# Panchase Trek

> The Panchase trek is a quiet 3-day trek from Pokhara to a sacred, forested ridge west of Phewa Lake. Cross the lake by boat, climb past the World Peace Pagoda, and walk through villages, terraces and rhododendron and oak forest to Panchase Bhanjyang. At dawn, climb to Panchase Danda (about 2,500 m) for a sweeping view of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre, with Phewa Lake far below.Few foreign trekkers come here, and the forests are rich in birds and orchids. Graded easy to moderate, it suits beginners and families with older children. ACAP-area permit where needed, guide, lodges or homestays, meals on the trek and transport back to Pokhara are included.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 3 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate
- **Activity:** Trekking
- **Max altitude:** About 2,500 m / 8,202 ft (Panchase Danda)
- **Best season:** Oct–Apr
- **Group size:** 1–12 people
- **Accommodation:** Teahouse lodges and homestays
- **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek
- **Price:** from US$220 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/panchase-trek
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=panchase-trek

## Overview
**Quick answer:** the Panchase trek takes 3 days from Pokhara, reaches about 2,500 m at Panchase Danda and costs from US$220 per person. It is graded easy to moderate, with 4–6 hours of walking a day, and is best from October to April.

The hilltop is a sacred site with a small temple near the summit, visited by local pilgrims. Panchase is one of the few places near Pokhara where you can walk for days through forest with hardly another trekker in sight. Read more in our [best treks near Pokhara](/blog/best-treks-near-pokhara).

### At a glance

Trip factDetailsDuration3 days from PokharaHighest pointPanchase Danda, about 2,500 mGradeEasy to moderateStart and finishPokhara (boat across Phewa Lake; drive back)Best timeOctober–AprilCostFrom US$220 per person### Why choose Panchase?

- **Quiet trails** with very few trekkers.
- **Sunrise panorama** of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre.
- **Forests** full of birds, orchids and rhododendrons.
- **Starts on foot from Pokhara**, via a boat and the World Peace Pagoda.
- **Village life** in Gurung and Brahmin communities.

## Highlights
- Boat across Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda
- Sunrise from Panchase Danda (about 2,500 m)
- Views of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre
- Quiet forest trails rich in birds and orchids
- Village homestays

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Pokhara to Bhumdi (about 1,500 m)
Boat across Phewa Lake, climb to the World Peace Pagoda, then walk along the ridge through villages to Bhumdi.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 1,500 m · Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Homestay or lodge · Distance: 9 km_

### Day 2: Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang (about 2,050 m)
Climb through terraces and forest to the village below Panchase Danda.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,050 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_

### Day 3: Sunrise at Panchase Danda (about 2,500 m), descend and drive to Pokhara
Early climb to the hilltop for sunrise, return for breakfast and descend to the road, then drive back to Pokhara.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Distance: 11 km_

## What is included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Pokhara
- Boat across Phewa Lake and private vehicle back to Pokhara
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Teahouse or homestay accommodation (2 nights)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Permits and local fees where required
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- Accommodation and meals in Pokhara
- Porter (can be added)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, snacks and hot showers
- Tips for your guide

## Useful information
### Fitness

You should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours a day on hilly trails and stone steps.

### Weather

October to April has the clearest views; winter mornings are frosty on the ridge; spring brings rhododendrons. The monsoon is wet, misty and leechy.

### Accommodation

Lodges and homestays on Panchase are simple, with shared bathrooms.

### Travel insurance

Please travel with insurance covering trekking up to 3,000 m.

## Packing list
- Comfortable walking shoes or light boots
- Warm layer for the sunrise
- Rain jacket
- Head torch
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Leech socks (monsoon)

## Frequently asked questions
### How long is the Panchase trek?
**3 days** from Pokhara.

### How high is Panchase?
About **2,500 m** at Panchase Danda.

### How difficult is it?
**Easy to moderate**, with 4–6 hours of walking a day.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$220 per person**.

### Which mountains can I see?
**Dhaulagiri**, the **Annapurnas** and **Machhapuchhre**.

### Is it crowded?
No, it is one of the quietest treks near Pokhara.

### Is it suitable for children?
Yes, for children who enjoy walking; we can add a porter.

### When is the best time?
**October–April**.

### Can I see birds?
Yes, the forests are excellent for birdwatching.

### Do I need a guide?
Yes, a licensed guide is included.