Panchase is one of the short treks in Pokhara away from the hustle and bustle of the Annapurna trail. However, Panchase is an off-the-beaten-path trip that travels to Pokhara's agricultural and cultural areas. In other words, Panchase is the ideal trekking location for enjoying the stunning Himalayan vistas from Pokhara. Panchase is also the midpoint of the five tall hills.
Hence, Panchase is the actual intersection of Nepal's Kaski, Parbat, and Syanja districts. Whereas on the summit there is Sidda Baba Temple, Dharamshala, Mahadev Temple, View Tower, and Buddha Statue located. Additionally, the Panchase Trail provides you with breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, as well as the magnificent Himalayas. In fact, there is a lake known as "Panchase tal." Hindu mythology states that it is a village of saints on a hill who practiced yoga and meditation.
The rich flora and fauna of Nepal make it a paradise for orchid lovers. In Nepal, there are 381 different species of orchids. Panchase Trail is home to 125 different species of orchids. Moreover, the Trail is lined with walnut, oak, and pine trees.
Despite being a short trekking route, the Panchase Trail is covered in rhododendron blooms in spring. Rhododendrons in this area come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, white, pink, and others.
Additionally, panchase is also home to 19 species of mammals, and 260 species of birds. The mammals found in the region are spotted deer, common leopard, wild boar, rhesus macaque black bear, and so on. Along with that, you can spot birds like wildfowl, woodpecker, kingfisher, parrot, bulbuls, babblers, and many others.
Approximately 70,000 people live in Panchase and the surrounding area, including Kalabang, Chitre, and Bhadaure. There are local settlements in Deurali, Talibarang, Arthare, and Sidhane also. The majority of these settlements offer warm hospitality and homestay accommodations. You must notify in advance if you're staying in one of them before nightfall.
In comparison to other well-known trekking routes like Ghorepani Trek, or the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the lodging along this route is basic. In the villages of Kalabang and Pumdi, locals operate home-stay businesses that let visitors stay in local homes. It is a first-hand opportunity to learn about the locals and their way of life people who enjoy it. Rice, potatoes, noodles, eggs, momo, and chapati, served along with tea and coffee are the common foods available here. Therefore, the homestays, provide a basic Nepalese set meal called Dal Bhaat. It consists of boiled rice, lentil soup, fried or cooked vegetables, and pickles. Along with that are several beverage and bar options available.
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to go trekking in Nepal. But because the Panchase walk doesn't climb too high and has beautiful mountain vistas it is suitable throughout the year.
Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu by tourist bus
Pokhara to Bumdi
Bumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang
Panchase Bhanjyang to Bhadaure (1670, 3 hrs)
Bhadaure to Naudanda (2hrs) then drive back to Pokhara.
Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus
