Panchase Trek

Major Attractions Around Panchase Hill

Panchase Hill is a beautiful tourist attraction; however, the trek towards Panchase Hill is an adventure in itself, as many attractions surround your destination. So let’s get into it.

Siddha Baba and Panchase Lake

One of the significant trekking attractions around Panchase Hill is the Siddha Baba temple, which is very important for the local people around the hill station. People from all over Nepal visit the temple, especially the Hindus of Pokhara, Gorkha, and Palpa. The pilgrims of Nepal worship Lord Shiva at the Siddha Baba temple. The visitors pray with Lord Shiva for their greatest wish, and when the wish is fulfilled, there is the ritual of releasing a pigeon.

Apart from Siddha Baba temple, you can visit the iconic and beautiful Panchase Lake. Panchase Lake is bright blue and one of the cleanest lakes in the region. The Panchase Lake is also the source of the famous Fewa Lake, so trekkers and tourists get intrigued by Panchase Lake whenever they visit Pokhara and Fewa Tal. The surroundings of Panchase Lake are full of rhododendron forests, giant hill trails to see mountains and temples for the local people to worship.

Viewpoint Tower

Another popular tourist attraction around the Panchase area is the Viewpoint Tower, which lies on a higher elevation but is lower than the Panchase Peak. The Viewpoint Tower is the perfect place to see the complete Pokhara Valley and a mesmerising view of the Fewa Lake and Panchase Lake as the bird’s eye view. The surrounding places of the viewpoint tower are also appropriate places for resting and having lunch, or they are used as picnic spots for the local families.

Buddha Statues and Monasteries

Another major attraction around Panchase Hill is the several temples and monasteries that might attract tourists from Tibet or Buddhist countries or those from Western culture eager to learn about new cultures, lifestyles, and civilisations. These monasteries are 100 years old but are still conserved by the local people with the government’s help. The atmosphere inside the monastery is tranquil and peaceful, so you are prohibited from talking in louder voices or shouting. Several monasteries with Buddha statues were made several hundred years ago. This is also why the place is not only dear to Hindus but also to Buddhist people worldwide.

Best Season for Panchase Trek

Like every trekking destination, familiarity with the best time or season to go on the Panchase trek is essential. Generally, the best trek time in Nepal depends on the season you plan to trek.

So, let’s look at which season is the best for the Panchase Trek.

Autumn Season

Autumn Season is the best season to go on the Panchase Trek. The season falls from September to November and is perfect for the Panchase trek simply because the weather is more relaxed, with clear blue skies and no rainfall probability. The Autumn season also starts after Dashain and Tihar, the largest festival in Nepal, which means the people are still in the mood for the festival, but the trek route or the temples are less crowded, so you have plenty of freedom to explore around.

Spring Season

Another excellent season for the Panchase Trek is spring, from March to May. The Spring season also has clear blue skies and cool temperatures but has an occasional chance for rainfall. The Spring is also when Nepalese people celebrate Dashain and Tihar, which can make your trek around the temple and stupas a bit more crowded, and some might not like the crowded places. Besides minor rainfall and a more congested experience, Spring is still the best season for the Panchase trek.

Winter and Monsoon Season

Winter and Monsoon seasons are considered the worst seasons for the Panchase trek in Nepal. In the winter, the atmosphere is too cold, with foggy weather, which will block the fantastic view from Panchase Peak. Furthermore, going to the top of the mountain peaks is prohibited during winter, and there is also the chance of cold rainfall.

Monsoon season is also not fun for Phanchase trekking mainly because continuous heavy rainfall for several days will ruin the fun, making the route slippery, wet, and challenging to hike. There is also a high risk of floods and landslides in places on high hills and the banks of rivers.

If you plan the Panchase trek, you can book it during the Autumn and Spring seasons.

Elevation and distance

The Panchase Trek is a short and peaceful trek with gentle ups and downs. The maximum altitude we will achieve is Panchase Peak, which is about 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) when we go trekking early in the morning on Day 6. That is where we will enjoy panoramic sunrise views and mountain scenery. The minimum altitude of the trek is Pokhara, which is about 810 meters (2,657 feet).

In total, we’ll walk around 30 to 35 kilometers over a few days. Each day we’ll cover 5 to 11 kilometers depending on the route and time. The walks are not too long or difficult, and we’ll stop at beautiful villages like Bhumdi, Panchase Bhanjhyang, and Bhadaure.

There’s primarily walking in villages, hills, and forests, but with tremendous mountain views surrounding you. It’s a pleasant choice if you want a leisurely hike outdoors without being too high. You will still be able to see the large peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, though, without risking a high-altitude venture.

Difficulty and altitude sickness on Panchase Trek

The Panchase Trek is a moderate to easy trek. It’s not extremely challenging, so it is ideal for new trekkers or those seeking a weekend getaway in the hills. Some is walking uphill and downhill but nothing too tiring or steep. The trails are mostly through forests and small villages, so the hike is very serene and pleasant.

Because we won’t get too high up, altitude sickness isn’t such a concern. The highest point of the trek is Panchase Peak at 2,500 meters (8,202 feet). This is a lot lower than some of the other high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp, so you need not worry about terrible altitude sickness.

But if you’re not used to hiking at a higher elevation, you might find yourself a bit winded or exhausted, especially on the inclining sections. But otherwise, this is a leisurely hike, and usually, most people should have no problem with it. Just remember to drink lots of water, rest, and don’t rush.

Maximum and minimum walk per day

The walking hours of the Panchase Trek are brief and simple. The longest walking day is Day 5, when we hike from Bhumdi to Panchase Bhanjhyang. We walk for about 4 hours today, and the distance is about 10 to 11 kilometers through forest trails with mountain vistas. This is also one of the most beautiful days of the trek.

The shortest walking day is Day 6, when we walk from Panchase Bhanjhyang to Bhadaure. While we walk for about 3 hours, the distance is only 7.5 kilometers, and most of the trail is downhill or flat, so it is a relaxed and easy day.

We hike on average 4 to 3 hours daily and 7 to 10 kilometers per day. The hike is slow paced and there is plenty of time to rest, take photos, and absorb the environment. Since the trek is easy and short, it’s suitable for beginners, families, or anyone seeking an easy walking vacation with great scenery and uncrowded trails.

Accommodation

During the Panchase Trek, we will be staying in secure and hygienic accommodation on the way. In Kathmandu, we will stay for 3 nights at a tourist standard hotel. The hotel will include all the minimum facilities like a private room, a bed, a blanket, a hot shower, and an attached toilet so that you can feel relaxed and get well prepared before the trek begins.

While trekking, we will be staying in local tea houses or lodges on a twin-sharing basis. The rooms are not luxurious but are neat and clean, with a bed, pillow, and blanket to warm you at night. The rooms are generally shared by another trekker, but you may also request a private room if it is possible.

The bathrooms are usually shared, and either Western or Eastern type, depending on the lodge. In others, you may also be able to get a room with an attached bathroom, but at a bit more money. Hot showers are usually available most of the time, but at a small fee. Generally, the accommodations are clean, safe, and perfect for a night’s sleep after hiking during the day.

Food and drinks

During the Panchase Trek, your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your package daily when you are on the trekking trail. The meals are freshly prepared in local lodges and tea houses. You will be having simple and nutritious Nepali and international foods like dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables), noodles, pasta, fried rice, momos (dumplings), chapati with curry, eggs, toast, porridge, pancakes, and soups.

At breakfast, you would typically have a choice between tea or coffee, toast, eggs, porridge, or pancakes. Lunch and dinner will be rice or noodles with vegetables, curry, or lentil soup, accompanied sometimes by chicken or egg.

Drinks like tea or coffee are also included with your meals. But juice, bottled water, soft drinks, or other snacks (like cookies, chocolate, or chips) are paid for out of your pocket.

Please note that meals at Kathmandu are not included, and therefore you can go and dine at local eateries and enjoy different foods there. Whatever is not stated as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you must pay for while trekking.

Alternative routes for Panchase Trek

The Panchase Trek offers a couple of alternative paths, giving the trekkers a chance to customize their trip based on time, physical endurance, and interest. The alternatives offer flexibility with a chance to experience diverse landscapes and cultural encounters.

One of the well-traveled routes starts from Kande and takes the trekkers via Bhadaure to Panchase Bhanjyang, and then descends to Bhumdi before returning to Pokhara. The path offers breathtaking views of rice fields and typical villages.

Alternatively, trekkers can begin at Phewa Lake, take a boat ride across to Kalabang, and proceed to Bhumdi. The trail then ascends to Panchase Bhanjyang, with an optional detour to Panchase Peak for Himalayan views.

For a longer duration, others prefer to start from Bhadaure, trek up to Panchase Bhanjyang, and continue through Pumdi Bhumdi to the World Peace Pagoda, and return to Pokhara finally. This route mixes natural landscapes with cultural attractions.

All of these routes provide unique experiences, from cultural immersion in traditional villages to breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna range. Trekkers can choose the route most appropriate to their time and interests.

Can a beginner join this trek?

Yes, a beginner can definitely go on the Panchase Trek. The trek is one of the easiest treks in Nepal. The trails are not that steep or challenging and the walking durations per day are not very long—3 to 5 hours, typically. You do not need any previous trekking experience to take this trip.

The highest point of the trek is approximately 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) at Panchase Peak, and this is not too steep to cause serious altitude sickness among most of the tourists. The treks go through beautiful forests, small villages, and peaceful hill slopes, and hence the hike becomes comfortable and relaxed instead of being strenuous.

This hike is perfect for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Nepal and enjoy close-up glimpses of mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri without trekking far or high. Provided you are reasonably fit and can walk three hours a day with breaks in between, you’ll be fine. Just wear comfortable shoes, drink lots of water, and take your time. Panchase is a perfect trek for the beginner!

