Panchase Trek

  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 4500 meter
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season September to May
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$445
2 - 6 paxUS$350
7 - 10 paxUS$325
11 - 15 paxUS$299
Price Per PersonUS$445All-inclusive services
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Panchase Trek Highlights
  • Short and easy trek for beginners, family groups, etc.
  • Crossing the Phewa Lake by boat and exploring the Peace Pagoda Stupa along the way
  • Hiking on Panchase Hill and exploring stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal, Mardi Himal, Manaslu, and many more unnamed peaks in the surrounding area with a beautiful sunrise
  • Less crowded and newly opened trekking route
  • Excellent opportunity to observe the local culture, unspoiled lifestyle, homestay, and so on.

Panchase Trek Overview

Panchase Trek is yet another one of Nepal’s hidden cultural and natural gems. The trek is located in the same region as the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek and is often overlooked by hikers. It is a small trek ideal for experiencing beautiful natural scenery and mountain peak views within a short amount of time. The Panchase Trek is a great trek for families and beginners and offers some of the best viewpoints to see the Annapurna range as well as other mountain peaks including Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Lamjung Himal (6983 m), and Machhapuchhre (6993 m). Apart from being a great introduction to trekking in the Himalayas and offering a great experience for those with a short amount of time available, it provides amazing diversity and beauty in the scenery as the trek goes through lush rice fields, lavish vegetation, and local Gurung communities and villages.

The Panchase Trek sets off with a boat trip across the beautiful Phewa Lake to our starting point. We will climb through a lush forest before reaching the stairs that lead up to the famous Buddhist World Peace Pagoda. 80 World Peace Pagodas have been built around the world in an attempt to promote world peace. The pagoda itself is a remarkable sight; however, it also offers breathtaking views of Phewa Lake and the city of Pokhara. We continue our trek down through a little forest before ascending again to reach Bumdi, our destination for the day. The trail leads us through a beautiful forest with great opportunities to see some of the wildlife of the area, such as a vast amount of rare birds and monkeys as well! We continue the trek, passing some great panoramic viewpoints before arriving at Bhanjyang. On our third day, we will reach the summit of Panchase Hill (2500 m), which is the highest point of our trek. Apart from the awe-inspiring view from Panchase Hill, it is also one of the best places to witness the sunrise as it bathes the mighty mountain peaks in golden sunlight in a truly remarkable sight! Continuing down through the village of Alldanda, we will follow the trail to Bhadaure. On our last day, we will follow a trail winding its way down through local villages and across streams before finally reaching our destination of Naudanada, from where we will get transport back to Pokhara.

Likewise, if your time frame permits, then we highly recommend visiting the most beautiful community lodge trek, the Mohare Danda Trek, and the classic Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. For more details, please do not hesitate to contact the local experts.

Panchase Hill Trek Difficulty

The Panchase Hill Trek is considered one of the easier treks in Nepal, making it an ideal choice for beginners and families seeking a short yet rewarding Himalayan adventure. During this trek, you will face moderate ascents and descents, with daily trekking hours ranging from 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace. Additionally, the trails are well-maintained and do not require technical skills as the journey only takes you to a maximum altitude of 2,500 meters (even reducing the risk of altitude sickness). Altogether, the journey winds through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages, providing plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenic beauty. Yet being an easy journey, you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness. 

Best Time To Trek Panchase Hill

The best time for the Panchase Trek is during the Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) seasons. During Autumn, the Monsoon rains have cleared, leaving behind lush greenery and unobstructed views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The crisp air and vibrant landscapes make this period ideal for photography and immersive trekking. As for Spring, it adds blooming rhododendron forests, which bring bursts of red, pink, and white hues to the trails. The pleasant daytime temperatures and longer daylight hours are perfect for trekking at a relaxed pace.

While the trek is doable year-round, Winter (December to February) can bring cold temperatures, particularly in the mornings and evenings, but it remains manageable at Panchase’s lower altitudes. Monsoon (June to August) is the least favorable time due to heavy rains, leech-infested trails, and limited mountain visibility.

