One of the short, easy, and family treks near Pokhara city- Panchase Trek is gaining popularity for diverse features. It is ideal for all the people in spite of their ages and fitness level. Discovering the natural and cultural beauty around Pokhara valley, trekkers witness the panoramic views of Annapurna I Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and several of their neighboring peaks from different vantage points especially from Panchase peak.
Panchase lies at the top of five tall hills which conflux at the point. You can explore Mahadev temple, Barah temple, Siddha Baba, Dharmasala, Panchsila Lake, and some of the Buddhist monuments around the peak. This point is also called the intersection of Syangja, Parbat, and Kaski district. It is one of the perfect places for meditation and yoga as well.
This trek is also taken as a practice trek before the long journeys as Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit trek. For travelers who wish to enjoy nature and culture following a comfortable pace is the best choice. Trekkers can walk 3-4 hours a day keeping plenty of time for capturing the snaps, appreciating the views, and relaxing in the different stops. Interacting with the locals, trekkers get immense opportunities to explore typical Nepalese lifestyles.
Day | Highlight | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation | Kathmandu |
Day 3 | Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara | Pokhara |
Day 4 | Trek Pokhara to Bhumdi | Bhumdi |
Day 5 | Trek Bhumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang | Panchase Bhanjyang |
Day 6 | Summit Panchase peak and trek to Bhadaure | Bhadaure |
Day 7 | Trek to Naudanda, drive to Pokhara | Pokhara |
Day 8 | Drive Back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 9 | Final Departures |
As we land at Kathmandu Airport, we will be welcomed by the majestic snowcapped mountain ranges nearby. One of the representatives from Holy Mountain Treks awaits us outside the terminal gate with some garlands from natural flowers in his/her hands.
Sitting in the private vehicle, we will head towards our hotel passing the narrower, windy streets of Kathmandu. We observe the cultural highlights around our hotel once we settled and get refreshed. Tourist hub Thamel welcomes you for our first meal in Nepal where we can taste varieties of eateries in different restaurants around.
One of the most chaotic cities of Nepal with full of spiritual, artistic, and antique shrines of World Heritage Sites are explored this very day. Guided sightseeing leads us to Swyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath.
Late in the afternoon, we drive back to the hotel and visit the office of Holy Mountain Treks, and have a pre-discussion about the trek. Our guide suggests to us regarding the gears and other equipment needed for the upcoming journey. We can buy them if needed in the shops nearby.
After an early meal, we take a long and comfortable drive using passing green valleys, mountain ridges, terraced rice fields, river gorges, and settlements throughout the journey. Upon arrival the blissful city of Pokhara we get the picturesque views of the snowcapped peaks, pristine lakes, and lustrous greeneries around.
After some refreshments in our hotel there, we stroll around the tidy streets and lakeside in the evening.
Our trek begins after crossing the Phewa Lake via boating. Ascending amid lustrous woodlands, we summit to World Peace Pagoda. Along with the giant Buddhist Stupa, it offers spectacular views of Annapurna ranges and Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), amazing Pokhara valley, and pristine waters of Phewa Lake.
Exploring the peaceful atmosphere around, we descend via deep forest following the narrow trekking trail. The journey now becomes twisting rounding the hill reaching Nehyeaal Danda. Continuing the journey uphill, we land at the Gurung settlements of Bhumdi. We can witness crystal views of Mt. Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre
With the different flavor of the hilly region, diverse topographies, terrains, and landscapes than we expected, we get up with the first rays of the sun over might Himalayan peaks. After breakfast, we sat our journey initially passing the gorgeous forest. Mountains are visible time and again between the trees.
The journey carries forwards with the melodious birds’ chirp; different species of wild animals come in contact. Enduring ahead following the trees, the trail gradually ascends to Panchase Bhanjyang. As we are ascending higher, the mountain views become more unobstructed.
A spectacular glimpse of Hiunchuli, Annapurna ranges, and Machhapuchre peaks attracts numerous tourists each year. The hospitable and ever-smiling Gurung people welcome the guests offering unique services with great hospitality
Our 6th day in Nepal commences ascending towards Panchase Peak in the early morning for the mesmerizing sunrise views. Following the stone steps, we hike uphill about 500 meters reaching Panchase Peak.
Panchase peak situating 2,500 m is the highest point of this trek. The mountains gleam in front of you. A 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, lustrous greeneries, magnificent valley views, and diverse ethnic settlements make the journey a memorable and special one.
Then the journey descends towards Bhadaure. With the rest in the different stops, walking at a comfortable pace, we reach Bhadaure for an overnight stay.
The last day of the trek is ahead. After the first meal, we hike downhill following the motorways in most of the places. Passing the several settlements, we reach Naudanda.
After lunch there, we drive back to Pokhara concluding our trek. Reaching the wealthy city of natural and historical shrines, we check in the hotel and get some refreshments. Some of the remaining shrines as Mahendra Cave, Bindawasini Temple, and Bat’s cave can be visited the rest of the time.
Leaving the city of Pokhara, we drive back to Kathmandu today. On the way back, we will glimpse some of the mountains, forested lands, deep river valleys, and large rivers. Most of the way transverse via riverbanks and we could see enormous rivers just nearby.
Upon arriving in Kathmandu, we get into the hotel. The rest of the moments can be spent own ways either rambling around Thamel or resting in the hotel itself. As this is the last day in Kathmandu, some of the cultural and artistic souvenirs can be bought in the gift shops nearby. We shall gather in one of the cultural restaurants for the farewell dinner organized by Holy Mountain Treks in the evening.
We are leaving this city today. One of the representatives from Holy Mountain Treks shifts us to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight.