Annapurna Panchase Trekking - 9 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 9 Days
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Max. Altitude 2030 M.
  • Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November, December

Highlights

  • Adrenaline-rushing drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu, followed by a scenic landscape featuring traditional Nepalese villages, shimmering rivers, and lush hills.
  • Traverse is one of the least known off-the-beaten short trekking routes of the Annapurna Himalayas which is noted for unspoiled culture and pristine natural beauty.
  • Ethereal sunrise mountain views from the Panchase Danda (2,500 m/8,202 ft) above sea level, including that of Ganesh Himal, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, and other neighboring mountain peaks.
  • Unwind in the serene city of lakes of Nepal, Pokhara, is a haven for adventurers that has everything to do from boating, kayaking, canoeing, and many more.
  • A guided UNESCO World Heritage Site sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, etc.

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Panchase Trekking in Nepal is one of the renowned village treks in the Annapurna Himalaya, which is intended especially for pilgrims. While local pilgrims visit Panchase Danda to show their veneration for their forefather’s spirit and take blessings from the gods of the mountains, it is a perfect trekking destination for trekkers seeking a shorter yet enriching cultural and Himalayan experience. The Annapurna Panchase Trekking 9-day itinerary takes you through the less-traveled Himalayan route, entering deep into the lush forests, typical mountain villages, and terraced farmlands, offering ample opportunity to gain knowledge and experience with varying ethnic groups in the area as well as the precious Himalayan peaks.

Lying comparatively in easy accessibility to some other popular Annapurna trekking routes such as the classic Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and short trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill, the Annapurna Panchase Trek is a fantastic alternative for trekkers seeking a more serene experience. If you are someone left with limited days in Nepal but still want to experience the Annapurna region, this trek to Annapurna Panchase is the right Himalayan odyssey for you. Suitable for anyone with good physical fitness, including aged people and children who are mentally and physically determined for the trip, Panchase Hill charms beginners and families, making it one of the best short Nepal treks for the years 2025 and 2026.

Further, at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we are offering special early bird booking group discounts on Annapurna Panchase Trekking Cost for 2025 and 2026. Book with us now. As one of the leading trekking agencies in Nepal, we promise you an enriching cultural experience combined with typical jaw-dropping Himalayan views. This Annapurna Panche hiking promises you the best of the Annapurna Himalayas in less than two weeks, followed by amazing cultural encounters, insight, and immersion into the Gurung community. Our package unites the best cultural and natural sites of two of the most popular tourist hubs, Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Get ready to stand in the center of the iconic Machhapuchhre, a supplementary magnet that pulls trekkers of all capabilities towards it. This trek is not specified for certain people. The important thing is you must have strong willpower to trek and learn about villages nestled in the Himalayas. High snow-capped peaks, including several above 8000 m, provide a picturesque background for the trek, crafting a holiday in Nepal to remember for life!

What to expect during the Annapurna Panchase Trekking?

The Annapurna Panchase Trekking typically begins with an exciting drive from Kathmandu and Pokhara and takes you through a relatively easy, peaceful, and scenic Annapurna trekking route. For 3-4 days, you will make your way through the lush forests and traditional mountain villages, finally culminating at the Panchase Danda mountain viewpoint. It is the highest point of the entire trip to Annapurna Panchase after a pleasing walk through diverse landscapes featuring rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and rolling hills topped by panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, followed by an iconic view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Manaslu.

These gorgeous peaks never leave your sight even when you are retracing the route to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu. While you are here, you will also not miss out on visiting some of the top-notch natural landmarks in Pokhara, such as Phewa Lake, Seti Gorge, World Peace Pagoda, Davi’s Fall, and others, including a visit to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath, Swaymbhunath, and others. In brief, here are some of the major highlights of the trek to Annapurna Panchase Danda from Kathmandu, just the right destination for beginners and nature lovers:

How is the Annapurna Panchase Trek route a hidden gem of the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal?

Easy to moderately difficult based on trekkers' physical fitness level and experience, the Annapurna Panchase Hike winds through lush forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is known only to a few. But it does not mean the trail is any less diverse and scenic than other Himalayan routes of the Annapurna Himalayas. From subtropical forests of oak, pine, and rhododendrons to alpine meadows, the Annapurna Panchase Hiking route has it all. Starting from Kathmandu, you will drive to Pokhara, avoid other busy trails, and head to Khare.

From Khare, you will enter the serene realm far away from chaotic city life, each step taking you closer to panoramic mountain views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan peaks that are especially spectacular during sunrise and sunset from Panchase Danda (2,500 m/8,202 ft) above sea level. In the months of spring, the trails are especially vibrant when the wildflowers bloom together with varieties of national flowers of Nepal, rhododendrons (red, pink, white, and others). Though it is no less captivating than other Annapurna Himalayan high, mid, and low-altitude hikes, since it receives a lesser number of visitors, it is one of the hidden gems of the Annapurna Trekking region, offering a chance to be the first ones to explore this peaceful trail.

Are there any cultural encounters during the Annapurna Panchase Trekking?

Yes, the Annapurna Panchase Hiking is one of the cultural treks in Nepal that passes through several ethnic Gurung and Magar villages like Khare, Bhumdi, Bhadaure, and Naudanda, offering you a golden chance to have close cultural encounters and interactions with the Himalayan locals at each step. You can observe most of the locals immersed in their typical mountain life of farming and animal husbandry, representing rural Nepali life; it fosters a deep connection to nature and the sky-towering Himalayas, often leaving you overwhelmed.

The cultural immersion is further enhanced as you spend nights in teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses opened by the Himalayan locals, providing a “home away from home environment” and sharing meals with you that, in general, are freshly prepared and available locally. The ancient temples, monasteries, and prayer flags along the route, in addition, add much to the spiritual and cultural dimensions, including Panchase Hill, considered sacred by locals, set amidst the stunning snow-capped peaks and sky-perching lush hills. In short, expect an authentic culture of Gurung, Magar, and Brahmin communities, their simple lifestyle, and warm hospitality during the Annapurna Panchase Trek in the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal.

Can you see Himalayan wildlife on the way to the Annapurna Panchase Danda?

Yes, as the Annapurna Panchase Trek in Nepal includes walking through the largest conservation area of Nepal, the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is spread over an area of 7,629 square kilometers and is home to the 10th highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna (8,091 m), named after the Hindu goddess of fertility and prosperity as translated “Anna” “Rice or grains” “Purna” “full-filled,” there are high chances of you getting to observe Himalayan wildlife.

The area is a haven for birdwatching and photography to witness various species of birds as you traverse the trail to the Annapurna Panchase. Often, the chirps of birds come in harmony with the sound of the full force of rivers, and some of the rare Himalayan wildlife, like red pandas, Himalayan Thar, and Musk deer, if luck is in your favor. The sight of a snow leopard is extremely rare, even in high altitudes like the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), to keep your expectations realistic, which overall is not disappointing at all, as when you go on and off through the wide range of ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, serving as the natural habitat of numerous wildlife.

Where is Annapurna Panchase Hill, and what is its cultural significance?

Considered sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists, Hindus revere the peak symbolizing the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Panchase Hill is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, near Pokhara, which is approximately 260 km from Kathmandu. It is nestled on the western side of Phewa Lake, which is further believed to be the meditation site of several great saints in the heart of sky-towering mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal.

That is why Panchase in the Annapurna Trekking Region of Nepal is one of the short yet scenic trekking destinations, an alternative trek to the tourist-influx Ghorepani Poon Hill Hike, offering a more immersive and authentic trekking experience not to miss out on in the years 2025 and 2026. If you are looking for a beginner and family-friendly low-altitude trek in the Annapurna Himalayas with comparatively low chances of acute mountain sickness (AMS) that allows an equivalent culturally and spiritually transformative Himalayan voyage, look no further and book this trip with us now!

One-day tour to Pokhara and Kathmandu in Nepal: Is it worth a commitment?

Kathmandu City’s identity is not limited to only the capital city of Nepal. At an altitude of approximately 1,400 m above sea level, Kathmandu is also the main trading, cultural, and historical hub that forms the valley with the combination of three ancient Durbar Squares called Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur, all officially recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring a different world within the chaos of the city. Taken as the first gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas, home to at least seven of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its international cultural and historical significance, such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhnath, and Changu Narayan Temple, including the three cities of old Durbar Squares.

