Panchase and Begnas: A Gentle Homestay Escape
- Duration
- 5 days
- Max altitude
- 2,500 m
- Difficulty
-
Easy
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Monsoon (Jun–Aug) · Spring (Mar–May) · Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $460.00
Overview
Panchase is close to Pokhara and almost nobody outside Nepal has heard of it. The ridge sits at 2,500 m, so it is cool in summer and clear in winter, and it looks straight across at Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri with no other trekkers in the picture.
You stay in a Gurung homestay near Bhanjyang, climb to the Panchase viewpoint for sunrise, walk through rhododendron forest to a small hill temple, then descend to Begnas Lake for two slow nights by the water. It is a good first trek, a good weekend break for domestic travellers and an easy end to a longer Nepal trip.
The pace is gentle, and meals come from the family kitchen.
Trip highlights
- Sunrise over Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri from Panchase
- A Gurung family homestay with home cooking
- Rhododendron forest and a hill temple
- Two quiet nights beside Begnas Lake
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrive in Pokhara 820 m Hotel Notincluded
Pickup and a free afternoon by Phewa Lake.
-
Day 2: Drive to Bhanjyang, walk to the ridge 2,200 m 3-4 hrs Homestay B/L/D
A short drive and a gentle climb to a Gurung homestay near the Panchase ridge.
-
Day 3: Panchase sunrise and Begnas 2,500 m 4 hrs Lakeside lodge B/L/D
Sunrise from the viewpoint, a forest walk to the hill temple, then a drive to Begnas Lake.
-
Day 4: A slow day at Begnas 650 m Lakeside lodge B/L/D
Row on the lake, walk to a village or rest. A good day to do nothing.
-
Day 5: Return to Pokhara 820 m B
A morning drive back to Pokhara and your onward plans.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $590.00 | Comfortfrom $696.20 |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load |
| Transfers | Shared | Private |
What's included
Included
- Included: Pickup and drop in Pokhara
- Included: Private vehicle for transfers
- Included: One night in a Pokhara hotel, one night in a homestay and two nights at a Begnas lakeside lodge
- Included: All meals on the trek and at the homestay
- Included: A government-licensed English-speaking guide
- Included: Local permits
- Included: Government taxes and our service charge
Not included
- Not included: Flights to and from Pokhara
- Not included: International airfare and the Nepal entry visa
- Not included: Travel insurance
- Not included: Drinks and tips
- Not included: Anything not listed under what is included
Know before you go
Suitability & requirements
This is an easy trek of 3 to 5 hours a day. Views are clearest from October to April, and in monsoon the forest is green and misty. Bring a warm layer for the night at the ridge.
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $590.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 travellers | $460.00 | $130.00 |
| 4 to 6 travellers | $420.00 | $170.00 |
| 7 or more | $390.00 | $200.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug)Wet and cloudy on most routes, though Mustang and Dolpo sit in the rain shadow behind the main range and stay walkable.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)Cold and quiet, with the clearest skies of the year at lower altitude. High passes and very high routes are best avoided.
Traveller reviews
What travellers say
Why book with us
