14 Days Pikey Peak Trek in Nepal

The Pikey Peak lies in the Everest region of Nepal. It falls within the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. The peak sits at the lower area of the region, south of Namche Bazaar and north of Salleri. The route to the peak is among the newer ones in the Everest region. Hence, its off-beat trails are quieter and ideal for trekkers seeking a tranquil atmosphere. The Pikey Peak trek route is the even favorite of Sir Edmund Hillary.

The popular starting points of the trek are Dhap and Shivalaya. You can easily access these towns by roadway. The scenic drive takes 8 to 9 hours, depending on the road conditions. You will then trek past villages like Bhandar, Japre, Chaula Kharka, etc, to reach the Pikey Peak Base Camp (3640 meters). Pikey Peak is one of the easily accessible and closest trekking routes from Kathmandu, with a splendid view of Mount Everest.

Pikey Peak is one of the less popular trekking routes in the Everest region. However, you can witness the best panoramic mountain views, sunrises, and sunsets on the trek. The trek route’s difficulty is classified as moderate. But you can witness four of the world’s highest mountains: Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Similarly, Pikey Peak’s nature is serene and untouched. The peaceful and tranquil nature will aid in rejuvenating your mind and soul. The trek route will take you through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and revered landmarks. You will get the chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultures and traditions of the Sherpa people. It will, without a doubt, be a captivating trek experience for nature-loving trekkers.

Pikey Peak Trek is one of the moderate to challenging trekking destinations in Nepal that passes through different types of interesting routes. Along the route of the Pikey Peak Trek, the trekkers get to experience the authentic mountainous adventure, which is covered by stunning views of the mountains throughout the trek.

The Pikey Peak trek starts with Dhap, from where the ascents start gradually, where they will pass through lush forests, temples, monasteries, and Sherpa villages like Junbesi, Phaplu, Lamjura La, Bhandar, Shivalaya. The major highlight of the trek is the reach of the top of Pikey Peak, where the trekkers will see stunning views of the skies, mountains, and the entire Khumbu region. After enjoying the stunning views of the Pikey Peak, it’s time to retrace the steps of the trekking route. The trekkers will once again reach Phaplu, and from there, you can take a mode of transportation back to Kathmandu.

Standing at the top of Pikey Peak, the world transforms into a canvas of breathtaking beauty. As the first rays of sunlight pierce the horizon, they ignite a symphony of colors across the majestic Himalayan peaks. From this vantage point, you witness a panorama of giants: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga, their snow-capped summits bathed in a golden glow.

Many trekkers love the adventure in the mountains for the ultimate reward of the majestic sunrise views. They love to share their amazing achievement of reaching the peak of Pikey Mountain and capturing that breathtaking moment of the sun rising on the horizon. Often, these pictures also get the reward of the best picture, which everyone cherishes across social media.

Pikey Peak Base Camp

One of the best viewpoints during the Pikey Peak Trek is the Pikey Peak Base Camp. It sits at an elevation of 3640 meters. It offers a marvelous panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. You can witness mountain vistas such as Mount Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and many more. Likewise, the base camp also offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

Pikey Peak Summit

The Pikey Peak summit itself is the best viewpoint during the trek. The peak is at an altitude of 4065 meters, and on clear days, you can witness mesmerizing views of the mountain vistas and landscapes. You can witness the surrounding hills, terrace farms, and settlements. Similarly, you can enjoy 360-degree views of towering mountains like Mount Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, the Numbur Himal Range, and more.

Lamjur La

Lamjur La is a high mountain pass at 3530 meters. It lies on the trekking route between Junebesi and Salleri villages. The scenic trail to Lamjur La is full of dense rhododendron forests with rolling hillsides. Upon reaching the town, you can witness stunning views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Numbur Himal Range, Thamserku, Mera Peak, and many others.

Junebesi

The village of Junebesi offers some of the most stunning views during the Pikey Peak Trek. Junebesi is a beautiful Sherpa village with an elevation of 2700 meters. You can witness gorgeous mountain vistas such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Mera Peak, Thamserku, Kantega, Numbur Himal, and others.

Many trekkers often believe the Pikey Peak Trek is easy or relatively moderate, and they don’t want to do any preparation for it, which is not ideal. The trekkers need to prepare very well for the Pikey Peak Trek. So here are some key points to take note of during the Pikey Peak Trek.
Understanding Acclimatization

Pikey Peak takes the trekkers to an altitude of over 4000m, which means there is a realistic possibility of altitude sickness. To prevent altitude sickness, the trekkers must understand the concept of acclimatization. Without the proper knowledge of acclimatization, the trekkers must prepare for altitude sickness and even take medication during the high-altitude trek.

Physical Fitness

Another way to prepare for the Pikey Peak Trek is to increase the physical fitness of the trek. The total duration of the trek extends to 14 days, where trekkers may have to trek for 7 to 10 hours per day, which will take a toll on your body. So trekkers must ensure they are improving their core and body strength.

Hydration and Nutrition

Dehydration can be a significant issue at high altitudes. Carry a water bottle and refill it regularly with treated water. Pack high-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars to maintain energy levels.

Hire guides and porters

Another way to prepare for the Pikey Peak Trek is by hiring guides and porters. This is especially true if the trekkers decide to trek in the least ideal season, like winter and monsoon. The guides help in navigation, safety, and security, whereas the guides help carry the luggage up to 20 kg.

Pikey Peak is one of the treks which trekkers can combine with mountain climbing as well. There are several trekking destinations in Nepal. However, Pikey Peak is unique and sits on its own. So let’s take a look at certain things that makes Pikey Peak Trek unique from other trekking destinations.

Incredible Views

What makes the Pikey Peak Trek so unique to others is the chance to see stunning views of the Everest region. During this trek, the trekkers have the chance to reach the summit and then soak in the majestic views of the entire valley, mountains, sunrise, and even sunset.

Perfect Blend of Short and Long Trek

Many think you need a few weeks to explore the Everest Region, but the Pikey Peak trek can be a short trek from seven to a long trek of fourteen days. It’s ideal for those with short trips or who prefer not to trek for more than two weeks or for those who want the ultimate long-duration mountainous adventure.

Chance of different cultural immersion

During the Pikey Peak trek, the trekkers have a chance to visit several Sherpa villages and get the chance to meet different people that follow different cultures like Sherpa, Magar, Tamang, Bhote, etc.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience

Pikey Peak is less crowded than the popular Everest Base Camp trek. This allows for a quieter and more genuine trekking experience. From the beginning section of the trek to the end, Pikey Peak, the trekkers will trek all the way through the wilderness. Pass through difficult roads, and can even camp in the barren wildlands in a tent under the open stars during the ideal trekking season such as Spring and Autumn.

Although Pikey Peak Trek is among the easy to moderate level treks, it is still advisable that you plan your trek during the ideal trekking destination. For example, in Nepal, there are two ideal seasons for the Pikey Peak trek, which are Spring and Autumn, and on the other hand, there are two less ideal seasons, Winter and Monsoon season.

Spring

The best season for Pikey Peak Trek in Nepal is the Spring season. During the Spring season, there is the possibility of a beautiful view along with the country’s breathtaking weather and temperature conditions. The temperature is warm, and the weather is clear. Similarly, the visibility during the Spring season is excellent. You can enjoy the scenic beauty and mountain views, especially when the whole rhododendron forest is full blooming.

Autumn

Another best time to trek Pikey Peak is in autumn, also known as the post-monsoon season. During this time, you will experience the least amount of rain. However, be careful in September, as you might still face some moderate rain. The weather in autumn is generally mild, making it good for hiking. In the Everest area, daily temperatures range from 9 to 15 degrees. As you climb to higher altitudes, it will get cooler. The nights can be chilly, so warm clothes are a good idea. Overall, autumn offers the best weather and temperatures for the Pikey Peak Trek.

Pikey Peak Trek may be considered among the easy to moderate level of trekking. However, certain factors increase the trek difficulty and make it more challenging to scale.

