:: PANCHASSE - a hidden paradise ::

Introduction

Panchasse, literally meaning Pancha: Five, Aasan: Seats, is the meeting place of 5 peaks covered with lush green forest of diverse flora & fauna. Panchasse lies on the west of Pokhara city about a day hike away at an altitude of 2,517 m from the sea level. Theer are old stone-stepped pilgrimage approaches upoan which one can climb past the grassland and paddy field to the vastness of Panchasse, from where a magnificent view of Annapurna massif is visible so close as if one could reach out and touch them. Trekking around Panchasse is a delightful journey indeed.

Weather:

Panchasse, which is one of the most rain-receiving places in the etire country, has a pleasant wheather and cab be visited all year round. During winters the Panchasse peaks receive snowfall, so it can be cold during the winter season. People from and around Pokhara visit Panchasse to play with the snow. The avereage teperature in Panchasse area is 250c Celsius in summer during daytime.

Attractions:

a) Nature & Scenery:

The longest chain of mountain range visible from Panchasse includes Mt. Dhaulagiri(8,172 m), Mt. Annapurna I(8,091m), Mt. Annapurna South(7.219m), Mt. Himchuli(6,441m), Mt. Fishtail(6,993m), Mt. Annapurna II(7.934m), Mt. Annapurna III(7,525m), Mt. Annapurna IV(7,525m), Mt. Lamjung(6,998m), Mt. Manaslu and more. From a top Panchasse, Mt. Fishtail seems to be nestled by Mt. Annapurna around her laps. Sunrise and sunset views from the top are spectacular and heavenly.

b) Flora and Fauna:

As Panchasse receives a lot of rain throghout the year and is covered with lush green vegetation from subtropical to temperate forest all over, it also provides home to a wide variety of flora, fauna and is source of many rivers including Harpan River, the source of the famous Fewa lake of Pokhara. 107 species of wild orchids, including 2 endemic ones, have been found in Panchasse, 5 species of rhodedendron and many herbal plants such as Loth Salla, Titte, Kurilo, Naagbeli, Satuwa, Paanch Aaule and plants such as Loktha, Hashru, Champ, Phalat which are used to produce Nepali paper are found here. Leopard, bear, deer, several species of birds, butterfies and other animals also inhabit in the jungles.

c) Religious and Cultural Attraction:

Panchasse, the 5 peaks which literally also means 5 sacred seats, its an ancient pilgrimage climb. The climb itself holds a great significance in Yoga. The temple of Shidda Baba(Lord Shiva), Homekunda (Place for ritual of offerings to fire), Panchasse Lake, Balaji Panchayan Temple. Bouddha Stupas(about 200 years old) and caves where sages were believed to have meditated many centuries ago. The population of Panchasse is almost 100,000 including Gurungs, Brahmins and other ethnic groups living in the surrounding villages.

Festivals

Balachaturdhashi Festival (around the end of November) is the biggest festival in Panchasse where people from all circle come to pay their homage to the mountain mother where first they cleanse themselves in the sacred Panchasse Lake, make offerings, and start the Panchasse climb up to the top during which they offer grains and rice to the earth which symbolizes the re-fertilization of the Earth mother. Devotees generally wear auspicious red colored dress. Shivaratri (mid February), Buddha Purnima(Full moon, mid May) andthe entire month of Shrawan(mid July to mid August) are the other special occasions when devotees come for pilgrimage climb to Panchasse. On buddha Purnima, birthday of Lord Buddha, holy books from the 200 Year old Gompa near Kusma village is carried around the villages by the devotees during a specieal ceremony.

Shrarwan Kumar "Samadhi"

Shrawan Kumar's Samadhi, another religious spot is about 2.5 hours south downward from Panchasse peak near a pond. According to legend in Ramayana, Shrawan Kumar, who was loyal, loved and served his parents, was carrying his blind parents to Muktinath pilgrimage, while at the same time King Dasarath was hunting in the same place. When Shrawan Kumar was filling the water bucket to quench the thirst of his beloved parents, it sounded like an animal roar, and the king shot his arrow towards the roaring sound unfortunately killing Shrawan Kumar. Realizing this, the king asked forgiveness with the blinds, but they never forgave the king and cursed him that he would suffer the same fate and cried till death. That is why the river sprouting from there is called Aandhi Khola, river from the tears of the blinds.

Code of Conduct:

1. Do not litter, use iodine tablets for drinking water, avoid mineral water bottles
2. Respect privarcy, ask before photographing people or religious sites.
3. Protect plants and animals, do not remove flowers and orchids
4. Be sensitive to local cultural heritage.
5. Contribute to local economy, taste local cuisine, use local products and services
6. Avoid and discourage bargaining as much as possible.
7. Do not make fire and discourage wood fire.
8. Try to make educate the local people, and empower the local.
9. Encourage home stay, ten house and small lodges along the trails.
10. Remeber, every penny spent here contibutes directly to the local economy.

For More Information Contact:

Shree Panchasse Area Development User Committe
Phone: +977 61 527584 (C/O: MDO)