Panchase Trek in Nepal

Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer or extra night for an additional fee.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.

Monday

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m) Duration 6-7 hours

Tuesday

Boat across the lake, trek up to the Peace Pagoda, followed by a 5-6 hour trek to Pumdi Bhumdi (1,650m). Stay overnight at Bhumdi.

Wednesday

Trek to Panchase (2030m) for a 4-5 hour journey and stay overnight.

Thursday

Trek to Ghatichhinna/Kade and then catch the bus to Pokhara.

Friday

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m) for a journey lasting 6-7 hours. Overnight stay at the Kathmandu accommodation

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Special Needs The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.

Additional Requirements

Due to the length and active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.

Additional Equipment

Essential Gear & Equipment

Make sure you pack wisely to ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience. Below is a recommended packing list categorized for easy reference.

Head & Face Protection

• Sun hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
• Warm fleece or wool hat (covers ears, essential for winter)
• Sunglasses (UV protection, polarized preferred)
• Scarf or buff (for dust, wind, and warmth)

Clothing – Lower Body

• Hiking shorts (1 pair, for warm weather)
• Lightweight trekking pants (1–2 pairs)
• Thermal leggings (for warmth in winter)
• Fleece or tracksuit pants (for extra warmth or lounging)

Clothing – Upper Body

• T-shirts (quick-dry, breathable)
• Lightweight thermal base layers (for cold conditions)
• Fleece or long-sleeve tops (for warmth)
• Down vest or jacket (for extra insulation in winter)
• Waterproof poncho or rain jacket

Footwear

• Thin cotton liner socks
• Thick wool hiking socks (for warmth and blister prevention)
• Hiking boots (sturdy, waterproof, and well-broken-in)
• Sandals or camp shoes (for evenings and river crossings)
• Walking poles (collapsible, optional but recommended)

Hand Protection

• Lightweight fleece gloves (for winter)

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
• Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth and hygiene)
• Pillowcase or small travel pillow

Personal & Medical Supplies

• Personal medical kit (consult your doctor for a full list)
• Prescription medications (if required)
• Basic first aid items (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister pads)
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen or paracetamol)
• Altitude sickness medication (Diamox if recommended)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Quick-dry towel & face cloth
• Biodegradable shampoo & conditioner
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Multipurpose wipes (face & body)
• Deodorant
• Face & body moisturizer
• Nail clippers & file
• Small comb or brush
• Biodegradable laundry soap
• Toilet paper (can buy more during the trek)
• Hand sanitizer (small bottle)
• High UV protection sunscreen
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Feminine hygiene products (bring enough for the trip)

Accessories & Miscellaneous

• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Dry bags or ziplock bags (for waterproofing valuables)
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Watch with light & alarm
• Backpack rain cover
• Day pack (for essentials during trekking)
• Money belt (for storing cash & passport)

Extras (Optional but Recommended)

• Camera & extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Journal & pen
• Trail map & guidebook
• Energy/protein bars
• Playing cards (for entertainment)
• Small book or e-reader
• Steripen or water purification tablets

***Make sure to pack no heavier than 15kg after fully packed.***

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: NP – Holidays – All Programs

Nepal is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world.  Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s.  It is home to Mount Everest, the birthplace of Buddha, and an astonishingly beautiful landscape, ranging from the well-known peaks of the Himalaya to the low-lying regions of the Terai.

The Nepali people are as diverse at the geography, with over 70 languages or dialects and scores of traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year.

However, Nepal is also one of the most under-developed countries in the world, with low rates of literacy, high rates of poverty and a persistent gender imbalance. The government is frequently unable to provide adequate education and health facilities throughout the country and both urban and rural areas are forced to live without necessary resources to promote growth and development of their communities.

Nepal is a year round destination, and the cliate can vary between the North and South regions. The best overall times to visit are during spring and autumn (particually for trekking).

December to Febuary is winter, and it can get extremely cold in the mountains (down to sub zero). Summer in this region has a pleasent temperature but still bring some warmer clothing for the evenings. 

Summer in southern Nepal can get extremely hot (plus 40°C) in some areas. Winter temperatures in this area can range from 7°C to 23°C.

Kathmandu has a pleasent climate on average. The monsoon rains start from June to September in Nepal. 

The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists, but there are many other religions here too like Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. You will find many temples and monasteries around Nepal. The right hand is used for important things such as passing money, eating and the giving of gifts. 

Nepalese people love their food and much of it has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cultures. Nepali people have a lot of respect for elders and will call each other didi (“older sister”), bahini (“younger sister”), etc, even if they are not actually related. The family unit is very strong and having a close knit family is important for the local people. 

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