Panchase was everything we hoped for: pristine rhododendron and oak forests, quiet teahouses in Bhumdi and Bhadaure, and an unforgettable sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre from Panchase View Point at 2,500m. The team at Igloo Himalaya Treks managed every transport connection and lodge booking flawlessly.
Panchase Trek (8 Days)
Walk through the villages and forests above Pokhara on our eight-day Panchase Trek. You stay in Bhumdi and Panchase Bhanjyang before an early climb to Panchase View Point, around 2,500 m, for mountain views in clear weather. The route continues through Bhadaure to Naudanda, followed by a drive back to Pokhara. With four walking days, village lodges and tourist bus journeys between Kathmandu and Pokhara, expect uphill paths, stone steps and downhill stretches between the overnight stops.
Key Trip Facts
Panchase Trek Overview
Our eight-day Panchase Trek explores the forested hills west of Pokhara, with four walking days linking Bhumdi, Panchase Bhanjyang, Bhadaure and Naudanda. An early hike to Panchase View Point, around 2,500 m, is the highest part of the route. Clear weather offers views towards Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre, with village lodges providing your overnight accommodation.
After arriving in Kathmandu, you travel to Pokhara by tourist bus and stay there before the walking begins. A short local drive brings you to the starting trail towards Bhumdi. Paths climb through farmland, wooded slopes and village areas above the Pokhara Valley. Views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding hills appear along parts of the approach, while Bhumdi provides your first overnight stay in a village lodge.
From Bhumdi, the route continues through forest towards Panchase Bhanjyang. Rhododendron and oak trees cover sections of the trail, with clearings offering mountain views when conditions allow. The walk includes uphill stretches and uneven ground. At around 2,100 m, Panchase Bhanjyang is your highest overnight stop and the starting point for the following morning’s hike.
We make an early climb to Panchase View Point before descending towards Bhadaure. The viewpoint can offer a broad mountain outlook at sunrise, although cloud may hide the peaks. Stone steps, forest paths and terraced slopes form part of the descent. After a night in Bhadaure, you walk to Naudanda and return by road to Pokhara, completing the trekking section.
Three village nights and four city hotel nights complete the programme. Tourist buses connect Kathmandu and Pokhara in both directions, with departure from Kathmandu on the eighth day.
Key Route Highlights & Destinations
Panchase Trek Highlights
Why Book the Panchase Trek with Igloo Himalaya Treks?
We arrange airport transfers, guiding, porter support and accommodation for this Panchase journey. These services support the four walking days.
Airport Arrival and Trek Preparation
Our representative meets you at Kathmandu airport and transfers you to your hotel. Before walking, ask us about the route, lodge facilities and personal equipment needed for the trek.
Guide and Porter Support
Your package includes an experienced trekking guide and one porter for every two trekkers. The guide leads the route, while the porter carries your luggage. You carry a daypack with essentials.
Medical Kit for the Trek
A medical kit is included for the trek. Bring your personal medicines and suitable walking equipment. Discuss clothing, sleeping arrangements and other essentials with us before preparing your main trekking bag.
Communication When Plans Change
Rain, road conditions and health can affect the walking or travel schedule. Our team discusses options when plans change, including any additional accommodation, meals or transport outside the services in your quotation.
Want to know more about the Panchase Trek?
Chat directly with our lead Himalayan trip coordinators on WhatsApp.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival & Airport Transfer — Kathmandu, around 1,400 m — 3-Star Hotel Check-in
Welcome to Nepal. Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, take time to rest, organise your belongings and prepare for tomorrow’s bus journey to Pokhara.
Depending on your arrival time, you can take a walk around Thamel or relax at the hotel. Keep travel documents and medicines accessible, and raise any questions about the trek before departure.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus
Scenic Highway Drive to Pokhara — Pokhara, around 822 m — Approx. 6–7 hrs driving
We leave Kathmandu by tourist bus and travel west towards Pokhara. The route follows the Prithvi Highway through river valleys and hills, with the journey taking much of the day.
Traffic, roadworks and weather can extend the published travel time, so keep essential items with you during the journey. After reaching Pokhara, check into your hotel and rest before tomorrow’s walk. If time allows, explore Lakeside or take a stroll beside Phewa Lake, then organise your luggage for the first trekking day in the hills.
Day 3: Pokhara to Bhumdi
Trailhead Drive & Trek to Bhumdi — Bhumdi, around 1,520 m — ~4–5 hrs walking
After breakfast, a drive brings us to the walking start above Pokhara. We follow uphill paths through farmland and wooded slopes towards Bhumdi, our first village overnight stop.
As the trail gains height, views open across parts of the Pokhara Valley, with Phewa Lake visible from suitable sections. Village paths and steps introduce the walking terrain ahead. Take breaks as needed while becoming comfortable with your boots and daypack. At Bhumdi, settle into the lodge and enjoy the evening before tomorrow’s longer forest walk.
Day 4: Bhumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang
Protected Forest Trail to Panchase Bhanjyang — Panchase Bhanjyang, around 2,100 m — ~5–6 hrs walking
Leaving Bhumdi, we follow the trail through forest towards Panchase Bhanjyang. The route climbs gradually in places, with rhododendron and oak trees, uneven paths and occasional openings across the surrounding hills.
Mountain views depend on cloud and visibility, while much of the day’s interest lies in the woodland itself. Watch your footing on damp roots and steps after rain. Panchase Bhanjyang, around 2,100 m, is your highest overnight stop. Settle into the lodge and prepare for an early viewpoint hike tomorrow.
Day 5: Panchase Bhanjyang to Panchase View Point and Bhadaure
Sunrise Viewpoint Peak (2,500 m) & Descent — Bhadaure, around 1,670 m — ~6 hrs walking
We make an early start from Panchase Bhanjyang and climb towards Panchase View Point. The uphill path brings us to around 2,500 m, the highest point on this trek.
In clear weather, the viewpoint offers views towards Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. Sunrise is the focus of the visit, but visibility depends on conditions. Bring warm clothing for the early start and take care on steps.
After the hike, descend through forest and terraced hills towards Bhadaure. The downhill walk requires careful footing, especially after rain. We spend the night in a lodge.
Day 6: Bhadaure to Naudanda and Drive to Pokhara
Descent to Naudanda (~3 hrs walking) & Drive to Pokhara — Pokhara, around 822 m
Our final walking day leads from Bhadaure towards Naudanda. Paths cross village areas and farmland, with woodland and views across the hills. Take care on uneven ground as the route continues.
At Naudanda, the trekking section ends and a local vehicle brings us back to Pokhara. Road conditions affect the driving time. After checking into your hotel, rest or explore Lakeside if time allows. Organise your belongings for tomorrow’s tourist bus journey and keep travel documents, medicines and valuables with you.
Day 7: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
Return Tourist Bus Journey to Kathmandu — Kathmandu, around 1,400 m — Approx. 6–7 hrs driving
After breakfast, we leave Pokhara by tourist bus and return towards Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Hills, villages and river valleys accompany sections of this day’s road journey.
Traffic and road conditions can affect arrival time. Once in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and prepare for departure. Depending on the time, you can rest, shop nearby or organise your luggage before the final night of the programme.
Day 8: Departure from Kathmandu
Hotel Check-out & Airport Transfer — Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) — Farewell Nepal
Your eight-day Panchase Trek ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a short walk nearby before leaving the hotel for Kathmandu airport.
Our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
What’s Included in the Panchase Trek
Airport transfers
Pickup and drop-off for your arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
Tourist bus journeys
Travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara in both directions, following the eight-day itinerary and your confirmed programme.
City accommodation
Two nights in Kathmandu and two nights in Pokhara in 3-star hotels, with room arrangements confirmed for your group before travelling to the hills.
Trekking meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the village trekking section, with tea or coffee. The quotation confirms allowances on the day you return to Pokhara and other city meals.
Guide and porter
An experienced guide for trekking and one porter for every two trekkers.
Local trail transfers
The short drive to the walking start and the return drive from Naudanda to Pokhara.
Village accommodation
Three nights in teahouses or lodges along the route, staying in Bhumdi, Panchase Bhanjyang and Bhadaure during the trek.
Medical supplies
A medical kit is available during the village trekking programme.
Kathmandu breakfasts
Breakfast during the two scheduled hotel stays in Kathmandu.
Emergency arrangements
Coordination if evacuation is needed, with costs subject to your insurance cover.
What’s Not Included in the Panchase Trek
International flights and Nepal visa
Airfare to and from Nepal and your visa fee.
Travel insurance
Your policy, including medical treatment and evacuation cover suitable for the planned walking route.
Personal equipment
Boots, clothing, sleeping equipment, toiletries and electronics, plus other personal items needed for trekking.
Extra food and drinks
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and beverages beyond the agreed trekking and hotel allowances.
Other city meals
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara outside any additional meal allowance specifically confirmed in your quotation.
Personal services
Laundry, internet access, phone charges, showers and device charging where fees apply.
Tips
Voluntary gratuities for your guide, porter and drivers.
Optional sightseeing
Tours, tickets and excursions outside this itinerary.
Additional services
Extra accommodation, meals or transport required outside the agreed itinerary because of delays, personal changes or other circumstances.
Panchase Trek Dates & Availability
Starting Prices
Prices are per-person starting rates in US dollars. Send your dates and group size so we can confirm availability, room arrangements and your final quotation. Ask us about your preferred dates.
Group Departures
If you would like to trek with other travellers, ask us about upcoming group departures. We’ll confirm the available dates, spaces and price for your chosen departure.
Sep 12 – Sep 19, 2026
AVAILABLEWhat to Pack for the Panchase Trek
Pack for warm walking days, cool hill mornings and possible rain on forest paths. Keep water, a warm layer, waterproof clothing, medicines and valuables in your daypack. Bring suitable personal equipment and confirm the porter’s luggage allowance before departure.
Hiking Gear
Clothing
Sleeping Equipment
Toiletries & Hygiene
Electronics
Documents & Personal Items
Bring a duffel or suitable trekking bag for your main luggage. Keep valuables in your daypack and confirm the porter’s allowance and equipment arrangements before leaving Kathmandu.
Read Before You Book
Before choosing this Panchase itinerary, consider the four walking days, hill terrain, lodge facilities and road journeys. These details help you prepare and decide whether the programme suits your fitness and expectations.
1. Trek Difficulty and Fitness
The Panchase Trek is easy to moderate, with four walking days on uphill paths, steps and uneven ground. The forest stage and viewpoint day require several hours of walking, followed by descents. Prepare for repeated climbs and downhill sections, especially if you have limited walking experience.
Previous hiking experience is helpful. First-time trekkers should build endurance before departure and become comfortable walking uphill and downhill regularly with a daypack.
Prepare with regular walks and hill hikes before departure, allowing longer if you have limited walking experience. Include simple strength exercises, practise in your trekking boots and become comfortable descending steps with a daypack before beginning the trek.
2. Altitude and Acclimatisation
The highest overnight stop is Panchase Bhanjyang, around 2,100 m. You visit the viewpoint around 2,500 m before descending. No separate acclimatisation day is scheduled within this hill itinerary.
The lower elevations reduce the altitude demands compared with higher mountain treks, but they do not guarantee freedom from illness. Report headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue to your guide. Avoid ascent with altitude illness, and descend if symptoms worsen despite rest at the same elevation.
3. Medical Conditions and Travel Insurance
If you have an existing medical condition, seek advice from a healthcare professional before booking. Discuss the walking terrain, planned elevations, trekking days and any medicines you take.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and excluded from the price. Choose cover suitable for trekking to approximately 2,500 metres, medical treatment and emergency evacuation in Nepal. Check exclusions, excess charges and the insurer’s assistance procedures. Carry policy details and emergency contacts while travelling.
4. Accommodation and Room Facilities
Your programme includes two Kathmandu hotel nights, two in Pokhara and three lodge nights. Bhumdi, Panchase Bhanjyang and Bhadaure each have one overnight stay during the walking section of this itinerary.
Village lodges generally have twin-sharing rooms, simple furnishings and shared bathrooms. Confirm the bedding arrangements before packing, and bring sleeping equipment suitable for your season. Private rooms and specific bathroom facilities depend on availability at each lodge.
5. Food and Dietary Requirements
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the village trek, with tea or coffee. Lodge menus commonly offer dal bhat and noodles.
Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements before booking so we can discuss what can be arranged along the route. Explain strict requirements clearly, including any concerns about shared cooking equipment.
6. Drinking Water
Carry reusable bottles and drink boiled or appropriately treated water. Stream water and untreated tap water can still contain germs that cause illness.
Boiling is the most reliable way to kill germs. If boiling is unavailable, filtration followed by disinfection offers broader protection than many portable filters alone. Follow the instructions for your water-treatment equipment or tablets.
7. Guide and Porter Support
Your package includes an experienced guide and one porter for every two trekkers. Confirm baggage limits and the solo porter arrangement before packing. Carry water, weather protection, medicines and essentials in your daypack.
8. Showers, Charging and Communication
Hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging may cost extra, with availability varying between lodges. Mobile coverage and internet connections can be unreliable in wooded hills. Carry a charged power bank and let family know that contact may be limited. Ask about facilities at each overnight stop.
9. Permits and Documents
Before departure, ask us to confirm any applicable entry permits, trekking documents and charges for this Panchase route. Carry your valid passport, insurance details and document copies. Your Nepal visa remains your responsibility throughout the trip.
10. Travel Delays and Extra Time
Rain can make forest paths slippery and reduce mountain visibility. Roadworks, traffic and weather can also affect tourist bus journeys between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Day 7 returns to Kathmandu before departure on Day 8. Keep flexibility in your plans, and discuss arrangements if road disruption delays the return.
Altitude Profile of the Panchase Trek
The overnight route rises from Pokhara through Bhumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang, your highest sleeping stop. You then hike higher to Panchase View Point before descending to Bhadaure. Naudanda marks the end of the walking section, followed by the drive to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.
Overnight Altitudes
Elevations are approximate and follow the overnight stops in our itinerary.
Higher Places You Visit
Bhumdi
Bhumdi: Around 1,520 m, the village overnight stop after walking from Pokhara’s hills.
Panchase Bhanjyang
Panchase Bhanjyang: Around 2,100 m, the highest overnight stop before the morning’s viewpoint hike.
Panchase View Point
Panchase View Point: Around 2,500 m, followed by descent and a night in Bhadaure. Daytime visit with panoramic sunrise views.
Naudanda
Naudanda: The final walking destination, followed by a drive to Pokhara (822 m).
The viewpoint is a daytime visit. You sleep lower in Bhadaure afterwards, and the itinerary does not include a lodge night on the hilltop itself.
Weather and Best Time for the Panchase Trek
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are generally the preferred seasons for Panchase. Both offer opportunities for mountain views and comfortable hill walking, although cloud, rain and cold mornings remain possible around Panchase Bhanjyang and the early viewpoint hike.
Seasonal Weather Conditions
Spring
Walking days become warmer, with rhododendron flowers possible along forest sections. Mornings at Panchase Bhanjyang can remain cool. Haze or afternoon cloud may reduce mountain visibility, especially later in the season. Carry rain protection.
Autumn
Early September can retain monsoon rain. October and November generally offer clearer mountain views, with colder mornings and evenings as winter approaches. Cloud and rain remain possible, so sunrise visibility is not guaranteed.
Winter
Clear days are possible, but the early viewpoint hike can be cold. Shorter daylight and occasional snow or ice require care on steps and shaded paths. Confirm weather, trail access and lodge availability before departure.
Monsoon
Frequent rain can make forest paths muddy and slippery, with leeches possible in damp areas. Cloud often hides mountain views. Heavy rain and road disruption may affect both walking and tourist bus journeys.
These are seasonal patterns; conditions can vary from year to year and during an individual trek.
How Weather Changes Along the Route
Pokhara and Bhumdi
Pokhara and Bhumdi can feel warm in sunshine. Lower valley trails pass through open farmland where humidity and midday sun are felt.
Forest Trails
Forest paths offer shade under dense rhododendron and oak canopy, keeping daytime walking conditions pleasantly cool and protected.
Panchase Bhanjyang
Panchase Bhanjyang sits on an open ridge at 2,100 m and becomes noticeably cooler after sunset with brisk evening breezes.
Viewpoint Climb
The viewpoint climb at 2,500 m can feel colder before daylight and in wind. Keep a warm layer and waterproof jacket within easy reach.
Which Season Should You Choose?
Choose spring (March to May) for warming days and flowering rhododendrons along forest paths.
Choose autumn, especially October or November, if crisp mountain visibility towards Annapurna and Dhaulagiri matters most.
Winter offers uncrowded trails and crisp days, but needs warm clothing and access checks for cold mornings.
Monsoon walks require flexibility around rain, muddy sections, and possible highway road disruption.
Panchase Trek Route Map
Book the Panchase Trek
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and questions about Panchase. We’ll check availability and confirm the price and arrangements for your group. Tell us about your walking experience, room preferences and dietary needs so we can discuss whether this eight-day itinerary suits your plans before you decide to book it.
Panchase Trek Reviews & Experiences
Read genuine feedback from trekkers who walked the forested ridges, village trails, and sunrise viewpoints of Panchase with Igloo Himalaya Treks.
Panchase Trek FAQs
General & Route
Yes, with suitable fitness and preparation. This itinerary has four walking days, including uphill paths, steps and a longer viewpoint day. Practise consecutive hill walks with a daypack before departure, and discuss your walking experience with us beforehand.
Panchase View Point, approximately 2,500 metres, is visited during the day. Panchase Bhanjyang, around 2,100 metres, is the highest overnight stop. After the early viewpoint hike, you descend to Bhadaure, around 1,670 metres, for the night.
Yes, when visibility is clear. Panchase View Point offers views towards the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with Machhapuchhre visible. Cloud and haze can hide the mountains, so neither sunrise colours nor clear views can be guaranteed.
No. You stay at Panchase Bhanjyang before the early viewpoint hike, then descend to Bhadaure for the next night. The hilltop visit is part of a walking day, with no overnight accommodation planned at the viewpoint in this programme.
It can suit families whose children are comfortable with several hours of hill walking. The viewpoint day includes a climb and descent. Discuss ages, walking experience and pace with us so we can assess the route and arrangements.
Panchase explores lower hills above Pokhara, reaching approximately 2,500 metres with three lodge nights. Poon Hill reaches around 3,210 metres and follows an Annapurna route through Ghorepani. Compare the days, climbs, accommodation and time available before choosing between these journeys.
No separate acclimatisation day is scheduled. The highest overnight stop is around 2,100 metres, with a daytime hike to approximately 2,500 metres. Walk steadily and report discomfort rather than assuming the lower elevations prevent illness.
Tell your guide about headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Stop and discuss what to do next. Avoid ascent with altitude illness, and descend if symptoms worsen despite rest at the same elevation. Seek treatment when needed.
A porter carries your main luggage, with one porter for every two trekkers. Confirm the baggage allowance before packing. You carry a daypack with water, warm layers, medicines, valuables and essentials during the walking day.
Bring a warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings. Ask about lodge bedding before deciding on a sleeping bag or liner. Pack your own walking gear and discuss any equipment arrangements with us before departure from Kathmandu.
Yes. The solo rate is from USD 655 per person. Send us your dates so we can confirm availability and the quotation, including room arrangements, porter allocation and any supplement that applies to your departure.
We strongly recommend it. Choose a policy covering the hill trek, medical treatment and emergency evacuation in Nepal. The package excludes insurance, and evacuation coordination does not make rescue costs free. Check activity and altitude exclusions before departure.
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Enquire about your preferred package for current prices and availability.