Pikey Peak Trek

  • Private
  • Family
View from Pikey Peak at 4065 meters
Views on the way to Pikey Peak
Short trek with beautiful views of Everest in Nepal
Duration9 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude4,065 meters
ActivitiesTrekking
Group Size2-14
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Best TimeMarch - May & September - November

Trip Overview

The Pikey Peak Trek is a short, beautiful, and life-changing hike in the Lower Everest Region. It has panoramic views of the Himalayas, culture immersion, and peaceful walking paths.

Imagine being on a quiet mountain peak at dawn, watching the first rays of light kiss the majestic Himalayas. Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and even Annapurna in the distance show up one by one. You're not on the busy road to Everest Base Camp. Pikey Peak is one of the best places to hike in Nepal, but not many people know about it.

This one-of-a-kind walk will take you to rhododendron woods, Sherpa towns, and monasteries that not many tourists have seen before. For those who want to take pictures of the Himalayas at night, like being outside and by themselves, or are pretty fit but new to hiking, this is a great walk.

Highlights of the Pikey Peak Trek

  • View of Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Annapurna ranges at sunrise.
  • Trails through pine and rhododendron woods that are quiet and not often used.
  • Traditional villages like Jhapre and Junbesi show how Sherpa life really works.
  • Pay a visit to the peaceful Tibetan Buddhist hideaway of Thupten Chholing Monastery.
  • From 4,065 meters, there are amazing photo chances without many people around.
  • Tea places in the area that are cozy and serve traditional meals and are run by friendly Sherpas.
  • Moderately hard—suitable for both fit newbies and experienced trekkers.

For those who want a truly unique Everest view trek, this is the one to do in Nepal.

Why Should You Go on Pikey Peak Instead of Other Treks?

The Pikey Peak Trek is a secret gem in the Himalayas that you should check out if you want a more peaceful and spiritual trip. This journey takes you deep into the rural Solu-Khumbu area, away from the crowds of Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. This is where traditional Sherpa life thrives and tourism is thankfully low.

The quiet of the path is one of the best things about it. A lot of the time, you'll be going through rhododendron forests, stone villages, and open ridges by yourself, without any other trekkers around. Instead of the busy tea houses on more famous routes, you'll find quiet lodges, friendly faces, and real hospitality here.

The walk isn't very long—just 9 days round-trip from Kathmandu—but it's very rewarding. It takes less time and effort, but you still get to see all the beauty of the high Himalayas. This is great for people who are short on time but still want to have the experience.

What about the views? Just beautiful. After climbing Pikey Peak, Sir Edmund Hillary said it was the best view he had seen in Nepal. It's easy to see why: at 4,065 meters, you can see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Annapurna. Viewing the snow-covered mountains at dawn is a unique experience.

Pikey Peak Trek is special because of the strong cultural link, not just the beauty. You will spend time in villages where Sherpa customs are still important and see old monasteries and gompas where you can spin prayer wheels. It's a chance to learn about the people who live in the mountains as well as seeing the mountains.

The best thing about the trip is that it's easy to get to—you don't have to worry about flights being canceled or delayed at Lukla. You can drive straight from Kathmandu to the trailhead, which makes getting there easier and the trip more real.

When is the very best time for trekking to Pikey Peak?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best times to do the Pikey Peak Trek. The clouds are clear, the weather is nice, and you can see the Himalayas in all their beauty during these seasons. You can enjoy the bright beauty of rhododendrons in bloom in the spring or the crisp, clear views of the mountains in the fall because the trails are in great shape.

Spring (March to May)

  • You can expect mild temperatures, sunny days, and beautiful scenery.
  • It's a great time to see nature in full bloom because there aren't as many people on the road.

Fall (September to November)

  • This is the best time to go hiking because the weather is stable and the views are stunning.
  • A lot of people go there at this time because the weather is great for trekking.

Winter (December to February)

  • Winter is a time of peace and quiet, though it can get cold at higher levels.
  • It might look nice to have snow, but be ready for cold mornings and nights.

Summer (June to August)

  • You can still go trekking in the summer, but the monsoon season makes the paths wet and dangerous.
  • At this time, hiking is not the best time to have fun.
Itinerary

The 9-day Pikey Peak Trek takes you to less-well-known parts of the Everest area and is a lot of fun. Here's a full list of what happens each day:

Trip PlanExpand All

Good to see you in Nepal! A representative from Shikhar Adventure will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation.

After your flight, you can rest today, or if you feel like it, you can visit the local markets, temples, or heritage places like Swayambhunath or Durbar Square. Kathmandu, a busy city, will be your home for the night so you can rest before starting the trip the next day.