Similarly, Pokhara, known for its serene natural beauty, featuring seven lakes, is yet another tourist hub of Nepal, where the Phewa Lake precisely offers you an otherworldly reflection of iconic mountain ranges like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and other neighboring peaks. It has everything that the adventurers may have ever thought of conquering, whether paragliding, bungee jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, canoeing, or simply strolling in and around cultural and natural landmarks like Tal Barahi Temple, Bindhyabasini Temple, Mahendra Cave, Bat Cave, and others, a must to visit places while you are in Nepal. Much to the delight of Annapurna Panchase Trek 9 Days, the itinerary from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks has separated one day for a guided tour to Pokhara and Kathmandu alone, so you do not miss any of the best of Nepal.

In addition, with us you can get a tailor-made itinerary as per your needs, requirements, and interests. Whether you want a short trek, a mid, or a long one, we make it all possible for you. Though an extended itinerary also means an increased package price, you will not regret it a bit while you are with us. There’s a lot you can do in Nepal, and this is your time to seize this opportunity. Connect with us now; let us know your desire. We make it not only possible for you but also safe, eco-friendly, and a life-changing experience.

Annapurna Panchase Trekking 9 Days itinerary and cost for 2025 and 2026

The 9-day itinerary for the Annapurna Panchase Hiking begins with your arrival in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. The trip, however, officially commences on the second day when you will leave Kathmandu and head to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will drive to Khare to begin hiking, and the destination of the day is Bhumdi. By the fourth day, you will have already made it to the Panchase Hill Station (2,500 m) above sea level, which is not only a scenic Annapurna viewpoint but also a monument with massive cultural and spiritual significance for locals.

On the sixth day, you will turn back and head to Pokhara through Bhadaure. This is as per the Annapurna Panchase Trek 9-day itinerary, where on the 7th day, a whole day in Pokhara is allotted to explore and choose your own best and dream adventure to capture lasting memories with yourself before finally heading back to Kathmandu on day 8, strolling along its vibrant icon, and grabbing some souvenirs. Like this, the Annapurna Panchase Hiking concludes, ensuring your everlasting memories, where the 9th day is when you will bid farewell to Nepal and depart to your home or your yet another dream destination.

Nevertheless, the short Annapurna Panchase Trekking in the lower elevation of the Annapurna Himalayas is a rewarding venture offering spectacular mountain views, trekking through diverse landscapes, and unspoiled cultural immersion. Although there can be slight differences in total cost for Annapurna Panchase Hiking based on group size and level of service chosen, we at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks provide you with an international level of service at the best competitive price. Our package cost for the trek to Annapurna Panchase covers expenses for all the essential trekking logistics like meals, accommodation, transportation, permits, and guides.

Additionally, we are also offering group discounts and first-come, first-served discounts for 2025 and 2026. It is one of the fixedly departing treks to the Annapurna Himalayas, along with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Khopra Danda Trek, that promises an unmatchable experience with a new perspective and purpose in life. Grab this golden opportunity, and while you are here, reserve your seat, and include your family and close friends of any age and experience level.

Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed briefly about your tour by our guide or tour leader. If you have any queries about your upcoming trip, then they should be clarified by this time before calling it a day at one of the Three-Star Hotels in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationStandard-Hotel
  • MealsWelcome-Dinner
  • Max. AltitudeApprox.1,400m

You will leave the cultural melting pot of Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley, early in the morning, right after breakfast, and drive towards yet another tourist hub of the country, Pokhara. The drive of about 7-9 hours is joyous through the popular Prithivi Highway, passing by the scenic traditional village, roaring rivers, and lush hills with occasional mountain views until you arrive in Pokhara at the center of the Annapurna Himalayas and Dhaulagiri.

  • AccommodationStandard-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast-Dinner
  • Max. AltitudeApprox.1,400m

Like usual, the day begins early in the morning, after breakfast, and you will leave Pokhara behind, drive along varying yet scenic landscapes with an insight into the rural communities to arrive at Khare, take a small break, and start footwalking. Spanning approximately 4 hours, it is more like a nature walk through tiny yet beautiful villages and forests until you arrive at the destination of the day with magnificent views of Ganesh Himal, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, and other looming peaks.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,520m

It is one of the major highlighted Annapurna Panchase Trekking days when you will finally get to reach your primary destination, Panchase Bhanjyang, serving as one of the best Annapurna viewpoints with expansive 360-degree views of the Annapurna Himalayas above and the Annapurna Trekking Region below. There is an uphill hike for an hour, followed by a downhill walk through the forest, eventually leading you to the teahouse in Panchase amidst a nice and tranquil ambiance.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,030m

On the 5th day, you'll trek to Bhadaure from Panchase Bhanjyang after having breakfast. After hiking for a couple of hours and descending from Bhanjyang, lunch is at a small village with great views. After the rejuvenating lunch, you keep on moving along the northern side of Panchase Danda, where you will get forest for nearly 3 and a half hours. In Bhadaure, you will find Gurung village, which is known as Gurkha, and stay overnight in one of its teahouses.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,030m

On the 6th day, you will trek to Naudanda from Bhadaure by hiking through fascinating villages. It takes about four hours to reach Naudanda. From Naudanda, you will make it to Pokhara. Pokhara is an attractive destination for tourists of all types. You can have a good time exploring Pokhara. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,443m

On the 7th day, you will arrive at Kathmandu after our rafting excursion. For the rafting, you will drive to the Trishuli River. Trishuli River is a well-known river of Nepal, accessible by the Prithivi Highway. This is an exhilarating experience and a wonderful way to conclude the trekking experience. Overnight stay in a hotel.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast-farewell Dinner
  • Max. AltitudeApprox. 1,400m

The Annapurna Panchase Trekking is almost at the end, and what better way to conclude it than with a visit to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swyambhunath, and the Tri-cities of ancient Durbar Squares called Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur, which in addition features yet another UNESCO World Heritage site called Changunarayan Temple? The fine arts, sounds of hum, and aroma of Nepali species add much to the Nepalese lifestyle to witness in its finest form.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. AltitudeApprox. 1,400m

As per the 9-day itinerary for the Annapurna Panchase Trekking, it is the day when you officially bid farewell to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Our representative will help you with packing and drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) three hours before your scheduled flight. Or, you can choose to stay longer and explore more and the best of the country with the Nepal Golden Triangle Tour, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or a similar short trek to the Langtang Valley.

  • MealsBreakfast

This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

Route Map
Annapurna Panchase Trekking - 9 Days Map
What's Included
Includes
  • 3 nights and 4 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu by tourist Bus 
  • Pokhara to Trekking departure point  and back to Pokhara by private transport
  • English speaking local expert guide, porters( porter carry maximum 20 to 24 k.g and one porter between two person)
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
  • Annapurna Conservation permit (ACAP)
  • three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at bed and breakfast, two nights accommodation in Pokhara at bed and breakfast
  • Airport transfers and escort
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
  • Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
  • Insurance for all staff & porters.
  • Trekking achievement certificate
  • Adventure Himalayan Tshirt
Excludes
  • Nepal visa - Multiple Entry 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
  • International flight & all domestic departure tax
  • Insurance for clients (i.e. helicopter evacuation, etc.)
  • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hot Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the tre
  • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking. 
Dates and Prices
Date PriceAvailability 
Start DateStarts: ThursdayApr 17, 2025End DateEnds: FridayApr 25, 2025PricePriceUS$610StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayApr 21, 2025End DateEnds: TuesdayApr 29, 2025PricePriceUS$610StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: ThursdayApr 24, 2025End DateEnds: FridayMay 02, 2025PricePriceUS$610StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayApr 28, 2025End DateEnds: TuesdayMay 06, 2025PricePriceUS$610StatusStatusAvailable
Useful Info

When is the best time to go for the Annapurna Panchase Trekking?

You will be happy to know that the Annapurna Panchase Trek is among those Himalayan trips in Nepal that are doable throughout the year, including in winter (December to February) and summer (June to August), which in general are taken as the off-season for climbing, trekking, and other high-altitude expeditions. Though it may require an extra step of packing and preparation, Annapurna Panchase Trekking is equally rewarding. As per the optimal time of the year, none beats spring and autumn traverses to Annapurna Panchase, including Everest Base Camp, Everest Three Pass, and off the beaten high-altitude treks to Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

These times of the year are also called the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, typically spanning from March to May and September to November, and often come with stable Himalayan weather, pleasant temperatures, crystal clear skies, and great visibility. In the meantime, the Annapurna Panchase Trekking trail blooms in spring, creating an exceptionally vibrant landscape for you, while autumn coincides with two of the major Nepalese festivals called Dashain and Tihar, just the right time for a more enhanced cultural experience.

