Pikey Peak Trek - 9 Days

Arrival and Welcome!

Once you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will wait for you. They will carry an official sign that has your name on it and our company’s logo. After completing the welcoming procedure, we will take you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

On your arrival day, we will host a traditional Nepali Dinner at a nice restaurant. Alongside that, cultural performances will also take place, giving you a proper glimpse of Nepali traditions and culture.

Location of Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak trek route is situated in the Lower Khumbu region of Nepal, inside the Solukhumbu District. The normal trekking route begins from Dhap. This is a 6-7 hour drive away from Kathmandu.

Another alternative is to get to the trekking destination by a 30-minute flight to Phalpu from Kathmandu. Pikey Peak is one of the closest and easiest accessible treks from Kathmandu.

What You’ll See During the Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak gives you some of the best close-up looks of the different eight-thousanders like Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Makalu (8,463 m), etc. Pikey Peak trek is ideal for eye-catching views of the mountains.

You can also see other mountains such as Thamserku (6,608 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Kangtega (6,782 m), etc, from the Pikey peak trek.

The lush green hills and the terraced fields will steal your heart, adding more charm. The local Sherpa people are also welcoming and kind-hearted.

Pikey Peak Trek Route

The nine-day Pikey Peak trekking route begins with a 250 km (6 to 7 hours) drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. Following that, the journey on foot or the trekking starts with the first trek destination being Jhapre. The trail will have gradual uphill sections, featuring rhododendron forests, Sherpa villages, and a few local monasteries.

The main attraction of the trek from Jhapre to Pikey Peak base camp is the unspoiled landscapes and panoramic mountain views of the Everest region peaks. With plenty of monasteries and stupas, it also provides you with deeper insight into the Sherpa culture.

The trail takes you through the grassy ridges and diverse terrains with a mixture of forest trails, roads, and stone paths. Along the way, you’ll discover the Mani stone walls and old yak houses.

After stopping in the Pikey Peak base camp for a night, the next morning is the hike to Pikey Peak. There, you will get to witness the early golden hour with the stunning sunrise views. The best part is the breathtaking panoramic views of several Himalayan peaks, along with the sun hitting them to create magical rays.

After enjoying such a spectacle, you head back to the Jasmane Bhanjyang, kicking off the descent journey. It is a pleasant spot for an overnight stay in a teahouse.

You will then move to Junbesi, which will be a significant elevation drop, making the rest of the journey much easier from here. Junbesi is a popular Sherpa-influenced village featuring a beautiful monastery like Thupten Choling, where you will stroll around and take a good visit.

From Junbesi, you head further down to Phaplu. Phaplu, also called Salleri, follows a dusty trail down the Junbesi Khola, providing beautiful views of the Everest region landscapes. This will also be your final destination, descending gradually by following the river valley.

Last up will be an 8 to 10-hour drive from Phaplu to Kathmandu. You’ll be passing the rough sections with a mix of paved, rough, gravel, and muddy mountain tracks. Even though the ride will be bumpy but it will offer you scenes of lush green valleys and remote Himalayan landscapes.

You can also choose trekking to Chiwong Gompa from Phaplu if you want. This will be a bit different from the main route. It includes a 6-7 hour walk from Junbesi to Salleri. Following that, you can take a drive back to Kathmandu.

The trekking route from Dhap village to Phaplu, making a return trip, is the same as following the traditional trekking trail. You won’t find good riding roads in the Everest region to make the ‘trekking medium’ popular.

You’ve to take the drive from Kathmandu to Dhap village and Phaplu to Kathmandu.

Pikey Peak Trek Cost

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, we offer an exclusive package of the Pikey Peak trek for USD 790 per person, which covers meals, private vehicle, guide, and all the other essentials.

We prioritize affordability, greater safety, and high-quality service; this is why our packages are totally trustworthy and reliable. Throughout the trekking duration, we will take care of you and your needs seriously.

