The Panchase trek, in comparison to Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek, is relatively easy. Besides breathtaking panoramas and engaging cultural encounters, the trek is perfect for anyone who loves to wander off the beaten path. The trail is ideal autumn through spring; i.e. October, November, December, January, February, March & April. But, the trek isn’t ideal in summer or pre-autumn months as the region is one of the wettest in Nepal.

The Panchase trek region is mostly inhabited by the Gurung people with a minor mix of Magar, Brahmin and other ethnicities. The main highlight of the Panchase trek is the sunrise view of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung and Manaslu from Panchase Peak (2,500m).

The trek starts from Pokhara. We can either drive to the village Bhumdi or hike via the World Peace Stupa trail. Following the age-old trail, we hike through a forest to Panchase Bhanjyang (4hrs), a small village of mixed ethnicities. The next morning, we climb Panchase Peak for a magnificent sunrise view and then descend to Bhadaure  (3-4 hrs). Finally, the trek ends at Naudanda (2 hrs) from where we drive back to Pokhara (1-2hrs).

The Panchase Peak Trek is a good alternative to popular treks like ABC or Poon Hill. The mountains are a bit further away but just as beautiful. The viewpoints, beautiful forest trails and cultural encounters are as interesting. This trek is also a great alternative to the Nagarkot trek in Kathmandu. The views are much better; terraced farmlands and rhododendrons bloom (in March only) while we stay overnight in quiet homestays.

Our 4-day Panchase trek itinerary is a suitable short trek for beginners or anyone with limited time in Nepal.

Trip Highlights

• Short and easy trek for beginners
• Alternating landscapes: plains, paddy fields, forests and valleys
• View of high peaks (Annapunra range, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, Hiuchuli and Manaslu) and the Pokhara valley down below
• Visit the small ethnic Gurung, Magar and Brahmin village
• Excellent for birdwatching communities

Trip Grade - Easy

Trip Summary

• Day 01 :Arrive Kathmandu
• Day 02 :Guided Tour of Swayambhu and Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Day 03 :Guided Tour of Boudha, Pashupati & Bhaktapur
• Day 04 :Drive to Pokhara (205km; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 05 :Guided Tour of Pokhara Valley - Mahendra Cave, KI Singh Bridge, Gurkha Memorial Museum, International Mountain Museum, Devi’s Fall
• Day 06 :Boating across the Phewa Lake & hike via World Peace Stupa to Bhumdi (1520m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 07 :Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang (2065m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 08 :Trek to Bhadaure (1670m; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 09 :Trek to Naudanda (1515m; 2 hrs) & drive to Pokhara (1.5 hrs)
• Day 10 :Fly to Kathmandu (1,370m; 30m)
• Day 11 :Rest day & farewell dinner
• Day 12 :End of program: Departure

Daily Movements

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure and go on a welcome dinner with the KEEP WALKING FAMILY.

Look out for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL board behind the railing once you exit the airport terminal.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B, D)

 

Day 02: Guided Tour of Swayambhu and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, your guide will pick you from the hotel and drive or walk to Swayambhu which takes 20-25 minute. At Swayambhu you can explore the whole area and spend 2 hrs there. Then we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square to have lunch there and explore the area. You can visit Durbar, house of living goddess Kumari, busy Assan market, and many. At around 3 you will drive back to the hotel and the remaining leisure time is all yours.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B)

 

Day 03: Guided Tour of Boudha, Pashupati & Bhaktapur

We start the morning a little early to beat the rush hour traffic at 08:30. We begin with a 30m drive to Boudha, one of the most holy sites for Buddhists. In the morning, monks and pilgrims circumambulate while chanting mantras while the whole area is full of incense smoke. Apart from this, you will visit Schechen Gumba, a nearby monastery school.

After lunch, we will drive around 30 mins to Pashupatinath, the holiest place for Hindus. Non-hindus aren’t allowed in the main temple complex but can see the sights on the opposite bank of the Bagmati river where bodies are cremated. Afterwards, we drive to Bhaktapur and visit key places of interest.

Overnight at Bhaktapur at Milla Guest House (B)

 

Day 04: Drive to Pokhara (205km; 6-7 hrs)

It takes 6 hours driving by tourist bus or private vehicle, that’s why it’s better to drive in the morning that leaves a lot of the afternoon to fall in love with its beauty.

It’s your own leisure time to stay the day. Explore around Pokhara or rest at the hotel.

Overnight in Pokhara at a lakeside Hotel (B)

 

Day 05: Guided Tour of Pokhara Valley - Mahendra Cave, KI Singh Bridge, Gurkha Memorial Museum, International Mountain Museum, Devi’s Fall

After breakfast, we start our tour around Pokhara Valley today. At first, we drive 20-25 mins to reach Mahendra Cave and explore, and 10 min walk to reach Bat cave. Then we come back to where we park our vehicle and from there 10-15 mins drive to KI Singh Bridge. Then we will come back to Lakeside Pokhara and have lunch and rest for a while. We take a short drive of 17 min from Lakeside to reach Gurkha Memorial Museum and explore the museum. After that, we head towards another International Mountain Museum before 5:00 pm. Then back to the hotel.

Overnight in Pokhara at a lakeside Hotel (B)

 

Day 06: Boating across the Phewa Lake & hike via World Peace Stupa to Bhumdi (1520m; 4-5 hrs)

Our journey begins with a boat ride across Phewa Lake and hike to the World Peace Pagoda (45m), a popular tourist attraction in Pokhara. As we continue along the trekking trail, we descend down through the forest with moderate ups and downs to Lukum Swara, a mostly ethnic Gurung with scattered Brahman and Magar settlements. After exploring the village we hike further to our final destination, Bhumdi village.

Overnight at the local lodge (B, L, D)

 

Day 07: Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang (2065m; 4-5 hrs)

Today’s hike takes us up and down through valleys but time and again the mountains will be visible. The peaks to look out for are Lamjung, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu.  The variety of flora and fauna; birds, marsupials, monkeys and orchids, in the forest is particularly interesting. During the spring season, rhododendron, the national flower of nepal covers the entire scenery. After passing through these woods we reach Panchase Bhanjyang, our destination for the night.

Overnight at local lodge (B,L,D)

 

Day 08: Trek to Bhadaure (1670m; 6-7 hrs)

Early morning, we climb the stone steps up to Panchase Peak (2517m) for sunrise view, which is the highest point of this trek. You can see the impressive panorama of the mountains that you have just seen on the trek so far. Breakfast at the top, then spend the rest of the day gently going down to Bhadaure.

Overnight at local lodge (B,L,D)

 

Day 09: Trek to Naudanda (1515m; 2 hrs) & drive to Pokhara (1.5 hrs)

Today’s walk descends slowly through several villages, following a jeep trail along the way. The trekking trail meets the road at Naudanda, from where we will drive back to Pokhara.

At Pokhara, you have rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Pokhara (B)

 

Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu (1,370m; 30m)

After a morning flight to Kathmandu (1,370m; 30m) you will be driven to your hotel.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to shop or if you would like, we will arrange for you to visit Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO world heritage site.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B)

 

Day 11: Rest day & farewell dinner

You have the whole day at leisure for shopping souvenirs  or go for a massage.

In the evening there will be a farewell dinner by Keep Walking Nepal to celebrate your trek and visit to Nepal.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B,D)

 

Day 12: End of program: Departure

An office representative will drive you to the Kathmandu International Airport 3 hrs prior to the scheduled flight time.

Meals (B)

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes: