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Overview
On the short, accessible, and picturesque Panchassee yoga trek, we climb from the level of Fewa Lake to the holy mountain of Panchassee (2,500m) on an ancient pilgrimage trail. From here, excellent views of the Annapurna mountain range can be enjoyed. This trek beautifully showcases Nepal’s biodiversity, and its historical and religious heritage.
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Price per person | 3 days trekking (+ 1 preparatory day with overnight in Pokhara) - US$ 360 5 days trekking (+ 1 preparatory day with overnight in Pokhara) - US$ 530 |
Difficulty | I (Easy) |
Maximum Altitude | 2,500m |
Destination | Panchassee Holy Mountain |
Group Size | 1-8 persons |
Starting From | Pokhara |
Ending at | Pokhara |
Description
This short, accessible and picturesque trek starts out with ancient, natural stone steps, which take us across grassland greens and through thick forests, with inspiring views at every turn of the path. trail mostly ascends gradually, but is steep in some places.
Panchassee wears a garment of lush vegetation — tree orchids, Rhododendron blooms and colorful flowers — and we bear witness to an abundance of Yoga symbols and the several “seats” of Yoga practice for which this mountain is famous.
Among the symbolic locations we see is the rock on which a mysterious sunray-like pattern appeared after Siddha Baba meditated there at sunrise. Legend has it that when the rising sun rays illuminated Siddha Baba’s Third Eye, the mysterious pattern — which can be seen until this day — was imprinted on the rock behind his head and can be seen there until this day.
In the vicinity there are ancient ruins and a cave, in which many sadhus (wise men) sat to meditate on the vastness of nature before their eyes, symbolic in the Vedic culture for the divine female energy. Thus, visit to this mountain is a return to an age when womanhood implied Shakti, an energy of love, strength and force. Our 5-day itinerary allocates time to see this.
Panchassee signifies “Five Seats of the Divine Mother”: “Panch” means five, “as” is from the root word of asana meaning a seat or place, and the double “ee” represents the female gender. Just like Everest, Annapurna or Daulagiri – Panchassee is a divine mountain-mother to the local people. The significance of this can best be witnessed during the annual Mela celebration in November, during which, in a celebration of the Shakti principle, sacred rituals rejuvenate the Earth.
Panchassee has several further delights are in store for us: Beneath the western summit, we find a tiny lake nestled in the jungle, like a precious jewel. We also enjoy beautiful views of the majestic Himalayan giants Annapurna South & Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
3-Day Itinerary
Route
Pokhara – Bhadaure – Bhanjayang – Panchassee – Bhanjayang – Ghatichhina – Pokhara
Day 00 // Preparatory Day
- Meet and greet and Q&A with guide/yoga teacher (and any other participants) in Pokhara
- Packing (daypack, trekking gear and possessions to be carried by porter etc.), and final preparations
- Welcome dinner
- Overnight in hotel/guesthouse in Pokhara
Day 01 // Pokhara – Khade – Bhadaure // 1,700m // 40 min drive, 3hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- After a 40min drive from Pokhara, we start our trek with an easy day’s walk through a forest, farmlands, and small villages, all the way to Bhadaure. We overlook Pokhara Valley’s green hills and see the majestic Himalayan giants Annapurna South & Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Weather permitting, we see the whole wide Annapurna mountain range. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 02 // Bhadaure – Bhanjyang – Panchassee (2,500 m) – Bhanjyang // 6hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- Today we walk mostly through dense forest of rhododendron, oak and pine. Occasionally, we see mountain views through the trees and panoramic views over Pokhara Valley. We pass by two tiny lakes in the forest. The trail is gradual up and down, not steep. We reach Bhanjayang which features a stunning panorama of the whole Annapurna mountain range, then climb up to Panchassee viewpoint (2,500m), for an even higher-up view onto the Himalayas, from were we witness the sunset. We descend back to Bhanjyang for the night. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 03 // Bhanjyang – Ghatichhina – Pokhara // 4.5hr trek, 45min bus ride
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- We experience the beautiful early morning sunrise at Bhanjyang, and begin our descent to Ghatichhina through lush forests, past farms and villages. Countless stone steps allow us to descend quite rapidly in altitude. From Ghatichhina, we take a local bus to Pokhara (approx. 45 mins). Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Farewell dinner
- Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara
5-Day Itinerary
Route
Pokhara – Bhadaure – Bhanjayang – Panchassee – Bhanjayang – Pumdi Bhumdi – Shanti Stupa – Fewa Lake – Pokhara
