Panchase Trek Highlights
- This is one of the short and easy ways to see the Annapurna range from Pokhara.
- The highest altitude of the Panchase trek is 2500 meters high.
- Panchase hike is beginner-friendly and suitable for all fitness level groups.
- One of the affordable hikes in Nepal.
- Panchase Trek takes you through the culturally rich village en route.
- Astonishing mountain views throughout the trek.
Panchase Trek Overview
Panchase Trekking is the major attractive place to view the Annapurna Himalayan range from the Peace Pagoda and the easiest traditional trekking route in the Western region of Nepal. The main destination of the trekking is Panchase Village which is the traditional village of mainly Gurung ethnic people. Nepal Trekking Routes Treks & Expedition offers this spectacular easy village trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
The route is mainly for the Gurung origin people but Magars and Chhetri also inhabit the trails. The spectacular views of the mountains like Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Lamjung Mountain, and Himchuli in the western region of Pokhara along with the spectacular culture and unique traditions of the people of the Panchase are the highlights of the trekking. The Panchase Trek can be extended to reach Karkinetta for further trek to Kusma which lies on the highway towards Baglung or lower Mustang area. The Panchase Hill of 2250 m also is the best place to spend and relax quality time. The mental drabness can be reposed via this short and relatively easy trekking in Nepal. The trekking on the trail starts from the Bhumdi after the bus drive from Pokhara.
Panchase Trekking, Annapurna Sunrise Trek
The trekking passing by the Panchase Bhanjyang and the densely forested area would be the mystical atmosphere as you can encounter the diversified vegetation, birds, and endangered species of animals. The ascendancy towards the Panchase Ridge would provide astounding views of the Kusma Valley and mountain ranges. You can return once you have trekked to the Panchase village back to Pokhara or you can extend your trekking towards another outstanding model village of Nepal Ghandruk. The choice is yours and Nepal Trekking Routes & Treks offers the tailor-made trip option to you as well.
Panchase Trekking is one of the hidden cultural and natural treks in Nepal. The Panchase hill station is situated at 2500 meters above sea level. It covers the districts of Syangja, Parbat, and Kaski. Panchase is one of the popular short treks in Nepal. One can see the beautiful view of mountains like the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung, and Machhapucchre. This trek also takes you through the cultural heritage of Gurung communities. Likewise, lush rice fields, lavish vegetation, and animal sanctuaries are the main features of the Panchase Bhanjyang hike. Trek to Panchase is best for those who have a short amount of time available.
Trekking in Panchase is also a good option if you are planning for a Pokhara tour. Hikers can also enjoy a one-day hike to Panchase from Pokhara. Nepal trekking routes provide the easiest and shortest village trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Panchase Hiking is the starter or training for one who wants to conquer other challenging trekking in Nepal.
Route Options to Panchase Hiking
There are many trails available to trek to Panchase. It's totally up to the trekkers to choose the route and hike to Panchase. One option is to travel to Kande from Pokhara and trek to Panchase via Bhadaure. Similarly, the second option is to hike to Panchase via Pumdi Bhumdi from World Peace Stupa Pokhara.
And the third option is to travel to Bhumdi and hike to Panchase which we have mentioned in our itinerary. Likewise, there are also a few options available to return from Panchase. One can drop to Chitre and land in Parbat or return from the Kande and Ghatichhina routes. It depends on the energy level and hiking mindset of trekkers. Although our itinerary is standard, if you would like to extend you can extend it by hiking to the Australian Base Camp from Panchase.
Panchase Hill Station
The major attraction of the Panchase trek is the Panchase Bhanjyang. Panchase means five peaks in Gurung (Tamu) Language. It is a religious and sacred tourism area. From there, one can see the magnificent view of five Himalayan ranges over 8000 meters. Gurung, Brahmin, and Chhetri are the local inhabitants of Panchase.
It lies on the borderline of three districts; Kaski, Syangja, and Parbat. Panchase is a blend of cultural, historical, and religious places and there are a few Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. They celebrate auspicious festivals, Balachaturdashi, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, and Buddha Purnima. Devotees have built separate temples for Buddha, Siddha Baba, Baraha, and Lord Shiva.