Pikey Peak Trek Difficulty

The Pikey Peak Trek is classified as moderate difficulty, and anyone having a basic level of fitness can easily go on this trek.

The trek isn’t too technical, so not much climbing or high-altitude experience is needed definitely some physical preparation. We can’t predict the exact conditions on the trek; roughly, the path is quite steep and rocky.

Weather conditions are quite unpredictable, too, in the high-altitude regions. Not much, some slight difficulty can be experienced for people who are not used to high altitude and thin air. On normal days, you’ll be walking for around 4 to 6 hrs per day on the trek.

The summit day will be a bit tough, though, as you’ll be having a continuous uphill walk to reach the summit, and the incline is the steepest. You’ll experience much thinner air there, but as long as you come up with proper preparation, everything will be fine. Guides will be alongside you in case of any difficulties.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Altitude sickness is one of the concerns that can bother you, especially because the summit of Pikey Peak is at an elevation of 4,065 meters. Generally, there is some amount of noticeable thin air as soon as you go above 3000 meters of elevation.

However, the good thing is that in comparison to other high-altitude treks, the chances of altitude sickness are very low. Having said that, you need to be cautious if you experience some of these symptoms, like headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and trouble falling asleep.

The only way you can get rid of altitude sickness is by acclimatising. The proper acclimatization allows your body to get used to the decreasing oxygen levels, much helpful in higher altitudes.

Acclimatization Tips for a Successful Pikey Peak Trek

Here are some of the things you can consider:

• After reaching an elevation of 3,000 meters, do not gain more than 500 meters in a day.
• Stay hydrated during a trek, drink 3-4 liters of water daily.
• Do not consume alcohol.
• Eat high-protein bars.
• Take a proper quality sleep of 7-8 hours.
• Keep an eye on your body; if you notice something unusual, start your descent immediately.

Physical Fitness and Right Preparation

A basic level of physical fitness is adequate for the Pikey Peak Trek. In simple words, you should be able to walk smoothly for 5-7 hours per day. And that too with a daypack through different terrains.

You should make any preparation for this trek at least a month in advance of your departure. Physical and mental preparation are key to achieving success in this trek. If you are thinking of taking on the Pikey Peak trek challenge, we urge you to give solid time to preparing yourself.

Preparation means getting active in activities like jogging, running, cycling, and walking up staircases. Or, you can also engage in hiking to improve stamina. Yoga, leg exercises, and swimming are also ideal for building strength and flexibility.

Self-mentally preparing for a long trek is equally vital. Different challenges may arise during the trek, and to endure them, you should also be mentally strong. Train your mind, engage in mindfulness sessions, and meditation to stay in a positive frame of mind even in tough times.

Best Time for Pikey Peak Short Trek

Pikey Peak trek is possible all year round. However, to get the best possible views and make the most out of the trek, the ideal time is from September to December and March to June.

The weather stays clear during these months, and you’ll get the most pleasant views with clear skies. The mountainous views remain eye-pleasing, lush greens, and the atmosphere remains clean and clear.

Especially between March and June, you’ll see the trails filled with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. While from September to December, the weather conditions become much more stable and a more photogenic environment.

Pikey Peak in Spring

During the spring, you’ll see the atmosphere brightening with rhododendrons. The weather conditions remain stable, with warm temperatures and clear skies. Trekking in these months gives you surreal views of the Himalayas. An equally good sunrise and sunset view, too.

Pikey Peak in Autumn

In autumn, the days are generally bright, sunny, and the skies are clear. Lush greenery is everywhere, offering great scenery.

Pikey Peak in Winter

Winter is not a good time for trekking. The day may be warm and sunny, but the weather conditions can change in a moment. At the higher altitudes, it could be freezing cold.

Pikey Peak in Monsoon

Monsoon or the summer time is very challenging due to rain. The road gets wet and slippery, which makes it too tough to navigate. To add on, the views are also not that clear.

Packing List for Pikey Peak Trek Nepal

There is not much detailed gear and equipment required for the Pikey Peak trek in comparison to other higher-altitude treks.

