Panchase is a popular village destination for Nepalese pilgrims, who come here to pay their respects to the souls of their ancestors and to pay homage to the mountain gods. However it is much less frequented by trekkers, with the advantage for the few foreigners who do venture here that they can fully enjoy its intimacy and appreciate its ethnic diversity.This trek also offers some splendid views of three 8000 m+ peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. The area is inhabited mainly by Gurung people, who traditionally supply Gurkha soldiers to the British army.
From Panchase we follow a northern route skirting the popular Ghorepani Trail and eventually reaching the beautiful village of Ghandrung. This is the second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal and is wealthy, since many of its inhabitants have been employed in the Gurkha brigades. Ghandrung is also the project headquarters of the Annapurna Conservation area. It consists basically of two clusters, with the lower village essentially providing labourers and domestics for the upper. As you walk to the uppermost part of Ghandrung from the houses at the lower end you will have repeated views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the top of Macchapuchhre. The final two days of our trek, on the return leg to Pokhara, are spent on a more frequented trail via Pothana and Dhampus.This trek is relatively easy but its virtue lies in its remoteness from larger settlements and busier trekking routes.
Day 01 : Arrival – transported to hotel -- tour briefing.
Day 02 : Free time in Kathmandu
Day 03 : Drive or flight to Pokhara (6 hours)
Day 04 : Pokhara to Bhumdi trek (1520 m)
Day 05 : Bhumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang (2030 m)
Day 06 : Panchase Bhanjyang to Chitre (1400 m)
Day 07 : Chitre to Matathanti (1200 m)
Day 08 : Matathanti to Ghandrung (1940 m)
Day 09 : Ghandrung to Pothana (1900 m)
Day 10 : Pothana to Pokhara (820 m)
Day 11 : Leisure day
Day 12 : Drive or fly back to Kathmandu; transported to hotel
Day 13 : Free time
Day 14 : Transported to airport - flight to onward destination
Detail Itinerary
What is tea house trekking?
Tea house trekking is popular in Himalayan region. Local community run the tea house and lodge. They serve good foods (breakfast, lunch and dinner) these tea houses have good facility with hot water, comfortable rooms with attached bathroom, you can know the local culture, people and tradition and way of living in the trekking route.
What is camping trekking?
Camping trekking is organized and supported with team of professional guide, Sherpa, cook and porters. They accompany you, while trekking porters carry all the logistics like, tents, kitchen accessories, food, and fuel. Trekker should carry his/her minimal personal belongings while trekking.
What is the best time for trekking in Nepal?
The best season for trekking is March to May and September to November, during this period the weather is stable and clear, it is very wonderful time to experience the real Nepal to see the amazing view of mountains, snow caped Himalaya and flora and fauna and culture of local people in the Himalayan region.
How difficult is trekking as I aspect the route?
Trekking is challenging walk in the different altitude, landscape and terrain so it depends on the location and choice of the trekker and the trekking route. There are easy, difficult and extreme treks in the Himalayas. One can choose out of different options of trekking packages provided by the trekking company.
Is there any age limit for trekking in Himalaya?
There is no any age bar in trekking in the Himalaya. We design trek for children, teenager as well as senior citizen. For children and senior citizen we offer short and easy treks like around Kathmandu and pokhara valley. For adult and teenager we offer moderate and extreme trek.
Is trekking permit required?
Yes, you need trekking permit while trekking. Depending on the trekking area you require special permit like restricted area, for other you need conservation / National park entry permit and TIMS (Tourism information management system) card.
How can I book the trekking package?
First you need to log in to our web site HimalyanEcstasyNepal.com; you can get further information in our web site about booking the trekking package. If you are already in Nepal then you can visit our head office in Thamel in front of Kathmandu Guest House. Then we can arrange your trekking package according to your choice.
What type of insurance should I have to do before coming Nepal? Is there insurance facility there?
You should do your insurance from your respective country, which covers your risk, emergency evacuation by helicopter, medical treatment and other possible risks. Here is no policy as such.
Is it possible to communicate to my family while trekking?
You can have easy access to communication but in remote areas we use satellite phone. So communication won't be an issue.
What should be the criteria for physical fitness to trek in Nepal?
The trekker should have general physical fitness, some experience of hiking, should not have any chronic disease, cardio respiratory diseases etc.
Can I trek in the Himalayas of Nepal without prior trekking experience?
Yes you can trek without experience, but you should acclimatize first, have good health, we guide you according to your need, you can do difficult and extreme treks.
Is it necessary to use guide and porter while on trek in Nepal?
It is highly recommended as guide knows the route very well, and communication with local people is easier with guide. Security is the major issue.
Does HEN arrange domestic and international flights and booking hotels?
Yes HEN arrange domestic and international flights and book hotels, we serve this service to our costumers only.
What is the standard of water, sanitation and fooding and lodging while trekking?
As trekking is done in different landscape and trails, those routes are far away from pollution. Water here is drinkable but taking into consideration of our client's health and hygiene we provide mineral water which is purified and filtered. We provide standard and healthy foods. We provide best and comfortable lodging service available in trekking route.
Can I trek without porter and guide?
Yes you can trek without guide, but we suggest you not to trek without guide, due to security reason. Communication with local people, and trek route topography and weather as well as natural disaster are the challenges; if you go with guide it would be more comfortable for you.
How can I avoid blisters?
Shoe and socks should be comfortable, select right size, thick sole and matter of inner sole. If you have sweating feet then you have to change your socks frequently keep your feet clean and dry. You should carry blister prevention tape; skin tape can be helpful.
Do I need trekking pole?
Yes you do need trekking pole, it helps you save energy in high ascend and descend, if you have weak hips and knees and it helps to reduce the strain.
How will you help me if I suffer from altitude sickness or accident ?
Depending on the seriousness of the accident we provide first aid if not then company can arrange the evacuation operation to the nearest medical facility and in case of any emergency company could bring you to Kathmandu.
Where to stay during trekking?
You stay in local lodge or tea house; they have basic facilities like food, accommodation for sleeping and hot safe drinking water. Your guide helps you to accommodate in good lodge or tea house while trekking.
What is the guide's qualification who guides us?
We have government certified and experienced guide who can speak English very well, have good experience of trekking route and have good sense of humor, have knowledge to describe the local culture and community, biodiversity and flora and fauna.
What is the guides and porters safety and about their insurance?
We do insurance for guide and porters, we provide first aid kit for our staff's medicine, and provide emergency rescue. We are always conscious about the health and safety of guide and porters.
Is there tipping compulsory for guides and porters?
Tipping is not necessary for HEN staffs, although tipping for guide and staff is good practice, porter and guide expect tip, your tip helps their family.
How to avoid motion sickness ?
While trekking or driving you may feel motion sickness, vomiting there may be many reason, due to curves and the altitude complete different terrain and topography. Drink enough water while trekking, take lemon pieces, chew ginger or you can use motion-sickness tablets, such as Dramamine. You should not be worry about motion sickness, it is self treatable and get rid of it .
Trekking equipment
Toiletries