Pikey Peak Trek

Overview

Pikey Peak Trek is a short but mesmerizing trek that takes you through charming villages, lush landscapes, and authentic Sherpa culture in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. Pikey Peak viewpoint stands at an altitude of 4,065 m (13,336 ft) and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan giants, including Everest and Kanchenjunga. On this 5 days Pikey Peak Trek, immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, experience the warm hospitality of local communities, and witness the stunning sunrise or sunset spectacle from the peak. The Pikey Peak Trek promises a unique blend of adventure and cultural exploration in the heart of the Himalayas.

How are the views from Pikey Peak?

Most trekkers prefer to stand at the base of Everest rather than looking it from afar; however, that isn’t the only thing Pikey Peak offers. Even Sir Edmund Hillary claimed that the mountains view from Pikey Peak is his favorite. 

Yes, I agree, you will not be close to Everest, but have you considered the sunrise and sunset scenery over five different mountain ranges? Instead of trekking the crowded path and choosing the expensive option of EBC, why don’t you trek to Pikey Peak and enjoy the sunset on the second day of trekking and sunrise on the third? 

The five mountain ranges, including Mahalangur, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu, welcome you with mountains like Mt.Everest (8,848 m), Makalu (8,481), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Numbur (6,958 m), Sishapangma (8,027 m), Thamserku (6,608 m) and Mera peak (6,476) m. Not only the sunset and sunrise but the view itself from Pikey Peak is also so unique it will linger in your memory forever.

Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary:

1. day 1

   Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap and trek to Jhapre:

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   Driving Hours	7 - 8 hours
   Highest Altitude	2,921 m (9,583 ft)
   Trek Duration	4 - 5 hours

   We start our day early morning and drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. The distance from Kathmandu to Dhap is 240 kilometers, and it takes about 7-8 hours to reach there. The first half of the route has decent roads, but when we get closer to Dhap, the route changes to off-road, filled with dust. However, after crossing the BP highway, we will see greenery and terraced farming, and the cities change into countryside filled with dense forests and many rivers. While some trekkers enjoy the bumpy road as part of the adventure, others try to forget the bumpy road conditions with sceneries of driving along the banks of the Sunkoshi River, hills, and forest. 

   We will reach Dhap village. We take a short break here and then start our trek to Jhapre.

   The trail to Jhapre village is filled with Buddhist monasteries and offers an incredible landscape. The trek from Dhap to Jhapre takes 4 - 5 hours, depending on our pace. We will start by walking along a dusty road to a village called Signae. There is a motor road up to Signae; however, only tractors with huge tires can drive on this road. Following the village of Signae, we reach Jhapre, a small village perched above a deep valley. You can see the views of Everest starting from Jhapre. There are Buddhist Gompas and Stupas and a limited number of cafes and teahouses. We can also witness the Tibetan Buddhist rituals performed at the local monastery. Overnight stay at Jhapre. 
   
   Photo: Views on the way to Jhapre

2. day 2

   Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base Camp:

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   Highest Altitude	3,640 m (11,943 ft)
   Trek Duration	5 - 6 hours

   On the second day, we will have our breakfast at the teahouse and trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp. The trek from Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base Camp takes 5 - 6 hours. We will walk along the trail with views of Everest, Numbur Chuli, and some eastern Himalayas. The trail first ascends and takes us to Bhulbule via the Lhamuje Danda. The uphill climb is filled with pine and rhododendron forests until Bhulbule. During the spring and monsoon seasons, this trek section is filled with various colors of rhododendrons and greenery. From Bhulbule, we walk further with ups and downs until we reach Lhamuje. From Lhamuje, the path separates, and we will take right towards the Pikey Peak Base Camp. 

   The trek along the ridge offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, and en route, you will witness some mani stones, several old yak homes, and grazing yaks on the pasture. Following the zigzag trails from here, we will reach our destination after 2 hours of trekking. We can visit a cheese factory here in Pikey Peak Base Camp. Overnight stay at a teahouse.
   