Panchase Village Trekking Permits

The Panchase Trek is considered one of the more accessible treks in Nepal, and it does not require any restricted area permits like some of the other trekking routes. However, trekkers must still obtain two permits which are as follows. You can get both the permits in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board Office or in Pokhara at the ACAP office. It's a straightforward process, requiring a passport copy and a couple of passport-sized photos.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: USD 30 per person
  • Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card: USD 20 per person

How Can I Make A Reservation For This Trip?

To confirm your trek with us, please send us an email with a copy of your passport, a passport-size photo, and flight details (if available), as well as a 10% deposit of the total amount, using our online payment gateway. The remainder of the payment can be made upon our arrival. For more details, contact our local specialists right away.

Useful Information

Tips For A Successful Panchase Village Trek

  • While this trek is relatively easy, basic fitness is essential.
  • Avoid overpacking as the trek is short and manageable with minimal gear.
  • Begin your trekking days early to enjoy the serene environment, and clear mountain views, and allow for a relaxed pace to reach your destination by afternoon.
  • Be mindful of the local customs and traditions of the villages you pass through.

Transportation To Pokhara Panchase Hike

The trek to Panchase village starts from Pokhara and you can reach this city via road or flight. To reach Pokhara, you can choose a 25-minute domestic flight or a 6–8-hour bus or private vehicle ride from Kathmandu. Once in Pokhara, you will need to travel to the trek's starting point, which varies depending on the route you choose. The local bus ride can be bumpy and crowded hence, if you prefer convenience, you can also opt for a private jeep ride which will be a bit more costly. 

Meals During The Panchase Viewpoint Trek

During this journey, you will find a mix of traditional Nepali and basic international meals, served at local teahouses and lodges along the trail. Among the simple menu items, Dal Bhat is a staple dish consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles. Some other common items include noodles, fried rice, and roti (flatbread) with curry. For breakfast, you can expect options such as pancakes, porridge, boiled eggs, or Tibetan bread with jam or honey. Lunch and dinner menus often include noodles, pasta, momos (Nepali dumplings), and soups. 

Accommodation During The Panchase Viewpoint Trek

The accommodation during the Panchase Hill generally consisted of tea houses run by the local families and the rooms usually provided twin-shared with simple beds, pillows, and blankets. Teahouses along the Panchase trail often have communal dining areas where trekkers can warm up and socialize. These spaces typically feature a wood-burning stove and serve as the heart of the teahouse during colder evenings. While hot showers may be available in some locations, they often come at an additional cost.

Telephone Service, Battery Charging, And Internet During The Panchase Eco-Trail Adventure

Telephone Service

Telephone services during the Panchase Trek are relatively accessible but can be inconsistent depending on the location. In Nepal, Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) are the top service providers for telephone reception. As you ascend to more remote areas, signal strength may weaken or become unavailable, particularly in dense forests or higher ridges. To stay connected, it is advisable to purchase a local SIM card before starting the trek, as international roaming charges can be quite expensive. Among the available providers, NTC is known for better network coverage in rural trekking regions.

Battery Charging

As this trek is relatively short and takes place at lower altitudes, access to electricity is more reliable compared to remote or high-altitude treks. Most teahouses use grid power or solar panels to provide electricity for charging electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and power banks. while the charging is accessible, you must carry a power bank and adapters. 

Internet

Internet is generally available, but it may not be as reliable or fast as in urban areas like Pokhara. Since the trek is relatively short and located at lower altitudes, most teahouses and lodges along the trail offer basic Wi-Fi services. However, as you move to more remote areas, the Wi-Fi signal may weaken, and occasional interruptions can occur. For more consistent access to the internet, trekkers can purchase a local SIM card from providers such as NCELL or NTC (Nepal Telecom) in Pokhara or Kathmandu. NTE recommends you to buy NTC card. 

