Panchase
In Nepali: पञ्चासे
Panchase (about 2,500 m) is the hill west of Phewa Lake where three districts meet. Its dense forest is protected as the Panchase Protected Forest, rich in orchids and birds, and near the top is Panchase Daha, a sacred pond with a Shiva and Barahi temple.
A 3–5 day trek loops from Pokhara via Bhumdi and Bhadaure through Gurung and Brahmin villages with homestays. From the top, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges fill the northern sky.
What to see and do
Climb to Panchase Bhanjyang and the summit for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, visit the sacred Panchase lake and temple, and look for orchids and birds in the protected forest. The route passes Gurung and Brahmin villages with community homestays.
Good to know
This is a short, quiet trek of 3–5 days with basic accommodation. It can start from Lakeside by boat across Phewa or from Bhumdi, Bhadaure or Kusma. Leeches are common in the monsoon.
Quick answers
- Where is Panchase?
- Panchase is in Kaski district, Gandaki Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Panchase?
- About 2,500 m (8,203 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Panchase?
- Panchase is in or right next to Pokhara, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Pokhara, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
- How many days do I need for Panchase?
- Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Pokhara.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Panchase?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Panchase?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Panchase?
- October–April
- How do I get to Panchase?
- Trek from Pokhara (Lakeside or Bhumdi) or drive to Bhadaure. It is about 16 km (straight line) from Pokhara.
- What is Panchase called in Nepali?
- पञ्चासे
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