   Photo: Views on the way to Pikey Peak Base Camp

3. day 3

   Pikey Peak Base Camp to Pikey Peak ViewPoint and trek to Jhunbesi:

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   Highest Altitude	4,065 m (13,336 ft)
   Trek Duration	6 - 7 hours

   Depending on the season of our trek, we can either pack or have our breakfast at the teahouse. We will get up early in the morning and hike towards Pikey Peak Viewpoint. The summit takes about 45 min to 1 and ½ hours, depending on your pace. The route is uphill with very few sections of straight path. Once at the top, we will see the prayer flags fluttering and golden rays of sunrise on top of snowcapped peaks. 

   This mesmerizing view of sunrise over mountains like Everest, Thamserku, Khangtega, Khatang, Karyoling, Gauri Kanchenjunga, Dorje, and Dhaulagiri is the major highlight of this trek. After enjoying the sunrise, we trek toward Junbesi; the route takes us downhill with rhododendrons till we reach Lamjura. We will have our lunch at Lamjura, and the ridges will slowly vanish from here. We will further descend and walk along the valley filled with fir and rhododendrons until we reach Taktor.

   From here, the path is mostly straight, and we pass through several Mani walls and stone covered with chortens. Finally, after 6 - 7 hours of trekking, we reach Junbesi. Compared to other teahouses during the route, the teahouses here are well established. We will visit the old monastery, from where we can also see the Numbur Chuli on the horizon. Overnight stay at Junbesi.
   
   Photo: Sunrise view from Pikey Peak.

4. day 4

   Junbesi to Salleri:

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   Today is the last day of Pikey Peak trekking. After breakfast, we start our descent to Salleri. After descending, we must cross the river and course through the forest till Salung. Even during this section of the trek, we can catch glimpses of Everest, Makalu, and Chamalang. 

   Following the view of the majestic mountains, we will continue our trek to Phaplu, following the edge of the hillside and river stream. We will cross the same river. After that, we ascend upward to Rigmo. From Rigmo, we ascend further into a difficult path until we reach Salleri. Overnight stay at Salleri.
   
   Photo: Trekking along Junbesi.

5. day 5

   Salleri to Katmandu:

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   Trek Duration	7 - 8 hrs

   Today is the final day of the Pikey Peak Trek. We will have our breakfast and drive from Salleri to Kathmandu. The total distance from Salleri to Kathmandu is 267 km, and driving takes 7 - 8 hours. We cross Jiri, the entryway to the Everest Region, and then continue driving to Kathmandu. 

   This route starting from Kathmandu is also called the alternative to the Lukla flight. Moreover, you witness the traditional life of people in this region. The beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges also follow you during this drive. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
   
   Photo: Views on the way to Kathmandu from Salleri

• Tea House accommodation during the trekking. 
• Kathmandu to Dhap and  Phaplu to Kathmandu by Bus / local sharing jeep 
• All meals, during the trek. You can choose dishes from the lodge menu which mostly includes options as follows:
  • Breakfast: Cereal, Porridge, Rice pudding, Egg dishes, Toast or bread with jam and honey, Pancakes with jam and honey, Tea or Coffee.
  • Lunch & Dinner Items: Dal Bhat (mostly recommended), Noodles soup, Fried noodles, Spaghetti, Spring roll, Macroni, Pizza, Veg curry with plain rice, Tibetan Mo:Mo, Thukpa, French fries, fried potato, and much more.
• Trekking gear duffel bag for your trekking stuff.
• Medical Kit Bag with Oximeter on the trek. 
• Mountain trained English speaking professional guide.
• Staff insurance, well-paid salary, equipment, food & Hotel.
• Worst case, the arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service, if needed (paid by your Travel insurance).
• Achievement certificate after the completion of the trek.
• Government taxes and office service charges.