Panchase Trek in Nepal - Itinerary, Route and Map

Panchase trek is a short and easy trek in the Annapurna region. It lies close to Pokhara but is less touristy than other treks in the Annapurna region making it more appealing. 

If you want the real taste of hiking in Nepal's popular treks like Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp in advance, this trek is for you! Test trek that will help you figure out if trekking is your cup of tea or not, is Panchase trek Nepal. 

In merely 3 days, you will be walking through dense jungle, through small streams, which will eventually lead to the Himalayan range's stunning views. From the peak of Panchase hill, you can savor the views of snow capped mountains over 8000 meters. 

Early mornings are mostly clear and you can enjoy the best views of the mountains. On a clear day, you can enjoy the best views of mountains, including Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal. 

Let’s talk about the route of the Panchase trekking. There are different routes to Panchase Peak. One is official while others are created by locals or guides that know the region well.

Routes Of Panchase Trek

The official route of Panchase Trek starts from Kande of Pokhara. On the first day, you will be trekking from Kande to Bhadaure. On the following day, you will be trekking from Bhadaure to Bhanjyang. On the third day of the trek, you will be trekking from Bhanjyang to Panchase Peak. Get ready to enjoy a beautiful sunrise from Panchase Peak. After returning back to Bhanjyang, you will have two options. You can either rest at Bhanjyang and stay overnight here or trek your way back to Pokhara. 

If you fancy taking up the challenge of trekking solo then Pachase trek is the one! The official route up to Panchase hill is marked and can be trekked alone.  

Let’s move onto the second route of PanchaseTrek. The way to Panchase Peak is the same in this second route as well. You will be trekking from Kande to Bhadure to Bhanjyang to Panchase Peak. However, you will be taking a different route on the way back to Pokhara. This route will take you along dense forest, farmlands, and villages. You will be walking through the villages of Sidhane, Damdame, and Ghatichhina. Since this route is less touristy, it will be sensible to take snacks and lots of water with you. From Ghatichhina you can either take a bus or taxi or even walk to Lakeside of Pokhara. 

The trail features many stone steps which are considered the most difficult part of the Panchase trek. Climbing down the stairs is difficult which exerts pressure on your knees. Trekking poles are highly advised and these will certainly become your best friend on this trek. 

If altitude sickness is your concern, then don’t worry! On your Panchase trek, you will be attaining a maximum height of 2500 meters on the Panchase Peak. So, altitude sickness will be the least of your problem. 

Panchase Trek Itinerary

Recommended Guide Book: Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya

Flora And Fauna Of Panchase Region

You cannot miss out on the rich in flora and fauna of the Panchase region while hiking in this region. Nepal is known as a paradise for orchid lovers. Around 381 species of orchids are recorded in Nepal and among them, 125 species of orchids are recorded in the Panchase region. Also, you will be walking in the forest-lined with walnut, oak and pine trees. 

Walking in the forest filled with rhododendron trees feels dreamy during the spring season. Rhododendron blooms in different colors like red, yellow, pink, white and others cover the trail in spring. It’s a beautiful sight to behold! Did you know rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal? Well, you know now!

The Panchase region is home to 19 species of mammals. Spotted deer, common leopard, civet cat, fox, barking deer, wild boar, black bear, common langur, and rhesus macaque inhabits this region. You will be walking listening to the chirping of birds as approximately 260 species of resident and migratory birds are found in this region. You can spot birds including wildfowl, woodpeckers, kingfishers, parrots, bulbuls, babblers, warblers, bee-eaters, and others. 

Made up your mind to trek to Panchase? Let’s find out the best time to trek to Panchase.

Best time to trek to Panchase

Spring, autumn and winter seasons are the best time of the year to go on a Panchase Trek. You will get to see the forest in its colorful best when trekking in spring. You will be walking on the trail filled with rhododendron blooms. However, the chances of clouds covering the views cannot be eliminated. 

You will be rewarded with the clear sky when trekking in the autumn season. Autumn starts as the monsoon fades away spreading greenery and filling up water bodies. You can trek to Panchase even in winter. Winter is mostly dry with little chance of snowfall. 

Trekking in Panchase comes with lots of troubles during monsoon. Let me warn you about the hassles of trekking in monsoon. Chances of cloud covering your view are relatively higher during the rainy season. Trail of Panchase trek involves lots of steps and the stone steps will become way too slippery after rainfall. Meanwhile, you will be dealing with leech attacks. The troubles attached to monsoon trek in Panchase might take away the joy of trekking. 

Trek With An Experienced Guide

Trekking with an experienced guide is highly recommended regardless of your trekking in a group or solo. Like other adventure activities, trekking comes with risk.

Trekking in off-the-beaten-path can be fun as you get the trail to yourself. God forbid! If you get into trouble or meet with an accident, days can pass without anyone to help. You can mitigate these possibilities by trekking with a qualified guide. A good guide will not only inform you about the local culture, flora, and fauna but will also save you from landing into trouble.                                        

A novice, as well as an experienced trekker, enjoys the Panchase trek. One can figure out if they enjoy trekking for hours in the wilderness with Panchase trek and fathom the demands of long treks. The trek to Panchase can also be taken as the warm-up trek before doing other long treks of Nepal.

Trek Map

Panchase Trek is the shortest trek in Nepal ideal for novice trekkers. For Panchase Trek we recommend Around Annapurna 1 : 100 000: Marsyangdi - Thorung Pass - Kali Gandaki. Comprehensive Trekking Map covers all detailed information on trails, distances & altitude information.

Trek Review and Permit

If you are up for Panchase Trek, you will require a permit for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (trekker’s permit). 

Panchase Trek Local Operator: Third Rock Adventures

Tailor-Made Itinerary  Request Here