How difficult is the Panchase Trek?

Panchase is an easy-to-moderate trek suitable for beginners, families and those short on time. Daily walking is 3–4 hours on well-graded forest trails and jeep tracks, and the highest point is only 2,500 m, so no altitude acclimatisation is needed. A basic level of fitness is enough.

Do I need permits for the Panchase Trek?

Yes. Panchase lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP entry permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners). A TIMS card (NPR 2,000 individual / NPR 1,000 for group trekkers) is also commonly required. Both are arranged for you and included in your package.

What is the best time to do the Panchase Trek?

Spring (March–May) for blooming rhododendrons and orchids, and autumn (September–November) for the clearest mountain views and stable weather. The trek is walkable year-round, but monsoon (June–August) trails can be muddy, slippery and leech-prone.

What kind of accommodation is available?

The trek uses simple but comfortable local teahouses and lodges in Bumdi, Panchase Bhanjyang and Bhadaure. Rooms are basic with twin beds and shared bathrooms; hearty home-cooked Nepali and international meals are served. Camping can also be arranged on request.

How do I get to the start of the trek?

The trek starts and ends in Pokhara, a 25-minute flight or 6–7 hour scenic drive from Kathmandu. Day 1 begins with a short boat ride across Phewa Lake, and the trek concludes with a private vehicle transfer from Naudanda back to Pokhara.

Will I see mountains and wildlife on this trek?

Yes. From the Panchase ridge you get superb views of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Manaslu. The forest is renowned for wild orchids, rhododendrons and rich birdlife, making it a favourite with nature and bird enthusiasts.

TrekModerate

Panchase Trek

4 days2,500 mFrom PokharaBest: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Duration

4 days

From

$590/person

Max Altitude

2,500 m

Difficulty

Moderate

Starts

Pokhara

Group Size

2–10 People

Stay

Tea House / Camp

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season

Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Trip Highlights

Boat ride across serene Phewa Lake and visit to the World Peace Pagoda

Sunrise panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu from Panchase Hill (2,500 m)

Lush rhododendron and orchid forest rich in birdlife

Sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage shrines at the summit

Authentic Gurung and Magar village culture

Easy, low-altitude trail ideal for beginners and families

One of Nepal's most affordable guided short treks

Quiet, uncrowded alternative to the busier Annapurna routes

A short, scenic 4-day forest-and-ridge trek from Pokhara to Panchase Hill (2,500 m) with Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu views — ideal for beginners.

The Gallery

Scenes from the trail

Day-by-Day Itinerary(4 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 2,500 m · Day 3

After a short boat ride across the tranquil Phewa Lake, the trek begins with a forest climb to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views over Pokhara and the Annapurna range. Continuing through shaded oak and rhododendron forest, the trail reaches the quiet hillside village of Bumdi, your base for the first night.

1,520 m3 hrs10 kmLunch & DinnerTea House

The Panchase Trek is one of the most rewarding short walks in the Annapurna region, rising gently from the lakeside town of Pokhara into the lush forested ridge of Panchase Hill at 2,500 metres. In just four days you trade the bustle of Phewa Lake for orchid-draped rhododendron forest, terraced Gurung and Magar farming villages, and a sweeping Himalayan skyline that takes in Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna massif, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and distant Manaslu.

Because it never crosses 2,500 metres and follows well-graded trails and jeep tracks, Panchase is perfect for first-time trekkers, families and travellers short on time — yet it still delivers a genuine teahouse-trail experience away from the crowds of the busier Annapurna routes. The hilltop is also a revered Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, dotted with small shrines and a sacred pond near the summit.

Why trek Panchase?

Panchase packs an outsized variety of landscapes into a compact loop: a boat crossing of Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda, dense biodiversity (Panchase is famous for wild orchids and rich birdlife), and one of the finest sunrise viewpoints near Pokhara. It is also one of Nepal's most affordable guided treks, with no high-altitude acclimatisation required.

Best time to go

Spring (March to May) brings blooming rhododendrons and orchids, while autumn (September to November) offers the clearest mountain views and crisp, stable weather. The trek is walkable year-round, though monsoon trails can be slippery and leech-prone.

What's Included

Included

ACAP permit and TIMS card
Licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide
Porter to carry your main luggage (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
All teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Phewa Lake boat ride and private vehicle transfer from Naudanda to Pokhara
Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals and accommodation
First-aid medical kit
All applicable government taxes and service charges

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal visa fees
Accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek
Transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara (flight or drive)
Travel and medical insurance
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Drinks, snacks, hot showers and Wi-Fi charges at teahouses
Tips for guide and porter
Any costs arising from circumstances beyond our control

Best Time to Go

Spring (Mar–May)

Rhododendrons and wild orchids in full bloom with warm days and good mountain views — one of the best times to walk the Panchase ridge.

Low: 6°C High: 20°C None at trek altitude

Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Lush and green but wet, with muddy, slippery trails, leeches and clouds often hiding the peaks. Walkable but not ideal.

Low: 14°C High: 24°C None

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

The clearest skies of the year and crisp, stable weather deliver the sharpest Himalayan panoramas — the most popular season.

Low: 4°C High: 18°C Rare

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cold but often clear, with quiet trails and excellent visibility. Mornings are chilly and occasional light snow can dust the ridge.

Low: -2°C High: 12°C Occasional light dusting

Permits Required

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 23)

Required for all foreign trekkers as Panchase lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area; SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000.

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

NPR 2,000 individual / NPR 1,000 group (approx. USD 8–17)

Commonly required and arranged through your agency; trekking with a licensed guide is now mandatory.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

$590

/ person

all-inclusive · permits included

Groups save up to 29% — from $420/person for 8++ pax

Guide-only option from $420

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Guests

$510 × 2 people· 2–3 pax rate$1,020

Guide-only: $420 × 2$840

All-inclusive · permits included

Price by Group Size

per person · all-inclusive

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Duration4 days

DifficultyModerate

Max Altitude2,500 m

StartsPokhara

Group Size2–10 People

AccommodationTea House / Camp

Best SeasonMar–May, Sep–Nov

Your Guide

NMA-Licensed Senior Guide

Travel Himalaya Nepal · Est. 1998

15+ yrs experienceEnglish speakingFirst Aid certifiedZero fatalities

All guides are NMA-certified with 10–20 years in the Himalayas. You'll be briefed personally before departure.

Meet all our guides

NMA Certified Agency

Licensed by Nepal Mountaineering Association · Est. 1998

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