Porter

For the Panchase Trek, you can trek wihout a porter as the journey is quite easy. However, if you are looking to hire a porter, they typically carry around 15 kg (33 lbs) which makes your trek more comfortable and less physically demanding. The cost of hiring a porter depends on the duration of the trek, but it's typically around $20-25 per day. It’s important to note that porters are not guides, so if you require assistance with navigation or other trekking-related concerns, you might need to hire a separate guide.

Panchase Village Trekking Gear Checklist

Clothing

  • Raincoat, poncho, or combination jacket/trousers
  • One-down jacket/Gore-Tex jacket
  • Two pairs of hiking pants (depending on the duration of the trek)
  • One pair of shorts
  • Three or four T-shirts (depending on the duration of the trek)
  • One MIT/fleece jacket
  • One pair of base layers (merino wool or similar thermal ware)
  • Three to four pairs of hiking socks
  • A pair of waterproof or windproof gloves
  • Undergarments

Footwear

  • Trekking boots (water resistance, ankle support)
  • Flip-flops for leisure time around camp or one pair of sneakers

Other equipment

  • Sunglass, sunscreen, lip balm, sun hat, woolen/fleece hat/beanie, neck gaiter, first aid kit, Swiss army knife (optional), luggage cover, headlamp, trekking poles, water purification tablets or steripen, extra batteries, adapter, power bank, water bottles/camel bags/thermos, washing powder/multi-purpose soap, shampoo, a small towel, antiseptic hand wash, toiletries, female hygiene products, wet wipes, mosquito spray (optional), whistle, earplugs, reading books, playing cards/chess
  • Sleeping bag rating: -5 degrees Celsius comfort depending on trekking route and season
  • Backpack (60 liters)
  • Daypack (25 to 30 liters)

Travel Insurance

While this trek is still a short and moderate trek at lower altitudes, travel insurance is still highly recommended. Although this trek doesn’t reach extreme elevations like other Himalayan routes, unexpected situations such as injuries, illnesses, or adverse weather conditions can arise. Hence, you must buy a travel insurance policy that covers any medical emergencies, evacuation costs, or trip cancellations that might occur during your journey. Also, high-altitude coverage is not quite crucial as it only takes you above 2,500 meters, it should, however, cover all the unforeseen events. 

Nepalese Currency And Payment

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 20, 000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35, 000. A charge of USD 4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

  • Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
  • You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
  • Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website or contact us.
Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel
  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel
  • Max. Altitude:1520m/4987ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Max. Altitude:2065m/6775ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Max. Altitude:1670m/5479ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • All airport pick-up and drop-off services are complimentary
    • A complimentary welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant
    • The first two nights stay in Kathmandu with breakfast.
    • Two nights stay in Pokhara with Breakfast.
    • All necessary trekking permits, like the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, the TIMS Card, etc.
    • During the mountain season, three meals per day are consumed: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
    • All accommodations during the mountain.
    • Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, pomegranates, etc.
    • Complimentary duffel bag or agency T-shirt (for your trekking stuff, if needed)
    • Government-approved, First Aid trained (with a medical kit), and English-speaking professional local guide
    • Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
    • Begin by boating from Pokhara and driving from Naudanda to Pokhara.
    • Staff insurance, a well-paid salary, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • If necessary, rescue arrangements will be made.
    • Certificate of achievement, if needed
    • Agency service charge and government tax, or VAT
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu/Pokhara
    • Personal insurance, personal expenses, items lost or stolen, and so on
    • Temple and monastery entrance fees in the city.
    • All drinks, chocolate bars, desserts, laundry, hot showers, battery charges, wifi, etc.
    • Tiping to staff
    Dates & Availability
    Start:WednesdayDec 25, 2024
    End:ThursdayJan 02, 2025
    PriceUS$445
    StatusGuaranteed
    Private Date

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the fixed departure dates? If not, do not worry! We are more than happy to organize private vs. group joining on any dates you prefer. Let's contact the local experts now.

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