Rugged Terrain

One major factor of trek difficulty for the Pikey Peak Trek is the chance to scale rugged terrain. The trails of Pikey Peak are moderate but have steep sections for climbing both up and down. The paths vary from uneven and rocky to rugged. You will trek through subtropical forests and alpine meadows. While the climb is generally easy, it can be physically demanding. As you go higher, the trail becomes rougher. Trekkers need to have good fitness, stamina, and endurance for the Pikey Peak Trek.

High Altitude

During the Pikey Peak Trek, you will reach an elevation of 4070 meters above sea level. It is comparatively lower than Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. However, it is still a high-altitude trek. Trekkers can succumb to altitude sickness if they do not take proper precautions. Proper acclimatization and gradual ascension to higher altitude is crucial for minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.

Dynamic Weather

The weather in high-altitude regions is unpredictable. Despite the season, it can change at any time. The temperature also significantly varies between lower and higher areas. The erratic changes can stress out the trekkers. They must have the mental resilience to withstand the unpredictable changes during the trek. Similarly, trekkers must carry adequate clothing, equipment, and gear.

Trek duration

The Pikey Peak Trek duration can range from 7 to 10 days. While on the trek, trekkers have to walk 5 to trekker’s day on average and cover 40 to 50 kilometers. Trekking on remote trails with little infrastructure can make one feel isolated. Similarly, the duration of the trek can wear out trekkers physically and mentally. It can push trekker’s physical stamina, strength, and endurance.

Accommodation and Meals are two important aspects of the Pikey Peak Trek. The place of accommodation is essential to feel rest and rejuvenation after a tough day, and meals also help to restore energy. So let’s look at some of the options for accommodation and meals.

Accommodation

Teahouse trekking is an option on the Pikey Peak Trek. The tea houses provide basic services, but they are nice. Most tea houses offer rooms for two people. If you’re comfortable, you can share a room with another trekker. Each tea house has a communal dining area where you can relax, use the internet, or meet other trekkers. In addition to meals and lodging, tea houses offer laundry services and hot showers. However, amenities like Wi-Fi, extra blankets, hot showers, and laundry cost extra. Prices for tea houses vary based on their location and the services they provide.

Meals

All lodging options in Kathmandu and along the trek include a bed and breakfast. The hotels also offer lunch and dinner for an extra cost. Trekkers will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Lunch is usually served at teahouses on the way, while breakfasts and dinners are provided at the teahouse or lodge where you stay overnight. Nepalese food is the most popular choice, and the meals are essential for the trek.

A common breakfast menu includes eggs, teas, coffee, breakfast, soups, stews, chapatis, rotis, breads, etc.
Common lunch and dinner menu items include momos, noodles, eggs, chapatis, potatoes, and dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and seasonal vegetables.

So why trek with Himalayan Leaders for Pikey Peak Tek in Nepal or any other trek? Here are the reasons why:

• Himalayan Leaders are an established and fully government-authorized company.
• Their guides and porters are well cared for by providing them with fixed monthly salaries. Also, we provide them with constant training for personal development.
• Whatever needs or preferences you have, Himalayan Leaders have solutions. They also provide customizable tours.
• They are a highly experienced tour operator. All our guides and porters are experienced and trained to provide the highest quality standards.
• They are aware of the importance of preserving nature and culture. Himalayan Leaders is committed to sustainable trekking and tourism.

Hence, these are the reasons you might want to choose the Pikey Peak Trek.

Pikey Peak Trek is among the moderate to challenging trekking destinations in Nepal, whereas some trekkers might find it easy. However, these trekkers need to plan their packing list accordingly before booking their trekking. Here are some items they might need to consider.

Clothing

•  Warm jacket (e.g., down jacket or fleece)
•  Waterproof jacket and pants
•  Layers of mid-layer clothing (e.g., t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters)
•  Warm hat and gloves
• Trekking boots (waterproof and sturdy)
•  Hiking socks (multiple pairs) Comfortable trekking pants Shorts
• Quick-drying t-shirts and tank tops
• Underwear (thermal and regular)

Items

• Sunglasses and hat with brim
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp
• Sleeping bag
• Warm sleeping matTent (if camping)
• Compass
• Maps

Toiletries

• First-aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
•  Water bottles (multiple)
• Water purification tablets or filter
•  Snacks and energy bars
•  Trekking food