhara.
What to bring?
- Backpack (preferably 40/45 L as per your need)
- Proper hiking shoes, sandals/flipflops, 1/2 pair of socks, traveling towel
- Sleeping bag, warm clothes (if trekking in winter), headlamp,
- Hiking pants/shorts, 1/2 selected t-shirts, windcheater, sun hat/glass.
- Rain gear, toiletries, trekking poles.
- Basic medicines (eg. Paracetamol, Ibobrufen, Iodine, Bandages, Antifungal ointments, etc)
For more details about the packing list; click here though you do not need all the listed items as this is just 3 day hike.