Day 00 // Preparatory Day
- Meet and greet and Q&A with guide/yoga teacher (and any other participants) in Pokhara
- Packing (daypack, trekking gear and possessions to be carried by porter etc.), and final preparations
- Welcome dinner
- Overnight in hotel/guesthouse in Pokhara
Day 01 // Pokhara – Khade – Bchadaure // 1,700m // 40 min drive, 3hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- After a 40min drive from Pokhara, we start our trek with an easy day’s walk through a forest, farmlands, and small villages, all the way to Bhadaure. We overlook Pokhara Valley’s green hills and see the majestic Himalayan giants Annapurna South & Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Weather permitting, we see the whole wide Annapurna mountain range. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 02 // Bhadaure – Bhanjyang // 2,050m // 4.5hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- Today we walk mostly through dense forest of rhododendron, oak and pine. Occasionally, we see mountain views through the trees and panoramic views over Pokhara Valley. Just before we reach our destination, we pass by two tiny lakes in the forest. The trail is gradual up and down, not steep. We reach Bhanjayang which features a stunning panorama of the whole Annapurna mountain range. Weather permitting, we enjoy a beautiful sunset and sunrise here with a stunning mountain backdrop. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 03 // Bhanjyang – Panchassee (2,500m) – Bahanjyang // 2.5hr trek, optional 3hr hike
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- We wake up early and climb up to Panchassee viewpoint (2,500m) were we witness the sunrise over the mountain panorama. We visit a local temple, some ancient ruins and a small meditation cave where, according to legend, Siddha Baba reached enlightenment. We will have our breakfast at the top before descending back to Bhanjyang. Optionally, we take part in a 3hr walk through a forest to the holy Panchassee lake, where an annual festival with 50,000 devotees takes place. We spend the rest of the day relaxing. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 04 // 05 Bhanjyang – Pumdi Bhumdi // 1,450m // 6hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- Today we have a longer walk as we descend all the way to Pumdi Bhumdi. The trail is narrow and wild and leads through a dense forest until we reach a large clearing surrounded by tall trees, from where we see a beautiful view of Annapurna South. We stop here to enjoy our packed lunch. After following the forest path for another couple of hours, we finally reach the open stone-step trail to Pumdi Bhumdi village, surrounded by terraced fields, and offering lovely mountain views from a new perspective. For the first time on this trek, we see Annapurna III. Healthy snacks provided on the way
- Restorative relaxation/meditation
- Dinner
- Overnight in a teahouse
Day 05 // Pumdi Bhumdi – Shanti Stupa – Pokhara // 4.5hr trek
- Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
- Breakfast
- Today’s walk is gentle on a wide and easy trail through many small villages and farmlands. As we approach the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) on a beautiful hill near Pokhara, a wide panorama of Pokhara Valley with Fewa Lake opens up in front of us. We enjoy lunch at Shanti Stupa and then follow a forest trail leading down to the lake. We cross the lake by boat and transfer to your accommodation. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
- Farewell dinner
- Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara
Included/Excluded & Add-ons
What Is Included
- Daily yoga and meditation classes during the trek
- Yoga Mats and Blankets
- All necessary transportation during the trek
- Hotel accommodation (twin sharing) in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
- Dinner in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
- Teahouse accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek
- 3 meals a day during the trek
- Healthy snacks
- First Aid supplies
- All necessary paperwork, conservation fees and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS), and local taxes
Optional add-ons (not included in the price):
- Tourist bus ride Kathmandu-Pokhara (7 hrs, lunch included) (approx. 21 USD*)
- Flight Kathmandu-Pokhara (20 mins) (approx. 120 USD*)
- Private yoga class prior to the trek (depending on availability, 35 USD)
*Prices may vary according to provider and/or season. Please contact us for a quote.
What Is Excluded
- Beverages (Hard or Soft drinks, Mineral Water Bottles, Filtered Water)
- Personal travel equipment
- Personal expenses (WiFi, phone calls, laundry, extra porters, water, hot shower etc.)
- Personal travel and health insurance
- Any expenses related to emergency evacuation
- Any cost arising due to circumstances outside of our control such as natural disasters, strikes and political disturbances, guest sickness, etc.
- Tips for trekking guide, yoga teacher & porters