Panchase, or Panchasse, literally meaning “Pancha” for Five and “Aasan” for Seats, is the meeting place of five peaks covered with lush green forests rich in diverse flora and fauna. This prominent hill overlooks the picturesque city of Pokhara and spans across the districts of Syangja, Parbat, and Kaski. This sacred journey is deeply rooted in Yoga tradition, with the climb itself holding immense importance. Along the Panchase trek, you’ll encounter various places of importance, such as the temple of Shidda Baba dedicated to Lord Shiva, Homekunda for the ritual of fire offerings, Panchasse Lake, Balaji Phachyan Temple, ancient Bouddha Stupas(around 200 years old), and caves where sages were believed to have meditated for centuries. The population of Panchase comprises nearly 100,000 residents, including Gurung, Brahmins, and various other ethnic groups residing in the surrounding villages. This region, with its blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, is a truly remarkable destination in Nepal, and the best time to explore it is during the peak trekking seasons of autumn and spring, although it can be visited year-round.
The Panchase Trek, nestled near the picturesque Pokhara region of Nepal, is an extraordinary adventure that unfolds amidst the meeting point of five towering hills. This distinctive geographical feature sets the stage for a trekking experience unlike any other. At the summit of Panchase Hill, a sacred sanctuary beckons, featuring the revered Sidda Baba temple, the tranquil Dharmasala, the ancient Mahadev temple, a panoramic view tower, and serene Buddha statues. Geographically, Panchase marks the intersection of Kaski, Parbat, and Syangja districts, creating a captivating tapestry of local cultures and traditions to explore.
Panchase’s crowning glory, Panchase Hill, offers a spectacular visual feast for trekkers. On clear days, the vista opens up to reveal breathtaking views of majestic peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the rugged Lamjung Himal, and the awe-inspiring Manaslu. The allure is further magnified during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, painting the sky and mountains with hues of orange and pink.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Panchase harbors historical and spiritual treasures in the form of Pancsila Lake and the Barah temple. This serene landscape once hosted saints who sought solace and meditation in its tranquil embrace, even though they later relocated after a fire incident in 1966. To this day, Panchase remains a sacred haven for those pursuing yoga and meditation, offering an ideal environment for inner peace and reflection.
While trekking through Panchase, the journey seamlessly intertwines with the local culture. Trekking through charming villages, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily rhythms of the local populace, adding a genuine cultural dimension to the adventure.
Moreover, the Panchase Trek serves as an excellent acclimatization hike for those gearing up for more challenging treks in the region, such as the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp. Its moderate altitude, reaching 2500 meters at its peak, ensures a gentle introduction to the Himalayan environment, preparing trekkers physically and mentally for more demanding expeditions. In essence, the Panchase Trek is a multi-faceted journey that blends the splendor of nature, cultural exploration, and spiritual contemplation, making it an ideal choice for both acclimatization and as a stand-alone adventure. Whether you are an adventurer seeking panoramic views, a nature enthusiast, or a seeker of serenity and spiritual connection, Panchase is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that invites exploration and appreciation for its diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
The Panchase Trek near Pokhara is a breathtaking journey that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual serenity. You can look forward to gentle boat rides on Lake Phewa, stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayas, encounters with local villages, and an early morning spectacle of sunrise over the Himalayan Giants from the summit of Panchase Hill. This trek offers a holistic experience, including rich biodiversity, sacred sites, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or seeking tranquility, Panchase promises an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
The day before our trekking expedition begins, we’ll gather for a memorable welcome dinner. It’s a perfect occasion for us to connect and become acquainted with one another before we set off on our exciting adventure. This dinner also provides a valuable opportunity for you to approach your guide with any final questions or concerns you may have.
Starting from Pokhara, our adventure kicks off with a scenic boat journey across the tranquil expanse of Phewa Lake. Upon reaching the other shore, a 45-minute hike awaits, leading us to the iconic Peace Pagoda. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views before embarking on the trek to Bhumdi.
The path meanders through pristine forests and charming villages, gradually unveiling the rich tapestry of local life. Our destination, Bhumdi, nestled in the embrace of the Himalayas, is home to Gurung and Brahman communities, offering us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in their cultures. Accommodation options, including camping and teahouses, cater to our different preferences.