It is also believed that in the ancient period, sage Chawyan meditated there. According to the Hindu scriptures, Sati Devi's (wife of Lord Shiva) five fingers perished there when Shiva was taking her dead body. The best part of Panchase is witnessing the beauty of the Sunrise and Sunset of the nearby Himalayan region from our eye level. Panchase is on the route to Annapurna Sunrise or Poonhill trek.
Panchase Homestay, Accommodation
There are many homestays available at Panchase. Trekkers need to stay in the Pumdi one night before reaching Panchse Village. In Pumdi, there are only a few homestays available than Panchase. The homestays of this area are built traditionally with mud and stone. Homestays also provide modern facilities for tourists.
One can easily get hot water, squat toilets, and a bath shower in the homestays. These tea houses usually serve Dal Bhat (boiled rice, lentil soup, cooked vegetables, and pickles). They also serve potatoes, eggs, noodles, momo, chapati, etc. Likewise, you can also get a chance to taste local wine made by villagers if you prefer to drink alcohol. The average accommodation charge is nearly 500 NPR (4.5 USD/4 EUR), whereas the cost of food depends on the traveler.
Panchase Lake
Panchase Lake (taal) is also another attraction of this trek. A sacred lake is a holy place and a place for meditators. Many sages have lived and meditated there since the ancient period. This lake is also the origin of many small rivers and falls in this area.
Panchase is a kingdom of Orchids
Panchase is not only famous for its views and pilgrims but also for agro-biodiversity. This place is also called the Kingdom of Orchids. It has over 143 species of orchids, including two rare ones. Panchase Forest Conservation Committee also protects many indigenous varieties of plants. The local government of Panchase and the agriculture development office of Gandaki Province jointly established the Panchase Biodiversity Information Centre (PBIC). It is also a research hub for agrobiodiversity students and scholars.
One can also see walnut, oak, and pine trees on their way from Pumdi. Likewise, trekkers also see Nepal’s national flower rhododendron bloom in different colors in the spring season.
Furthermore, the Panchase forest is also the home of, the common leopard, fox, civet cat, barking deer, common langur, wild boar, and spotted deer. This area is also a home of birds and one can spot birds like woodpeckers, kingfishers, parrots, bee-eaters, warblers, and others.
Best Seasons for Panchase Trek
Panchase is easy and can trek around the year, and it is suitable for all fitness-level visitors. Mainly, foreign tourists visit Panchase in Autumn (October-November) like other Nepal trekking. As it isn't very high, so it’s possible to visit in December, January, and February.
One can also visit in the Spring and Summer seasons. One can see a clear sky if one trek in autumn. Trekking in Nepal during the monsoon is a bit challenging due to slippery roads and heavy rainfall in the area. Likewise, one can also encounter leeches during monsoon. These challenges take the joy of trekking from trekkers.
If you can face health problems in high altitudes, then don't worry! On Panchase Trekking, you will not be crossing the maximum height of 2500 meters on Panchase Summit. So, altitude sickness is won't be an issue for you. And this trek is suitable for grown-up children and fit older age people.
Trek with an Experienced Guide
Another important factor that needs to be considered while trekking to Panchase is to take an experienced guide. An experienced guide is recommended regardless if you are in a solo or group. Because this trek has an off-the-beaten-path. It can create trouble if you meet with an accident. An experienced and local guide makes your journey joyful and helps you to escape from any uncertain events. The guide also informs you about the flora, fauna, and communities.
Things to remember before Panchase Trekking
- backpack (40/45 L) as per your preferences
- proper trekking shoes, sandals,
- sleeping bag, warm clothes, lead lamp
- hiking pants, fleece, windcheater and sunglass, hat
- rain gear, toiletries, trekking pole
- basic medicines and first aid box
Book this amazing Nepal trek from an experienced tour agency, Nepal Trekking Routes. The Panchase trekking trail is short and easy, but worthwhile in your Pokhara tour. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us and recommend your friends and family to trek to Nepal and visit Nepal. After Panchse Trekking, you can also hike other short treks like the Royal Annapurna trek and Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek, which is near Pokhara.
