The Annapurna panorama from the Panchase ridge

Panchase Trek

A forested ridge with a 360-degree mountain view.

Panchase is the forested hill that closes the southwest end of the Pokhara valley, a sacred summit with a small temple and one of the widest panoramas in the region, from Dhaulagiri across the Annapurnas to Manaslu. The trail climbs through some of the best rhododendron and orchid forest near Pokhara.

Short, varied, and quiet, it is a rewarding alternative to the busier foothill routes.

Highlights
  • 360-degree summit panorama from Panchase
  • Rhododendron and orchid forest
  • Quiet trail close to Pokhara
A typical 4-day shape

One of several ways to do it. We tailor the days, pace, and stops to you, nothing here is fixed.

  1. Day 1By road + On foot

    Pokhara to Bhumdi

    A short drive to the trailhead above the lake, then a forest climb to the village of Bhumdi.

    Time
    3–4 hours
    Distance
    7 km
    Elevation
    1,520 m / +600 m
    Stay
    Teahouse, Bhumdi
  2. Day 2On foot

    Bhumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang

    Up through dense rhododendron forest onto the ridge to the small settlement below the summit.

    Time
    4–5 hours
    Distance
    9 km
    Elevation
    2,030 m
    Stay
    Teahouse, Panchase Bhanjyang
  3. Day 3On foot

    Panchase summit, on to Bhadaure

    A dawn climb to the 2,500 m summit and its temple for the full panorama, then down the far side to the village of Bhadaure.

    Time
    5–6 hours
    Distance
    11 km
    Elevation
    2,500 m, then 1,600 m
    Stay
    Teahouse, Bhadaure
  4. Day 4On foot + By road

    Out to Pokhara

    Down through farmland to the road near the lake, then the short drive back.

    Time
    2–3 hours
    Distance
    7 km
    Elevation
    -800 m to the road
    Stay
    Back in Pokhara
Getting there

Driven to the trailhead at Phedikhola or Bhumdi, on foot over the Panchase ridge, and collected near Pokhara at the end, with a guide.

What is included

  • ✓ Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • ✓ Private transport from Pokhara to the trailhead and back
  • ✓ Tea-house (lodge) accommodation on the trail
  • ✓ ACAP permit and trekkers' information card
  • ✓ Government taxes and service charges

Not included

  • – Meals on the trail
  • – Travel insurance
  • – Personal trekking gear
  • – Porter (available on request)
  • – Tips for guide and porter
Gallery
Panorama of the Annapurna massif
Machapuchare, the fishtail peak
Sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Poon Hill
Good to know
How does it compare to Poon Hill?+

Similar length and effort, much quieter, with a wider summit view. The forest is some of the best near Pokhara.

Is the summit a steep climb?+

The final push to the summit is steep but short, usually done at dawn from the ridge below for the clearest views.

More the hills