Set off from your lodge at Panchase Bhanjyang with head torches about 75 minutes before sunrise. The trail climbs steeply through oak and rhododendron forest on earth and stone steps, gaining roughly 450 m. Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours. Near the top the trees thin and you pass the shrine and ponds before reaching the open summit area with a viewing platform. Walk at a steady pace and stop to catch your breath rather than rushing; there is time.
As the sky brightens, the Himalaya appears from end to end: Dhaulagiri and its neighbours in the north-west, the Annapurna massif with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli in front, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu far to the east. To the south and west lie ridges of Syangja and Parbat, and to the east, Phewa Lake catches the first light below. It is one of the few places near Pokhara where Dhaulagiri and Manaslu are both in view.
Stay 30–45 minutes, then descend to Bhanjyang for breakfast, about an hour. Clear sunrises are most likely from October to December. March and April bring rhododendron flowers along the trail but more haze. Bring warm layers, gloves and a thermos of tea; it is close to freezing at dawn from December to February. A local guide is strongly recommended for the forest junctions in the dark. Breakfast at the lodge tastes very good after the climb.
Good for
- Photographers
- Solo
- Couples
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How hard is the Panchase summit hike?
Moderate. From Panchase Bhanjyang at about 2,050 m it is a steep climb of roughly 450 m to the summit at 2,517 m, taking 1–1.5 hours up and about an hour down. Reasonable fitness and good shoes are needed. Altitude is not a problem for healthy walkers at this height.
What can you see from Panchase?
On clear mornings: Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu across the north, Phewa Lake and Pokhara to the east, and the hills of Syangja and Parbat to the south and west. It is the widest panorama in the Pokhara area.
Is Panchase better than Sarangkot for sunrise?
Panchase is about 900 m higher and shows more of the range, including Manaslu, with almost no crowds. Sarangkot is reachable by car in 40 minutes and is far easier. Choose Panchase if you are happy with a trek or a long jeep ride and a basic lodge night.