Upper Body

• Waterproof Jacket
• Fleece Jacket
• Down Jackets
• Thermal vest
• Waterproof gloves
• Woolen hat and sunglasses

Lower Body

• Trousers
• Hiking pants
• Fleece or Tracksuit pants
• Thick warm wool hiking socks
• Trekking boots
• Camp sandals

Other Items

• Duffel Bag (complimentary gift)
• -20 Degree sleeping bag (available upon request)
• Water bottles (We provide free water purifiers)
• First Aid kit
• Toiletries
• Moisturizer
• Sun screen
• Lip balm
• Camera/Smartphone
• Two-pin charging plug
• Personal Medication
• Binoculars
• Swiss army knife or a multi-tool

Essential Documents/Materials to Carry

• A passport with validity for at least six months
• A few passport-sized photos
• Tourist Visa
• Photocopies of the Passport
• Pikey Peak Permits (We take care of these for you)
• Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary
• Travel Insurance paper
• Vaccination Certificates
• Agency’s registration copy 
• Booking Confirmation
• Copy of flight tickets with date of arrival and departure.
• Cash

Pikey Peak Trek Distance

The trekking distance of Pikey Peak Trek is around 57 to 59 km. If you look at the total driving distance, then it is approximately 523 km (Kathmandu to Dhap – 248 km and Phaplu to Kathmandu – 275 km). Total driving hours are 8 to 9 hours each way.

We’ve come up with a customized itinerary of 9 days, covering all the major landmarks and all the beautiful sightseeing that you’ll experience in the lower Khumbu region.

You’ll walk for around 5 to 6 hours each day. We’ve also included jeep drive from Kathmandu to Dhap and Phaplu to Kathmandu.

Based on our itinerary, these are some of the places that we’ll be crossing in order to reach all the way up to the summit of Pikey Peak.

• Kathmandu to Dhap: 250 km
• Dhap to Jhare: 10 km
• Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base Camp: 9 km
• Pikey Peak summit to Jasmane Bhanjyang: 8 to 10 km
• Jasmane Bhanjyang to Junbesi: 10 -12 km
• Junbesi to Phaplu: 10 -11 km
• Phaplu to Kathmandu: 270- 290 km

Accommodation Available on Pikey Peak Short Trek

When you go for a Pikey Peak trek, you will stay in teahouses and lodges. These teahouses or lodges include a clean and well-maintained room, including all the basic needs. The beds are comfortable, including pillows and blankets, making your stay relaxing.

The bathrooms are mostly available on a shared basis. Hot water or shower facilities are available too, but you will be charged a few extra pennies.

These teahouses/lodges are completely run by the locals, so they treat their guests warmly and are highly affectionate. They will get in touch with you in case you need anything, taking proper care of you.

Meals on the Pikey Peak Trekking

The teahouse/lodge that you stay in provides plenty variety of dishes that are both healthy and tasty. One of the most common dishes served at the teahouses is Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, some vegetables as a side dish, and a pickle).

These are heavy and nutritious at the same time, preferred by the majority of the trekkers. Also, the teahouse provides dishes such as Roti (Flatbread), Thukpa, Fried Rice, Bread, Noodles, Eggs, Pasta, etc. Our package covers the cost of all the meals during the whole duration of the trek. You can also order the dish as per your preference.

Local Culture & People

During the Pikey Peak trek, you can get in touch with the locals and get to know about their culture and traditions.

The majority of people living here are Sherpas, and they have their unique lifestyle and festivals. Besides that, there are plenty of Magar and Tamang settlements too.

You will see several monasteries and fluttering prayer flags during the journey. This shows the massive Buddhist influence in this region.

You can visit some popular monasteries, including Thupten Choling Monastery, Junbesi Monastery, and Chiwong Monastery along the trail. This also gives you a better idea of the prayers and rituals performed here by the monks.

