Panchase Trek

The Panchase trek is a four-day ridge walk from Pokhara over the forested range west of Phewa Lake. It starts with a boat across the lake and the forest steps to the World Peace Pagoda, follows paths and a jeep track to Bumdi, climbs to the village of Panchase Bhanjyang, crosses the Panchase summit at about 2,500 m, and descends to Bhadaure and Naudanda for the drive back. On our map it is about 36 km with 2,280 m of climbing, and it has views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range from the ridge. The nights are in teahouses at Bumdi and Panchase Bhanjyang, and in a lodge or camp at Bhadaure. It needs no flight, and sources disagree on whether a permit is needed, so confirm with your agency. Trekking poles help on the long runs of stone steps.

The plan follows four operator itineraries, from KimKim, Buddha Air Holidays, Himalayan Local Guide and Third Rock Adventures, which agree on the order of Bumdi, Panchase Bhanjyang, Bhadaure and Naudanda. We give our own estimate for the first two days, because our map shows longer distances than the three to four hours some operators quote. October and November are the clearest months, and the monsoon brings leeches and overgrown trails.

What the trek is like

After the boat, a flight of forest steps climbs to the Peace Pagoda, and a long traverse through forest and village paths reaches Bumdi. A steady climb leads to Panchase Bhanjyang, and from there stone steps climb to the summit and a small temple beside a pond. The descent to Bhadaure follows a ridge with no villages, so carry food and water.

Permits and rules

Operators disagree. One says no permit is required for Panchase, and another says an Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card are needed. The Annapurna Conservation Area permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners. Ask your agency to confirm for your route.

Best season

October to November and March to April; the monsoon is not recommended.

Getting there and away

Pokhara's Lakeside is the start, with a boat across Phewa Lake. From Naudanda a taxi or jeep takes you back to Pokhara in about an hour.

Difficulty and fitness

The trek is moderate. There are about 2,280 m of climbing over four days, and the second day is the longest at about 10.8 km. Stone steps are hard on the knees on the way down, and in the monsoon leeches and slippery steps are the main difficulty. It suits first-time trekkers who walk regularly.

Budget notes

The costs section uses Nepal-wide lodge and meal ranges for low-altitude nights plus a guide, a porter and transport lines that we show as items to check. The Annapurna permit is not included, because sources disagree on whether it applies to this ridge.

What to pack

A rain jacket, a warm layer for the ridge, trekking poles, sun protection, leech socks in the wet season and enough food and water for the stage between Panchase Bhanjyang and Bhadaure.

Guide rule

Agencies disagree on whether Panchase needs an ACAP permit. If your route passes an ACAP checkpoint, the Annapurna wording applies: the Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 guide rule, which 2026 operator reports say that checkpoint enforces (checked 19 October 2026). See the guide rule by region.