Panchase Hill trek

Mt.Macha Puchare PictureNear by Pokhara city panoramic trek to beyond Phewa Lake in Pokhara. From Panchase you will see the great Himalayan peaks of Macchapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung and Manaslu. The terrain varies from subtropical valleys of banana trees and rice paddies to high ridges covered in rhododendron forest. This supports an abundant array of bird life. Along the way you will see many ethnic mixes, such as Brahmin, Magar and Gurung. This trek is off the beaten path and it is unlikely that you will meet many other trekkers here, and this trek is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Itineary:

Day 01: Pokhara/Bhumdi. (5500 feet and 3 to 4 hours walking) Start with an early morning drive to Thado Khola by way of David Falls, which takes about 7 hours. Your trekking crew will meet you in Thado Khola. After lunch, ascend towards Bhumdi village, which takes 2 and 1/2 hours. Overnight in Bhumdi with beautiful views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Annapurna range and Fishtail Mountain.

Day 02: Bhumdi/Bhanjyang. (7100 feet and 5 to 6 hours walking) Ascend through the forest for one hour and if the weather permits, see all the mountains mentioned on Day 1. After 3 hours, lunch then walk on a gentle trail for two hours through the forest. The trail then ascends to Bhanjyang for one and 1/2 hours. More spectacular views of the mountains and also Pokhara Bazaar and Phewa Lake.

Day 03: Bhanjyang/Chitre. (4810 feet and 6 to 7 hours walking) The trail ascends through the forest to the top of the Panchase Ridge at 8100 feet. This is the highest point on the trek. From here, view Pokhara, the Kusma Valley, all the Annapurna Range and the peak of Dhaulagari. The trail; ascends steeply through pastures and scattered forest top the village of Chitre for overnight.

Day 04: Chitre/Birethanti. (3400 feet and 4 to 5 hours walking) Trek through scattered villages for about two hours to the village of Thamarjung for lunch. Then an easy walk for two and 1/2 hours to reach Birethati. Camp at the school ground.

Day 05: Birethanti/Ghandrung. (4 to 5 hours walking) An easy walk for one and 1/2 hours to Seuli Bazaar then ascend for about two and 1/2 hours to Ghandrung for overnight.

Day 06: Ghandrung. Spend the day at leisure in Ghandrung.

Day 07: Ghandrung/Pothana. 5600 feet and 5 to 6 hours walking) Today the trail descends to Modi Khola where you cross the suspension bridge and ascend to Landrung village. Annapurna and Machapuchhre are clearly visible from the trail. Continue through scattered woods and then ascend steeply for one hour. Climb for two hours to Deurali where again you have excellent views of the Western Nepal Mountains. The trail then descends gradually to Pothana for overnight.

Day 08: Pothana/Phedi/Pokhara. After breakfast a one hour walk to Damphus, then an easy one and 1/2 hour walk along the ridge passing villages and paddy fields to Phedi. From here, you will drive for half an hour back to Pokhara.