Permits Required for Pikey Peak Trek

For the Pikey Peak trek, you may need three permits. These are some of the required permits:

Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCAP) Permit: This permit is required because some portion of the trail passes through this area. In other words, the Pikey Peak Trek passes through the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. It costs you approximately $30 USD per person (NPR 3000-3500).

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: The following permit is required because the trek falls within the boundaries of the Sagarmatha National Park. It also costs you around $30 USD per person (NPR 3000-3500).

Local Area Permit: Alongside other permits, you also need a Local Area Permit. It costs around USD 17 to USD 22 (NPR 2,000 to NPR 2,500) per person per week. If you’re looking to extend your trek beyond a week, additional charges may apply.

Where to get these permits?

These permits can often be obtained in Kathmandu from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). We, Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, take care of all the required permits for you.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a type of coverage to protect your finances. They also provide support whenever unexpected situations arise while you are traveling.

Also, keep in mind that Pikey Peak is not an easy trek and includes several difficulties. Any emergency circumstances or difficulties might arise, so you must buy travel insurance before leaving. Our tour and travel packages don’t include travel insurance.

When choosing travel insurance, remember it should cover altitude sickness, accidents, and theft. It is best to be prepared for any circumstances during trekking.

Water Facilities on Pikey Peak Trek

Staying hydrated is key during trekking. You must carry a reusable water bottle and a purifying tablet. Simply purify and then drink the water.

You can refill the bottle whenever needed with the natural tap and use the purifying tablet for safe drinking water.

Internet Facilities Available on the Trek

To communicate between the trails, there will be internet services available at the teahouses where you stay. Internet facilities are available at the majority of the teahouses and lodges along the trail.

Although you might have to spend extra money to use the internet services. They will charge you around USD $2 to $4 for the Wi-Fi services. After paying the money, you can get in touch with your near and dear ones.

Communication During Trekking

In Pikey Peak, mobile network coverage is quite decent. For mobile network coverage, you can use a local SIM card. Some of the popular ones are NTC and NCELL.

If you don’t want to be dependent on Wi-Fi services, then you can use a data package from a local SIM card that you buy. It helps you to stay connected 24/7.

Weather of Pikey Peak

The weather at Pikey Peak is very unpredictable and changes significantly depending on the season. The spring season (March-May) has a mild climate. The temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C during the daytime. The best part is that you’ll see clear skies and blooming rhododendron views.

On the other hand, Autumn (September-November) brings a different kind of vibe. The environment is pleasing and festive with cool air blowing, making it one of the best times for trekking.

In the winter season, trekking to Pikey Peak can be really hard because of freezing cold. The temperature drops to below -5°C at night. Thus, trekking during these times can be really risky as the trekking trails get covered with snow.

And at the same time, monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rain, which makes the trail slippery. The temperature also gets around 15°C and 20°C. Hence, neither the monsoon nor winter is the ideal time to do trekking.

Pikey Peak Trek Guide and Porter

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, on our tour packages, we provide one porter for every two trekkers. Also, one licensed, local guide for a big group of trekkers. The luggage weight limit is 9 kg per person. Thereby, you should pack your essentials accordingly.

Emergency and Evacuation

Emergency and evacuation while Pikey Peak is generally necessary. However, you can’t predict what’s gonna happen during the trek, so it is better to stay safe.

Once you book our Pikey Peak trekking package, you are in safe hands. Access Nepal experienced guides and evacuation plans take care of you even if an emergency situation arises.

Perks of Trekking to Pikey Peak with Access Nepal Tour and Trekking

• Expert local guides and porters to make your trekking experience awesome.
• 24/7 customer support during and after the trek.
• High-quality trekking gear, including sleeping bags and down jackets (for rent).
• Comfortable teahouses/lodges for staying throughout the trek.
• Acclimatization days to help you get used to high altitudes.
• Delicious and nutritious energy-packed local foods.
• Safety-focused approach.
• Medical support available in case of emergency.
• Totally customizable itinerary as per your specific needs, pace, and preferences.
• Easy booking and payment procedure.
• No hidden charges.