Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Adventure Metro Everest Travel & Treks will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the bustling streets of Thamel, a popular tourist area filled with shops, cafes, and trekking gear stores. In the evening, we will organize a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine and cultural dance performances.
After breakfast, we begin a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour includes visits to:
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) – A beautiful stupa on a hill with panoramic city views.
Pashupatinath Temple – A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Boudhanath Stupa – One of the largest Buddhist stupas in Nepal, a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism.
Kathmandu Durbar Square – A historical palace complex showcasing ancient temples, courtyards, and the home of the Living Goddess, Kumari.
In the evening, we will have a pre-trek briefing where we discuss the trekking itinerary, essential gear, and preparation tips.
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The journey takes around 6-7 hours along winding roads with breathtaking views of rivers, terraced fields, and rural villages. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore this beautiful lakeside city. You can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit Tal Barahi Temple, or relax at one of the many lakeside cafes with stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains.
Today marks the beginning of our trek! After breakfast, we take a short drive to Khare, the starting point of the Panchase Trek. The trail begins with a gentle uphill climb through lush forests, small villages, and terraced fields. As we ascend, we are rewarded with stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, we reach Bhumdi, a peaceful village surrounded by forests. Here, we stay in a teahouse and enjoy the first evening in the tranquility of the Himalayas.
After an early breakfast, we continue our trek through dense rhododendron and oak forests, home to a variety of bird species. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, but the effort is well worth it as we approach Panchase Bhanjyang, the highest point of our trek. From here, we get breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Panchase is also a sacred site, and locals believe it to be a spiritual place with ancient temples and meditation spots. We stay overnight in a teahouse with stunning mountain views.
Early in the morning, we hike to Panchase Hill (2,500m) to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Himalayas. The golden hues illuminating the peaks create a magical moment. After enjoying the sunrise, we descend through charming villages, terraced farmlands, and forests to reach Bhadaure, a traditional Gurung village. This village offers an authentic cultural experience, and you can interact with the locals and learn about their daily life. We spend the night in a teahouse with spectacular mountain scenery.
Today’s trek takes us to Sarangkot, one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal. The trail consists of stone-paved paths, dense forests, and small settlements. As we reach Sarangkot, we are greeted by breathtaking views of Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley, and the entire Annapurna range. Sarangkot is known for its incredible sunrise and sunset views, and it's also a popular paragliding destination. We spend our last night in the mountains at a cozy guesthouse, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
After witnessing a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, we descend towards Pokhara. The walk is easy and scenic, passing through local villages and farmland. Upon reaching Pokhara, we take some time to relax, have lunch, and explore more of this beautiful city.
In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our trek.
Our incredible journey comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. If you have extra time, we can arrange additional activities such as Everest mountain flights, cultural tours, or short day hikes. We hope you had an unforgettable trekking experience with Adventure Metro Everest Travel & Treks and look forward to welcoming you again for another adventure in Nepal!
The Panchase Trek is a short and scenic trek in the Annapurna region, offering stunning mountain views, rich biodiversity, and cultural experiences. It is a great alternative for those who want a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path trek with breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Manaslu. The trek is perfect for beginners, families, and those with limited time as it is an easy to moderate hike that can be completed in about a week.
The Panchase Trek is considered an easy to moderate trek. The highest point is Panchase Hill (2,500m), which is not high enough to cause severe altitude sickness. The daily walking duration is around 4-6 hours, with a mix of gentle ascents and descents. It is suitable for beginners and trekkers of all ages, including children and elderly hikers.
No prior trekking experience is required. The Panchase Trek is beginner-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to trekking. However, some basic physical fitness is recommended, as you will be walking several hours a day on hilly terrain.
The best time to do the Panchase Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful landscapes. Spring is especially stunning with rhododendron forests in full bloom, while autumn provides the best visibility of the Himalayas. The trek can also be done in winter (December to February), but temperatures can be cold. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended due to heavy rains and slippery trails.
The accommodation on the trek consists of teahouses or guesthouses, which are basic but comfortable. Rooms are generally twin-sharing with simple bedding and blankets. The teahouses also provide meals, with common choices being Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, fried rice, and momos (dumplings). In Pokhara and Kathmandu, you will stay in standard hotels with modern amenities.
Yes, you will need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits help with conservation efforts and ensure trekker safety. Adventure Metro Everest Travel & Treks will arrange all necessary permits for you before the trek.
No, altitude sickness is not a major concern on the Panchase Trek since the highest point is only 2,500m (8,202ft). However, mild symptoms such as headaches or dizziness can occur in rare cases. Staying hydrated, walking at a steady pace, and taking enough rest will help prevent any discomfort.
Yes, the Panchase Trek can be done solo, but we recommend going with a guide or a trekking agency for a more enriching and safe experience. Trekking with a guide ensures you don’t get lost, helps you understand local culture, and provides assistance in case of emergencies.
There are ATMs and WiFi in Pokhara, but once you start the trek, ATMs are unavailable. It is best to carry enough Nepalese Rupees for the entire trek. Some teahouses may offer WiFi for an extra charge, but the connection can be slow and unreliable.
Yes! You can extend your trek by adding Ghandruk, Australian Camp, or Dhampus to your itinerary. After the trek, you can also enjoy activities in Pokhara, such as:
Paragliding from Sarangkot
Boating on Phewa Lake
Visiting Davis Falls and Mahendra Cave