Panchase

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 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.

Nepal has two of the eighty peace pagodas in the world: Shanti Stupa in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, and Shanti Stupa in Pokhara. The World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa, is a significant Buddhist monument situated on Anadu Hill, once part of the former Pumdi Bhumdi Village Development Committee, now a part of the city of Pokhara, in the district of Kaski, Nepal. It was built by the efforts of Nipponzan-Myōhōji monk Morioka Sonin, with the support of locals, under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a revered Buddhist monk and the founder of Nipponzan-Myōhōji. The name “Shanti” comes from Sanskrit and means peace, a word widely used in the Nepali and Hindi languages. Hence, Shanti Stupa translates to Peace Pagoda, and it was constructed as a symbol of peace.

The construction of Shanti Stupa began on 12th September 1973, at an elevation of 1100 meters on Anadu Hill, with the laying of the foundation stone and the placement of relics of the Buddha. Shanti Stupa in Pokhara has become a famous tourist attraction, offering a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city, and Fewa Lake.

Nichidatsu Fujii had envisioned the construction of Peace Pagodas in various places around the world as symbols of global peace since 1947. The Shanti Stupa in Pokhara was made possible through the dedication of Morioka Sonin, Dharmashilla Guruma (nun), and Min Bahadur Gurung. The pagoda’s construction faced challenges, with workers being arrested several times by the Nepalese government due to false accusations. Nonetheless, continuous support from Nipponzan-Myōhōji, monks, and local supporters allowed the construction to proceed despite obstacles.

During the construction, a statue of the first elected deputy defense minister, Min Bahadur Gurung, was placed in front of the Shanti Stupa to honor his land donation. However, the pagoda and adjacent buildings faced requests for destruction by Panchayati and the Royal Nepal government for security reasons when its height reached 35 feet. Even though it was off-limits, construction continued due to the unyielding support from Nipponzan-Myōhōji and the locals.

After an uphill battle lasting eighteen years, the Honorable Girija Prasad Koirala re-laid the foundation stone on 21st May 1992, and construction resumed without obstructions. The inaugural ceremony took place on 30th October 1999 in the presence of the Chairman of the Nepali Congress Party and former Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala.

Shanti Stupa in Pokhara is the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal and the seventy-first pagoda built by Nipponzan-Myōhōji worldwide. Standing tall at 115 feet with a diameter of 344 feet, the white pagoda has two tiers for tourists and religious visitors to circumambulate. The second tier houses four Buddha statues, each representing significant events related to the Buddha, named according to their respective locations, such as ‘Dharmacakra Mudra’ from Japan, ‘Bodh Gaya’ from Sri Lanka, ‘Kushinagar’ from Thailand, and ‘Lumbini’ from Nepal. The top of the golden pinnacle holds a crystal stone from Sri Lanka, symbolizing intellect and grace.

Shanti Stupa is a major tourist attraction, adding to the beauty of Pokhara Valley from the top of Anadu Hill. It offers a clear view of the Himalayan range, Fewa Lake, and Pokhara city. Tourists can reach the pagoda through various means, including hiking trails, cycling tracks, and a partially black-topped road from Chhorepatan. It has become a favorite spot for witnessing stunning sunrise and sunset views, ranking second on TripAdvisor’s top attractions in Pokhara. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of Shanti Stupa leaves visitors with a profound appreciation for the message of peace it represents.

Acclimatization is not a significant concern for the Panchase trek as the maximum elevation reached is not very high. However, it is still recommended to take certain precautions to ensure a comfortable and safe trekking experience.
Here are a few suggestions for acclimatization during the Panchasw trek:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the trek to stay hydrated and help your body adjust to the surroundings.
Take it slow: Pace yourself and maintain a steady and manageable hiking speed. Avoid rushing or exerting yourself excessively, especially during uphill sections.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to any signs of altitude-related discomfort such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue. If you experience any symptoms, take necessary rest breaks and communicate with your guide.
Proper nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet and consume nutritious meals during the trek to keep your energy levels up.
Gradual ascent: If you’re combining the Panchase trek with other higher-altitude treks, make sure to follow proper acclimatization protocols for those specific routes.

While acclimatization is generally not a major concern for the Panchase trek, it’s always important to be aware of your body’s response to the changing environment. It’s recommended to consult with our professional trekking guides who can provide further guidance and support during your journey.