Panchase Trek
This trek is an ideal way to explore the area around Pokhara for those short on time or relatively new to trekking, without missing out on the amazing views over the surrounding mountains or the experience of village life! Your 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 a number of 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!)
- Starts In: Pokhara
- Ends In: Pokhara
- Duration: 4 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Easy
Highlights
- Skip the long drive to the trailhead and set out directly from Pokhara on a boat
- Short walking hours and lots of time to relax or explore the villages
- Views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri and Manaslu
- Beautiful, green mid hills with fabulous views
Itinerary
Day 01: Boat across Lake Phewa, Trek to Bumdi [1520m]
From Pokhara, a short boat trip across the beautiful Phewa Lake will take you to the start of the trek. The first climb through the forest will take you up to the steps leading to the World Peace Pagoda. This Buddhist stupa is one of over 80 Peace Pagodas worldwide, built in an attempt to unite people from all over the world and promote world peace. As well as being an impressive sight in itself, from this vantage point you also get stunning views over mountains, Phewa Lake and the city below.
After a chance to wander round this truly peaceful stupa, you continue down through the forest on small walking trails, before climbing back up to join an open jeep trail snaking round the hill, which will take you through the village of Lukum Swara. The final climb of today takes you up to Bumdi village, home to Gurung and Brahman people,where you will spend the night and can learn more about these cultures.
Walking Time: Approx. 3 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Trek from Bumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang [2065m]
After a short climb to really wake you up, the track continues through beautiful forest where you can see mountains regularly peeking out between the trees. Today is a great day for nature-lovers, as the path winds amongst diverse trees and plants and you can hear the birds above – you may even catch a glimpse of a monkey!
Emerging from the trees briefly at Thulunchour you then continue under the cover of the forest until the path joins a dirt road, from which you can see panoramic views of the mountains. These include the Annapurnas, Lamjung, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) as well as three peaks over 8,000m: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manalsu, in the distance. Continuing along the jeep trail takes you gently uphill to Panchase Bhanjyang. Similar to last night’s stay, this village is home to Gurung and Brahman people.
Walking Time: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Trek from Panchase Bhanjyang to Bhadaure [1670m]
This morning you climb the stone steps up to Panchase peak at almost 2,500m, the highest point of your trek. From here you will again be rewarded with stunning views over the mountains, and there is the option of getting up extra early to ascend to this point in time for sunrise! After catching your breath and taking in your surroundings, you descend down the far side of the hill to Alldanda. This afternoon consists of a gentle walk down to your campsite, with regular views of the mountains above and villages below. The campsite is situated just above the town of Bhadaure, where you can experience a mix of cultures as there are a range of residents including Gurung, Kami and Brahman.
Walking Time: Approx. 3 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Bhadaure to Naudanda [1515m], Drive to Pokhara [800m]
Today starts with a descent down the stone steps to the town of Bhadaure, and continue on to the jeep trail that takes you across a small stream and through regular villages, where you will get the chance to interact with locals and children will ask for chocolate! On reaching Naudanda the trail will rejoin the highway and your car will be waiting to pick you up and drive you back to the quiet city of Pokhara in time for lunch on ‘Lakeside’!
Note: For an extra adventure we could also have you picked up by motorcycle and you can ride back to Pokhara in style as a pillion on the back of an Enfield.
Walking Time: Approx. 2 hours
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
- Tea house accommodation while on trek
- Meals as per the itinerary (all meals on trek, with filtered drinking water)
- Transportation as per the detailed itinerary includes overland journey
- Your trekking guide and porter/s, with all their transport, equipment, insurance, meals and accommodation
- A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and trek route – if you require or are taking specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
- Trekking permits and registration fees
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin share and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee) and dinner (soup, main and dessert with tea or coffee)
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg landslides, strikes, fuel shortages, etc)