Can you get Western cuisines and private rooms during the trek to Annapurna Panchase?

Well, it depends on where you are at the moment, such as in the city areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara. There is no doubt you can find everything from the typical Nepalese dish Dal-Bhat-Tarkari (a heap of rice followed by lentil soup and seasonal vegetables and meat) to every kind of international cuisine and five-star resorts, lodges, and three-star hotels. However, once you ascend to higher altitudes and pursue Himalayan trails in remote Nepal, the options might get limited, including during the trek to Annapurna Panchase.

Once you are on trekking trails of Nepal, the local teahouses are the ones who take care of your daily accommodation for rest and meals. They offer you a room with a twin bed and bedding like a mattress, pillows, and a blanket, followed by home-cooked food. Some teahouses in lower elevations may offer private rooms at an additional cost, often requiring them to be booked in advance, especially in the peak trekking times of spring and autumn. If you have any such requirements, let us know right at the time of booking a trip with us so we can make arrangements as per your needs and preferences.

What are the permits for Annapurna Panchase Hiking?

As the Annapurna Panchase Hike is through one of the six conservation areas of Nepal called the Annapurna Conservation Area, it is a must that you obtain the relevant permits, which are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card. These permits are for keeping tourism records, providing trekkers help in need, and contributing to uplifting the living standard of the Himalayan locals inhabiting the area with a strong intention of prompting sustainable tourism.

These permits are issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) through government-licensed trekking companies like Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. We obtain all essential trekking permits and manage trekking logistics for you in advance as part of our comprehensive trekking package. Or, you can also choose to at least hire licensed guides from us, who are a must to hire regardless of the type of trek you are committing to—group, private, or family; a must for solo excursions; and capable of taking care of all essential trekking requirements.

Is the trek to Annapurna Panchase Difficult? Who can go for it?

No, the Annapurna Panchase Trekking is more of an easy Himalayan trip in Nepal that does not exceed an altitude of 2,500 m above sea level with almost zero risk of altitude sickness. The trekking route is well-marked through lush forests, typical mountain villages, and farmed fields. Though there are some steep sections, especially when you are aiming to reach the top of Panchae Hill, it is achievable by anyone with a good level of physical fitness.

It is why Annapurna Panchase is a perfect gateway to the Himalayas for beginners and families of trekkers stepping into the Himalayan trail for the very first time. The short and less strenuous nature makes it just the one you have been searching for, old trekkers, while the scenic landscape and wildlife captivate the hearts of nature lovers and photographers alike. Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, it is safe and tranquil, a quick escape in the lap of Mother Nature.

Where to hire guides and porters for a trip to Annapurna Panchase?

It is the responsibility of travelers to respect Nepal’s ban on Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) since April 1st, 2023. This means that if your visit to the country includes hiking, trekking, and climbing in any protected areas of the country in the remote Himalayas that are unfamiliar to tourists, increasing the chances of getting lost, it is a must that one hires professional local guides before doing so. Though their primary aim is to guide you through the route, they can also manage all trekking logistics and documentation for your hassle-free experience, including the Annapurna Panchase Trek.

While hiring porters is not mandatory, they do carry heavy backpacks for you so you save energy and fully focus on the journey. Usually, guides are provided by the travel and trekking agency you are going on a trip with, such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, upon purchasing the relevant package. Further, you can also choose to hire guides and porters only instead of buying a whole trip. We are here for you 24/7; communicate with us and seize the moment to make memories that never fade away!

Client Reviews
  • Annapurna Panchase Trekking - 10 Days

    rating

    “My friends and I just completed the Annapurna panchase  trek. Our guide Tenzi was excellent. He was knowlegable and friendly- always trying to help. He found good guest houses for us to stay in despite it being the off season with many guest houses being closed.”

    Grace day
    Grace dayAustralia,Jun 21, 2018

Send an Inquiry