Max Altitude: 1,400 meters Meals: -Accommodation: 3-star Hotel

The first part of your Peakey Trek is a beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. The trip takes seven to eight hours and goes through the green hills of Nepal's main mountains.

You'll see terraced farms, rivers, and small towns along the way, which will give you a feel for life in rural Nepal. When you get to Dhap, the peaceful mood and beautiful scenery will greet you. You'll spend the night in a simple tea house here while you get ready for the hike the next day.

Max Altitude: 2,900 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse

Today is the first day of the trek. You'll be going through dense forests of rhododendron and pine trees on well-kept paths. The quiet area makes for a peaceful beginning to your hike. You will walk by small farming communities and up and down stepped fields.

You'll reach Jhapre, a cute town with great views of Everest and Numbur Himal, after a 5–6 hour hike. Many Buddhist stupas and gompas can be found in Jhapre, which makes it a great place to learn about Sherpa culture.

Max Altitude: 2,920 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse

Today, you'll keep going up through lush woods, slowly getting higher. When you get to Pikey Base Camp, the air will be cooler, and the views will take your breath away. For the most part, the trail weaves its way uphill through peaceful farms and woods.

Getting to the main camp will require a hike of about 5 to 6 hours. The view of the sunset over the nearby hills will be the best part of the day. It's a moment you'll never forget. Stay in a simple teahouse tonight and get ready for a hike to the top in the morning.

Max Altitude: 3,600 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse

The hike to Pikey Peak has finally come around. Get up early to see the amazing sunrise over Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse, as well as the rest of the Himalayas.

When you reach the top, you'll be amazed by the views. After taking in the views, you'll start your descent towards place called Loding. You'll walk slowly to Loding by yak farms. It's a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains.

Max Altitude: 4,065 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse

You will be trekking today through beautiful trails that go through pine woods and past Sherpa villages. You can stop at the Thupten Chholing temple on your way to Junbesi.

It is a very important Tibetan Buddhist temple in the area. There are hundreds of monks and nuns living in the convent, which is a quiet place to think. The town of Junbesi is very pretty. It is tucked away in a valley and makes a great place to rest and explore the area.

Max Altitude: 2,675 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse

From Junbesi, you'll hike on to Phaplu, a thriving town that's the main point of entry for the Solu region. It's an easy trek, continuing through more Sherpa villages with excellent views of the mountains.

The day's trek will be around 5–6 hours, and upon reaching Phaplu, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Phaplu is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and lovely climate, and it is the perfect place to relax and reminisce about your trip.

Max Altitude: 2,470 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse

After a hearty breakfast, you'll drive back to Kathmandu. It takes seven to eight hours to get there, and along the way you'll see beautiful hills, rivers, and small towns. As you travel back, you can think about your hike and enjoy the last views of the foothills of the Himalayas.

Once you get to Kathmandu on time, you can check into your hotel and enjoy the last night of your trip. After your hike, you can either relax or go out and see what the area has to offer.

Max Altitude: 1,400 meters Meals: Breakfast & LunchAccommodation: Guesthouse

You can take it easy in the morning on your last day in Nepal before getting transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport to catch your flight home. If you have time, take one last walk around Kathmandu to enjoy the lively atmosphere before leaving Nepal. Have a safe trip, and we hope that what you learned in the Himalayas will stay with you for a long time.

Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and departure in a private vehicle
  • Two nights in a 3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included. 
  • Kathmandu - Dhap in a private non sharing vehicle.
  • Phaplu - Kathmandu in sharing Jeep.
  • Local guest house accommodation in the mountains. 
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters (1 porter per every two person).
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek. 
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, duffel bags which has to be returned after the trek).
  • Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)
  • First Aid Kit.
  • Service charge and government taxes.
Excluded
  • International airfare 
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast) 
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc. 
  • Shower, Wi-Fi and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek 
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee 
  • Tips for guide and porter 
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary 
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e., cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.) 
Essential Information

Must have permits

Prior to embarking on your Pikey Peak Trek, obtaining the necessary permits is important. Thankfully, your trekking agency will arrange for these through advance booking and hence get you off to a trouble-free beginning of your adventure. The major two permits needed are:

  • Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)

With this pass, you can hike through the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, which is famous for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. It has a variety of vegetation and fauna as well as the divine mountains of Pikey Peak and Gaurishankar. For this pass, you will have to pay a small amount of money.

  • The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card

The TIMS card helps to track trekkers to make sure they are safe and helps you be in a registered area. It's required to go trekking in Nepal, and it helps make travel more environmentally friendly.

Your trekking company will take care of both permits for you, so you don't have to worry about the papers. Pay attention to packing and getting ready for the hike ahead!