This 4-5 hour trek is a remarkable journey that blends the serenity of Lake Phewa, the allure of trekking through lush forests, and the cultural richness of Bhumdi village. It’s a distinctive and unforgettable way to explore this region, promising a taste of Nepal’s natural beauty and local traditions while creating lasting memories in the heart of the Himalayas.
Fueling our journey with an early morning breakfast at Bhumdi, we embark on our path towards Panchase. This segment of our expedition is expected to span approximately 4 – 5 hours, covering a distance of roughly 10-11 kilometers. The trail unfolds with a brisk climb, designed to jolt our senses awake. As we proceed, we traverse enchanting forests, where tantalizing glimpses of majestic mountains occasionally pierce through the lush foliage. Today’s adventure promises to be a haven for nature lovers, with the path weaving through a diverse tapestry of trees and plants, all serenaded by the harmonious melodies of birdsong. Keep a watchful eye, as we might even be blessed with a sighting of a playful monkey.
Emerging briefly from the forest at Thulunchour, our journey continues beneath the verdant canopy until the trail converges with a dirt road. Here, we’re treated to panoramic mountain views, including the magnificent Annapurnas, Lamjung, Gangapurna, and the iconic Machhapuchhare (Fishtail). In the distance, the silhouettes of three peaks soaring beyond 8,000 meters come into focus: the awe-inspiring Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and the formidable Manaslu.
Following the jeep trail, our path gently ascends to the charming village of Panchase Bhanjyang, where we can once again immerse ourselves in the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Gurung and Brahman communities. Accommodation options, ranging from camping to teahouses, ensure a comfortable and culturally enriching overnight experience.
This glorious morning marks the inception of our extraordinary journey, as we set forth on an exhilarating ascent up the rugged stone steps, determined to conquer the heights of Panchase Peak. As the sun rises, casting its golden embrace over the world, we find ourselves ascending to an impressive altitude of nearly 2,500 meters. At this remarkable vantage point, the universe unfolds before our eyes, gifting us with breathtaking vistas of the mighty mountains that envelop our very existence. For those amongst us who greet the dawn with eager anticipation, the option to embark even earlier is a portal to witnessing the birth of a mesmerizing sunrise that paints the heavens with hues of enchantment.
As we stand atop this natural marvel, our senses overwhelmed by the grandeur of nature, we take a moment to catch our breath and fully absorb the awe-inspiring scenery. Our descent on the far side of this majestic hill beckons us towards the quaint village of Alldanda, where tranquility and rustic charm await. In the afternoon, our journey unfolds as a gentle stroll, a gentle descent through nature’s grand gallery, providing us with regular glimpses of towering mountains above and vibrant villages below. Here, we are granted the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in a harmonious blend of cultures, where encounters with a diverse range of residents, including the Gurung, Kami, and Brahman communities, promise to be enriching and enlightening.
After our exciting trek to Bhadaure (1,670 meters), we will continue our journey by descending towards Kande. This stretch of the journey will take us through fascinating and picturesque landscapes as we explore the mountainous terrain and lush hills of Nepal.
As we reach Kande, our trekking journey comes to an end, but the adventure is not over yet. We will board a vehicle and head back to Pokhara. During the return journey, we will have the opportunity to reflect on our experiences and the unforgettable memories we have created during this remarkable day.
Finally, we will arrive in Pokhara, the city that marked the beginning and end of our journey. With a sense of satisfaction and hearts full of wonder, we will bid farewell, carrying lasting memories and the satisfaction of having explored and appreciated the natural and cultural beauty of this incredible region of Nepal.
The best season for the Panchase trek in Nepal is typically autumn, which spans from September to November. During this time, you can expect the most ideal weather conditions, including clear skies, mild temperatures, and stable trekking conditions. Autumn offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, and the trails are at their best, making it the preferred season for most trekkers. Spring, from March to May, is also a good time for the Panchase trek with blooming rhododendrons and pleasant weather, but autumn is often considered the prime season for this trek.
Travel insurance is compulsory for the trek. All the trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes.
Trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers all costs incurred during mountain rescue service.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure to call the insurance company and recheck if they have heli-rescue.
We recommend you bring a container for one liter of water. In the teahouses we can buy boiled water suitable for drinking with which to fill our bottles. Another option is to refill the water from the fountains that we find along the way or from the tap of the teahouses themselves, for this we have to count on water disinfectant tablets that we can find in pharmacies.
Panchase Short Trek = Nature’s Bliss! 🏞️🌿