Preparation and fitness

To enjoy the Panchase Trek, you do not need to be super fit, but some preparation and fitness will go a long way. Since this is an easy to moderate trek, any individual with a normal level of fitness can accomplish it without any problem. If you can walk for 3 to 5 hours a day with short breaks, then you are ready for this adventure.

Before the trek, try to do some slow walking, jogging, or climbing stairs daily for a few weeks. This will acclimate the stamina levels and toughen your legs to trek on terrain. Alternatively, try walking with a small rucksack on your back to get used to carrying a light load.

Ensure you put on comfortable trekking shoes that you have previously worn, so you won’t develop blisters. Carry clothes that suit both hot and cold weather, since the weather might fluctuate.

Above all, go slowly, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body. With a bit of preparation, the Panchase Trek will be an enjoyable and memorable experience for anyone, including beginners.

Gadget charging, internet, and communication

While trekking to Panchase, you can charge your devices and access the internet, but it could be subject to where you are.

All the lodges and teahouses along the trek have a power supply for phone charging, cameras, and power banks. They run either off the grid or on solar power. Charging is typically available, though it is always recommended that you carry a power bank and adapters to charge your devices.

Wi-Fi is available in most guesthouses and teahouses, but the connection will not be as fast or robust as it is in places such as Pokhara. The further you venture into rural areas, the connection will slow or, at times, disappear. If you need to be more connected online, you can buy a local SIM card from NCELL or NTC (Nepal Telecom) in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

Cell phone connectivity is limited in the outlying areas, but there are a few points along the trail where it is available. If staying in touch with family members is important, satellite phone rentals can be arranged by some trekking agencies.

In short, be prepared with power banks, adapters, and a local SIM card for more convenient connectivity on the trek.

Required Permits for Panchase Trek

For the Panchase Trek, two major permits are required to ensure a smooth and legitimate journey.

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card:
The TIMS card is used to monitor and manage trekkers all over Nepal, helping the government to ensure the safety levels in trekking regions. It keeps a record of trekkers in case of an emergency or any unforeseen situation. Solo trekkers can obtain the TIMS card from the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) at Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you have a guide, they will arrange this permit on your behalf.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit:
ACAP permit is required to trek the Annapurna Conservation Area, along with the Panchase Trek. The ACAP permit helps protect the region and its natural resources. ACAP permit can be obtained at Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu or Pokhara.It is necessary to have this permit to access the trekking trails within the Annapurna region.

Both permits are necessary for trekking in the Panchase region and need to be booked before embarking on your trek so that there is no inconvenience during your trek.

Transportation

Your Panchase Trek tour includes comfortable and reliable transportation facilities from start to finish. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be received at the airport with a pick-up service and brought to your hotel. Similarly, when you finish your trip, you will be driven to the airport for your final departure.

During the trip, the transportation to and from Pokhara is also reserved according to the itinerary. You will be taken from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a comfortable vehicle, chosen according to the size of the group. The vehicle will be well chosen to make the journey smooth and comfortable, whether you are going in a small or large group. The drive is long with scenic landscapes of rivers, green hills, and Nepalese countryside.

In brief, all the land transportation – from airport transfers to city-to-city travel – is arranged for you so that you can focus on enjoying yourself stress-free.

Insurance

Before embarking on the Panchase Trek, it is also highly recommended that each trekker obtain complete travel insurance. The type of insurance will take care of you when you travel, especially when accidents happen. Good travel insurance should provide for emergency evacuation, which comes in useful if you get injured, fall sick, or are impacted by the altitude. In case you require instant medical attention or must be flown into the hospital, emergency evacuation-covered insurance will keep you from spending a fortune.

Other than emergency evacuation, your policy ought to also cover medical bills in case of any treatment or medication required during the trek. This is important as you may need to be treated for some illnesses, such as altitude sickness, injuries, or illnesses, while in the remoteness.

Besides, travel insurance will also protect you if you need to cancel or shorten your trek due to unforeseen circumstances. It also covers loss or theft of bags, which can be a concern when undertaking long treks.

Insurance for the Panchase Trek is not obligatory but highly suggested in your interest and the interest of your soul. Ensure your insurance covers Nepal and has trek-related activities.

What to expect from this trek?

The Panchase Trek is a beautiful mix of nature, culture, and a moderate level of difficulty, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced trekkers. You can expect to trek through lush forests, quaint villages, and terraced fields with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks.

The hike allows you to witness the peaceful beauty of the Annapurna region up close, where you get a chance to witness the rich culture of native people like the Magars and Brahmins.

During trekking, you’ll pass through ancient forests covered with rhododendron flowers, which bloom in various colors. The peaceful surroundings, along with the bird’s-eye view of the mountains, are the perfect way of escaping the hectic life of cities.

The trek is generally moderately demanding with day walks not tiring most people, including those who lack extensive trekking experience. Expect simple lodging at teahouses along the path with basic and comfortable rooms along with local foods. In most cases, the Panchase Trek is one to remember as it provides an enriching experience in nature, culture, and spectacular views.