Panchase Trek is a short and popular trekking trail located near Pokhara Valley. The trail offers trekkers a chance to experience Nepal's rural culture and lifestyle and appreciate its natural biodiversity.
The trek starts from serene and beautiful Phewa Lake navigating through several forested hills covered by pristine rhododendron and orchid forests teeming with birds and wild animals. The trail passes through picturesque traditional villages such as Bumdi, Panchase and Naudanda and also visits World Peace Pagoda from where you can enjoy views of sprawling Pokhara Valley and snow-capped mountain peaks.
The hike to Panchase Bhanjyang and Panchase Peak (2500m) in particular will provide you with excellent panorama of tallest Himalayan peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Fishtail (Macchapuchhre), Himchuli etc.
Panchase Trek can be done round the year, however Spring and Autumn are considered two best trekking seasons.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After early morning breakfast, cross the Phewa Lake and start trekking. You will first trek to World Peace Pagoda and continue trek to Bumdi village (1520). World Peace Pagoda was built by Japanese monks in 1973 and has now become a popular tourist attraction in Pokhara. While trekking, you will see mainly Gurung and Chetri- Braman inhabitants and their daily lifestyle. Stay overnight at lodge.
You will passes through green forests and villages. The area is rich in bio-diversity. Several birds, rhododendron, orchid, wild plants and monkeys are visible during the trekking. It is a gentle ascent to Panchase Bhanjyang and enroute you will see the Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna I and many other peaks. Stay overnight at lodge.
Early morning hike up to Panchase Peak (2500m) lying 500 meters above than Bhanjyang. You will climb mostly stone steps to reach Panchase Peak. It is the highest point of your trek. From where, you can have panoramic view of several mountains including eight-thousanders.
After spending sometime in Panchase, you will have breakfast and then continue trekking gently downwards to Bhadaure (1670m). Stay overnight at lodge.
Your trekking trail passes through several villages and meets the road at Naudanda. You will then drive to Pokhara. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
This trek typically takes 4 to 6 days, depending on your starting point and pace. The most popular route begins from Phewa Lake or Kande, ascending to Bhumdi, Panchase Bhanjyang, and Panchase Hill, before descending via Chitre or Bhadaure. It’s short enough for beginners and ideal for those with limited time who still want a genuine Himalayan trekking experience.
The trek is considered easy to moderate. It involves gradual ascents and well-defined trails, mostly through forests and hillsides. There are no extremely steep climbs or high-altitude sections, making it perfect for first-time trekkers, older travelers, families with kids, or those who want a gentler alternative to high-altitude treks like ABC or EBC.
The highest point is Panchase Hill at 2517 meters (8258 ft). Since this elevation is below the threshold where altitude sickness usually occurs, the risk is extremely low. It’s an excellent choice for travelers concerned about altitude issues but who still want amazing mountain views.
Panchase Hill is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The name "Panchase" comes from “Panch Asana” (five seats), believed to be where five sages meditated. Locals visit the summit during special festivals and full moon days. Along the trail, you’ll find temples, prayer flags, and shrines, reflecting the region's deep spiritual roots.
Absolutely. The Panchase Trek is one of the best family-friendly treks in Nepal. The lower altitude, short duration, and relatively easy trail make it ideal for families with young children or senior citizens. There’s no need for prior trekking experience, and the pace can be customized to suit anyone's comfort level.
You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), even though the trek stays at lower elevations. A TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card may also be required, depending on the route and your trekking agency. Both permits can be easily arranged in Pokhara or Kathmandu, or handled by a tour operator.
The best trekking seasons are:
Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures and blooming rhododendron forests.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, excellent visibility, and dry trails.
The Panchase Trek offers a peaceful, crowd-free alternative to more famous treks. It’s less commercialized, more culturally immersive, and suitable for shorter timeframes and all fitness levels. You still get incredible Himalayan views, local village charm, spiritual sites, and varied nature—but without long travel or high altitude. It’s a perfect choice for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and slow-paced adventurers.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Panchase trek. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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