Essential Packing List

Packing for the Pikey Peak Trek involves getting ready for varied weather, ranging from cold mornings, warm afternoons, and even rain. Here's a list of essentials to ensure your trek is comfortable and secure:

  • Down jacket and insulating layers: Nights are chilly, so pack a down jacket to stay warm. Layering is crucial—pack a good range of thermal layers for those colder nights higher up.
  • Base layers and trekking trousers: Base layers need to be breathable and moisture-wicking to remain comfortable. Trekking trousers need to be light, quick-drying, and supple.
  • Good hiking boots: Ensure that your hiking boots are thoroughly broken in before the hike to avoid blisters. They need to be waterproof and strong enough to tackle rock fields.
  • Rain jacket and waterproof cover: Weather is unstable, so a lightweight, ventilating rain jacket and waterproof pack cover are essential.
  • Warm hat, gloves, and scarf/buff: It's cold at higher altitude, so bring a warm hat, gloves, and a buff or scarf to add warmth in the early morning or evening.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: As the sun is reflecting off snow, protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and apply sunscreen every so often.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries: You’ll need a headlamp for early morning or evening walks, so don’t forget extra batteries in case of emergencies.
  • Power bank and water purification tablets: Having your devices charged and drinking water clean is important—carry a power bank and purification tablets for clean drinking water in the field.
  • Daypack and water bottles: A daypack will keep your essentials with you, and refillable water bottles are a greener alternative to staying hydrated on the trails.

Accommodation

The trek up to Pikey Peak is a perfect opportunity to sample the hospitality of real tea houses along the way. These simple but comfortable lodging are a warm refuge after a long day of trekking.

What to expect:

  • Tea Houses: Simple but comfortable rooms normally with twin beds, blankets, and shared toilets. You will receive the essentials—no luxury, but you will have all that you need to rest and recharge.
  • Meals: Expect freshly prepared meals that showcase the local delicacies. Dal bhat, noodles, soups, and Sherpa stew will do just fine in getting you ready for the next leg of the journey. The food is simple but rich, perfect for restoring energy after a day of trekking.
  • Latest Facilities in Large Villages: While traveling to towns like Phaplu and Junibesi, there are newer facilities and also some guesthouses with better amenities, but the hospitality and warmth never change.
  • Life in tea houses is part of the pleasures of the Pikey Peak Trek, where you are sitting with local families, sharing stories over steaming hot tea.

How to Prepare for Pikey Peak Trek

Even though the Pikey Peak trip is a moderate trip, you must prepare yourself to get the most out of it and avoid getting altitude sickness as much as possible. Here's the way to train:

  • Cardiovascular Training: Focus on developing your cardiovascular strength by hiking, running, and cycling. It will be easier to hike if you have a lot of energy.
  • Train with Pack Weighted: Train carrying a weighted pack. It gets you used to what you will have on the hike and makes you tougher.
  • Stair Climbing or Hill Training: Hill train or stair climb to acclimatize for the climb. The hike consists of continuous ascents, and your legs will benefit from strengthening.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Hydrate well by drinking lots of water and eat nutritious food to condition your body to the physical strain of high-altitude hiking. Carry snacks like nuts and energy bars to keep your energy levels up.
  • Listen to Your Body: Be easy and do not overexert yourself. If you feel like you need to rest, tell your guide. If you start to feel sick or tired from the high air, you should also take a day off.

You will be hiking at altitudes ranging from 2,500 m to 4,065 m, so acclimatization is incorporated into the schedule. Monitor any signs of altitude sickness, and never compromise your health.

Final Thoughts – Is Pikey Peak Right for You?

Pikey Peak Trek is perfect for travelers who desire a short, scenic, and culturally diverse Himalayan adventure, away from the throngs of popular treks like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. Here's why Pikey could be the ideal trek for you:

  • Breathtaking Everest Views: Witness the sunrise over Everest and other giants without jostling crowds. The sunrise at Pikey Peak is said to be as Nepal's best.
  • Cultural Experience: Be completely surrounded by the Sherpa culture, visit ancient monasteries, and rest in serene villages, which is actually a true experience.
  • Moderate Difficulty: With moderately challenging levels of difficulty and walkable days, it's ideal for beginners or trekkers who want to experience an easy trek in the Everest region.
  • Ideal for Photographers: If you like capturing stunning landscapes and off-the-beaten-path moments of culture, Pikey Peak offers limitless photo opportunities.

Whether you go trekking on your own, with friends, or with a group, the Pikey Peak Trek will make you feel part of the mountains, people, and yourself. It's something that you'll never forget!